18 Aug Unit Study of Paddle-to-the-Sea (Chapters 8-9)

Our reading of Paddle-to-the-Sea is such an interesting way to learn about geography!  We pulled out our map for Chapters 8 and 9, to follow Paddle’s journey through the Great Lakes.

Chapter 8 – The Largest Lake in the World

In Chapter 8, Paddle drifts from the Nipigon River into Lake Superior, the largest lake in the world. The Great Lakes hold fun, childhood memories for me. I grew up near the Great Lakes and spent many days swimming in their beaches and playing on their shores. I remember looking out over the vast expanse of water and thinking to myself that this was actually the ocean.

The map of the Great Lakes in the back of our Paddle-to-the-Sea book was very helpful to get an idea of what to look for on our world map. It made it easy to find Lake Nipigon above the recognizable pattern of the Great Lakes. From there, we were then able to follow the Nipigon River down into the top of Lake Superior.

Using a map I found and adapted to our use (you can find it when we covered Chapters 1-3 – go get it!), we began tracing Paddle’s journey, starting at Lake Nipigon. As we read further, we will continue to trace his journey.

The book describes the shape of Lake Superior like a wolf’s head. It may take a little imagination, but once you see it, you won’t forget it. Clark and Luci decided to invent their own lake, each in different shapes.  They drew them on blue construction paper, cut them out and added some fish (or sharks), just like Paddle encountered in the story.

Chapter 9 – Paddle Crosses Two Borders

Paddle crosses from Canada into the United States in Chapter 9. Having grown up in Canada, near the American border, this is something that I’ve done many times. We talked about how we crossed the border when flying into Canada and the United States, but it’s a little different when you’re in an airport.

We took the opportunity while reading this chapter to talk about the different countries flags and what they symbolize. I had the children color a Canadian and USA flag while we talked.

We’re excited to continue our learning with Paddle!  

Don’t miss the rest of our Paddle-to-the-Sea Unit Study! Here are Chapters 1-3, Chapters 4-5, Chapters 6-7, and more coming soon!