Activities for Blueberries for Sal

“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.”
-Robert McCloskey
This post is honestly more of a collection of links that I'm sharing simply to save time for others. I didn't have any greatly profound or original ideas when it came to sharing this book with my children. Instead I drew on the creativity of others and trust me there is a lot out there. I hope you find something here that you can use.
Extend through reading and writing:

• The Scholastic site has a spelling lesson about changing "y" to "ies" to make words plural.
  
• Here is a vocabulary list for Blueberries For Sal. This book could really be a great lesson in verbs.
  
• Enjoy a literature guide with journaling and writing worksheet ideas included. This is a very helpful and well done resource.
  
• Homeschool Share supplies Alphabet blueberries that are free to download. Use them to practice matching letters of the alphabet with younger children.
  
• Hands of a Child has prepared a Unit Study Lapbook based on Blueberries For Sal. You can purchase it here for $17.50.

*Yes, I am aware that Charlotte Mason did not support the use of unit studies. I don't really follow her method in a frantic "letter of the law" sort of way. I think her methods reflect boundaries within a fairly flexible educational structure. Her ideas provide the core of our learning, however, I'll adapt anything that I find educational, enlightening and lovely. This study is all of those.
Extend Through Math:

• Homeschool Share has a Math Mat activity that coordinates with this story.
  
• I have a cute felt idea I found, but I haven't made it yet. I'll add a photo of it to this post once I complete it. If you can't wait . . .e-mail me and I'll give you the details.

Extend Through Life Skills:

• Here you will find baking ideas to go with the blueberry theme. Yummy!

Extend Through Science:

• Here you can purchase a very affordable TOS E-Book WE-Book titled Blueberries for You by Amanda Bennett.
  
• You could also choose to learn more about bears. I found several studies and free downloads about bear at currclick.

Extend Through Geography:

• You could study Maine
  
• Learn about "forests", "woods" and "hills"

Extend Through Art and Creative Play:

• This site has ideas for narration, role play, and performing arts using a mural backdrop for acting out the story.
  
• Here you'll find a great bear craft using pony beads. This craft would be best suited for older children.

*Whatever you choose to use to extend this story I advise that you notoverdo it. This book is so visually beautiful that it's a pleasure to read. You won't want to overwhelm kiddos with extra "work" that distracts from the beauty of the story.
Wonderful Blog Posts about Blueberries For Sal:
1. http://www.feehanfamily.com/homeschool/homeschoool/
2. Visit http://mamahomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/10/blueberries-for-sal-other-activities.html for some really cool ideas from another blogger. I especially liked her link to the Life cycle of a Blueberry and her cork stamp craft is adorable!

3. Wondersome Story Time is a blog I follow. She also has some neat ideas concerning this book.
I promise I'll be more original in my next post :)

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