So You Want to Be an Explorer? By: Judith St. George

The "So You Wan to Be . . ." series are fundamental introductory children's books.  Each book creatively describes its respected position as well as providing colorful illustrations.  As a PreK teacher, I love these books!

So You Want to Be an Explorer

Author: Judith St. George - As a child, Judith St. George always had her nose in a book.  This love for books continued throughout all of her education including her work at Smith College.  Judith  St. George has written over 40 books - historical fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, biographies, and adventures.  During her writing career, Judith St. George has traveled all over the world researching before she writes each book.   Judith St. George

Genre: Nonfiction

Grade Level: PreK - 4

Theme/Skill: Social Studies - Explorers

Brief Synopsis: Throughout this story, the author describes the character traits of explorers including curiosity, nerves, determination, risk takers, respect for natives, knowledge involving maps, sharp eye on their companions, and an urge for discovery!  The author also describes that famous explorers are always remembered despite their success or failure.  To illustrate all of these traits, the author remembers various famous explorers who possessed them all.

Pre-Reading Activity: What type of character traits should an explorer possess?  What does an explorer do?  What explorers do you know?  As a class, students will make a list of adventurous characteristics explorers possess.  Students can then brainstorm a list of popular explorers we know that possess these traits.  If students know where these explorers explored, the teacher can use this background knowledge to begin a conversation about famous explorers.

Post-Reading Activity: How did the author describe an explorer? What explorers did the author mention that we need to add to our list?  What explorers do you remember from the story and what were their accomplishments?  Students can  add the explorers the author mentioned to our list.  Students can then imagine themselves as an explorer.  Students will share with a partner where they would go or what they would explore.  On a “passport” worksheet, students will write about where they would go and why.  Once they have finished writing, students may also draw a picture of themselves taking this adventure.

Small, D. George, J. (2005) So You Want to be an Explorer. New York: Penguin Group Inc. Grades 1 – 4.