Henry's Hand
by Ross MacDonald
2013, Abrams book for Young Readers
2013, Abrams book for Young Readers
Henry's Hand is a charming tale about Henry and his friend, his hand. Join Henry as he learns not to take things for granted and not take advantage of other. And learns how hard it is when you don't have a hand.
Comical Friendship Charming Tale
"A good old-fashioned man/appendage love story for the ages… Kids will come for the monster and the disembodied hand. They’ll stay for the story."
--Kirkus Reviews
--Kirkus Reviews
Awards & Honors:
- A Junior Library Guild Selection
- 2013 Parents' Choice Award - Recommended
Helpful Information:
Grade Level- 1-3
Age Range- 5-7
Lexile- AD570L
Reading Level-Fountas and Pinnell- I-P
Suggested Delivery- Read-Aloud
Age Range- 5-7
Lexile- AD570L
Reading Level-Fountas and Pinnell- I-P
Suggested Delivery- Read-Aloud
Vocabulary:
spare- kept as something extra that can be used if it is needed
astray- away from what is right
awkward- clumsy, not graceful
fetch- to go after and bring back
bustle- to have a lot of busy activity
hubbub- a situation where there is much noise, excitement, and activity.
luxury- a condition or situation of great comfort, ease, wealth
bedraggled- limp, not strong
astray- away from what is right
awkward- clumsy, not graceful
fetch- to go after and bring back
bustle- to have a lot of busy activity
hubbub- a situation where there is much noise, excitement, and activity.
luxury- a condition or situation of great comfort, ease, wealth
bedraggled- limp, not strong
Comprehension Strategies:
Before Reading Activities:
Vocabulary Self-Awarness Chart
Have students complete a vocabulary self-awareness chart for the vocabulary words. The them examine the vocabulary words and then put a "+", next to the words they know well and can define, a check mark nest to the words they have seen before, and a "-" next to words that are new to you. If the students know the definitions and examples for any words they should write them down. After reading the story, they should be able to complete the chart.
Have students complete a vocabulary self-awareness chart for the vocabulary words. The them examine the vocabulary words and then put a "+", next to the words they know well and can define, a check mark nest to the words they have seen before, and a "-" next to words that are new to you. If the students know the definitions and examples for any words they should write them down. After reading the story, they should be able to complete the chart.
During Reading Activities:
Directed Reading- How should you treat your friends?
Pose this question to students before they read the book so it directs them to what they should be paying attention to. Focus in on the ways that Henry treats Hand and what happens as a result of that. Students can discuss this while reading and after reading the story.
Pose this question to students before they read the book so it directs them to what they should be paying attention to. Focus in on the ways that Henry treats Hand and what happens as a result of that. Students can discuss this while reading and after reading the story.
After Reading Activities:
FAST Character Analysis
Have students complete this analysis of Hand's action of leaving Henry.
Have students discuss what caused Hand to leave Henry.
I taught this lesson to my students in my pre-students teaching classroom. They all loved the book and were engaged throughout the whole lesson! I've attached my lesson plan below in the resources.
- F- character's feelings
- A- character's actions
- S- character's sayings (support from the text)
- T- character's thoughts
Have students complete this analysis of Hand's action of leaving Henry.
- F- feelings: Hand was feeling annoyed with Henry, taken advantage of, tired, and doing everything for Henry.
- A- actions: Hand is doing everything for Henry. Hand leaves Henry.
- S- sayings: "Hey, Hand! Change the channel!" said Henry, Hand says Yes, your majesty!"
- T- thoughts: Hand doesn't want to stay with Henry anymore, it's hard work doing everything for Henry.
Have students discuss what caused Hand to leave Henry.
I taught this lesson to my students in my pre-students teaching classroom. They all loved the book and were engaged throughout the whole lesson! I've attached my lesson plan below in the resources.
Writing Activities:
Have students write a letter to a friend telling them what they appreciate about them. They can write about what they like to do together, why they are great friends, and how they appreciate them.
Resources:
- For more information on vocabulary self-awareness and more pre-reading activities visit this blog!
- I wrote my own lesson for Henry Hand, for the after reading activity mentioned above.
mouland_lesson_plan_henrys_hand_.pages.zip |