Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Students will express their own curiosity by asking simple questions about the world around them
Students will identify common domestic animals often found as pets
Students will demonstrate listening comprehension by identifying key moments in the story
Materials
Procedure (40 minutes)
(15 mins) The Big Wondering. Sit in a circle and talk about things in the world that make us curious. Ask students: What is your favorite thing to look at in the sky? If you could ask a kitty cat anything, what would you ask? How do you feel when you see a puppy wagging its tail? What is the most interesting thing you found on the ground today?
(10 mins) Story Time Discovery. Watch the read along video of Chris's journey. Encourage the children to wave their hands every time Chris asks a question. Observe the different animals Chris sees at the shelter and how he feels about finding his new friend.
(15 mins) My Perfect Pet Art. Provide students with paper and crayons. Ask them to draw the animal they would want to find at a shelter. While they draw, walk around and ask: What is your pet's name? Why is this the perfect pet for you? What kind of questions would your pet ask you if it could talk?
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Students will distinguish between different types of curiosity-based questions
Students will describe the basic needs of a pet found at an animal shelter
Students will connect the theme of making a choice to their own personal experiences
Materials
Procedure (45 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) The Curiosity Connection. Start a discussion about what it means to be curious and wanting to know 'why'. Ask the students: What does it mean to be curious? If you could have a pet that wasn't a dog or a cat, what would it be? Why do people need to ask questions to learn? How do you take care of someone or something you love?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Have students focus on the moment Chris goes to the shelter and how his questioning changes when he sees the animals.
(15 mins) DIY Pet Home. Give students construction paper and markers. Ask them to design a cozy home for a pet they might find at a shelter. Have them think about what a pet needs like food, water, and a bed. Ask: Where will your pet sleep? What will they eat? How will they stay happy?
(10 mins) Closing Reflection. Discuss the ending of the book. Ask: Why was Chris so sure about the pet he wanted before he got to the shelter? What makes a shelter a good place for animals to wait for a home? Did Chris end up with the pet you expected him to pick? How do his parents feel at the end of the story?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Students will identify the main character's motivations and feelings throughout the story
Students will explain the role of an animal shelter in the community
Students will practice formulating 'how' and 'why' questions based on new information
Materials
Procedure (50 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Curiosity Kickoff. Introduce the concept of curiosity and problem solving. Ask: What makes you want to learn about something? Have you ever had a question that nobody knew the answer to? How does your brain feel when you are wondering? If you found a mysterious box, what is the first thing you would ask about it?
(10 mins) Read Along Experience. Watch the video of Chris's story. Encourage students to listen for the specific questions Chris asks and how his parents respond to his curiosity.
(20 mins) My Curiosity Collage. Have students use recycled paper scraps and glue to create a 'curiosity cloud'. They should draw or paste things they have questions about inside the cloud. Ask them: Why did you choose these things? How could you find the answer to one of these questions? Who can help you learn more about this?
(10 mins) Shelter Discussion. Reflect on the animal shelter in the book. Ask: Why did Chris have so many questions about the world but zero questions about his pet? How did visiting the shelter change what Chris thought about getting a pet? If you were Chris's parents, how would you help him find answers to his big questions? Why is it important to choose a pet that fits your family?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Students will compare and contrast the character's initial questions with his eventual choice of a pet
Students will list responsibilities associated with pet ownership
Students will evaluate the importance of shelters in providing homes for animals
Materials
Procedure (50 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) The Science of Questions. Discuss how both scientists and children use questions to explore the world. Ask: How is a question like a tool? What happens to a question once you find the answer? If you were a veterinarian, what questions would you ask a new pet? Why is it important to ask questions before making a big choice like getting a pet?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Observe the transition from Chris's abstract questions (sky, sun, candy) to his concrete decision at the animal shelter.
(20 mins) Pet Responsibility Journaling. In their journals, have students write down three questions Chris might ask about his new pet's care and then write potential answers. Ask them: What responsibilities do you think Chris will have now that he has a pet? How did Chris's curiosity help him prepare for this moment? What is something a pet needs every single day?
(10 mins) Character Reflection. Discuss Chris's growth. Ask: How did Chris's curiosity help him in the story? What are the differences between wondering about the sky and wondering about a pet? If Chris asked you for advice on picking a pet, what would you tell him? Why did he stop asking questions when he found his pet?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Students will use creative thinking to imagine alternative answers to silly questions
Students will identify the emotions involved in visiting an animal shelter
Students will practice empathy for animals waiting for adoption
Materials
Procedure (45 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) The Silly Question Game. Start with an icebreaker to spark imagination. Ask: Can it rain cotton candy? Why doesn't the sun wear sunglasses? If a dog could drive a car, where would it go? Why is it fun to imagine things that aren't real? How do you feel when you discover something surprising?
(10 mins) Watch the read along video. Focus on Chris's excitement and his interaction with the shelter animals.
(15 mins) Clay Creations. Use modeling clay to make a 'new' kind of pet Chris might have imagined or the pet he eventually found. While they work, ask: Does your pet have wings or fur? What does your pet like to eat? What is a question someone might ask about your creation? How does your pet feel today?
(10 mins) Helping Hands Discussion. Talk about the message of the story. Ask: How can we be kind to animals? What was your favorite part of Chris's trip to the shelter? Why do you think Chris was so happy at the end? If you were at the shelter with Chris, which animal would you want to play with?
(20 mins) Watch the author's Q&A interview video. Lead a discussion prompting students to come up with new questions they would like to ask the author. Example questions to start: 'What inspired you to write this?', 'How did you choose the characters?'