Pre-Reading
Some suggested pre-reading activities to choose from:
1. Story Setting
Examine the cover illustration to the book. Ask students about how the car looks in the picture compared to cars today. When and where does the story take place based on the cover? Why might this be an unusual place for ducks? Why might it not be?
2. Introduce the author. Explain that this story is based on a true experience. Read the title of the book. Ask students what it might mean. Who should make way? Why would ducklings need someone to make way for them?
3. Discuss crossing streets safely. Use vocabulary terms such as crosswalk, traffic police, school-crossing guard, walk-don't walk lights, pedestrian, crossing zone, stoplights.
4. Discuss what parents need to consider when they move to a new place (location of groceries, work, school, etc.) What responsibilities do each member of a family have when they need to move to a new house or location?
5. Think about a time you tried to do something by yourself but needed help to do it. Did you ask for help? Did someone notice you needed help? What did the helper do? What would have happened if you didn't get the help?
1. Why do you think the mallards were so careful in selecting a place to build their nest? Compare things they liked about the Public Garden with things they didn't like. Why didn't they stay on the island in the Charles River? What would you look for if you were trying to find a new home?
2. How do what your parents teach you and what the Mallards taught their young compare?
3. How did the police officer and the Mallards become friends? How did Michael know that the ducks wanted to cross the street, and how did he help? Why do you think he helped?
4. What do you think happened that made the author want to write this story? [Mr. McClosky saw a police officer stopping traffic so some ducks could cross the street.] What parts of the story do you think the author made up?