Jabari Tries
by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help ” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister Nika is there to assist fairy wings and all.
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:
When introducing the book, share the title and notice these phonemic elements:
The first letter of the word “Jabari” is Jj. This letter says the sound /j/, /j/, /j/, like in jingle, juice, 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 your child 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 the word.
Vocabulary
Machine: A mechanical or electronic device for performing a task
Sketch: A rough drawing
Patience: Being patient or holding up to difficulties without complaint
Engineer: A designer or builder of machines, buildings, or other devices or structures
Questions to Discuss
Can you think of a time when you invented or created something to play with using paper, cardboard, blocks, or other materials?
How did Jabari and his sister finally get the machine to fly?
What do you do when something you try doesn’t work? How do you make yourself feel better when you are feeling frustrated or angry?
Let's Play
This activity will help your child make connections to the text, which helps children improve comprehension.
Make something using a cardboard box. Consider adding decorations using things around your home like magazine clippings, bottle caps, dry pasta, or items from the recycling bin.
