Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test and he’s a great jumper so he’s not scared at all. Jabari watches the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand Jabari squeezes back. Does Jabari conquer his fears of the diving board?
Reading Tips for Story Explorers
Find a comfortable space to read together
Slow down and enjoy the illustrations
Ask and answer questions together
Make reading part of your routine - bedtime is a great time for reading
Use these prompts to encourage deeper thinking with your children:
"Tell me more, why do you think that?"
"How do you know that?"
"Interesting, did you notice anything else?"
Phonemic Awareness
When introducing the book, share the title and notice these phonemic elements:
The first letter of the words “Jabari” and “Jumps” is Jj. This letter says the sound /j/, /j/, /j/, like in jingle, jam, and jolly. Let’s say that sound together: /j/, /j/, /j/. Point to the Jj in the title. Read the title together, emphasizing the sound /j/.
Ask the children to say the word after you. Show them the cover of the book and have them read the word out loud with you as you point under each word.
Vocabulary
Edge: A line where two surfaces meet
Sprang: To move upward quickly or suddenly
Surprise: Something that happens that is not expected
Breath: The air that flows in and out of the lungs while breathing.
Straight: Without a curve or bend
Questions to Discuss
Where does this book take place? Have you ever been to a swimming pool? What do you like or dislike about the pool?
How does Jabari feel in the beginning of the book? Who helps him conquer his fear?
What does Jabari do to help himself feel more brave?
Talk to your adult about a time that you have had to conquer a fear. What were you scared of? How did you feel about it now?
Do you think Jabari will og off the diving board again? Why or why not?
Are you similar or different to Jabari? How so?
Let's Play
This activity will help your child make connections to the text, which helps children improve comprehension.
Make an encouraging note for a friend or family member. Think of someone who is facing a fear or about to try something new. Make a card for them encouraging them to try their best, just like Jabari’s dad encouraged him in the story.
Help your child write their name and other letters as they’re able. Some ideas include: You can do it! Go _! Nice try!
Encouraging your child to decorate the card and then deliver it. How does that person feel when receiving the card?
