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Knots On A Counting Rope

Language: English

A Native American tale about Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses and his grandfather, reminiscing about the boy’s birth, his first horse, and his first horse race where he faces his greatest challenge—his blindness. In this segment, the emphasis is on courage and encouraging people to face the things that frighten them. LeVar faces a night alone in the wilderness, and overcomes doubt. Viewers will be inspired by an interview with Bree Walker, a news anchor who has overcome her disability of deformed hands and feet.

  

Here are activities to do after watching this episode:

Recycled Totem Poles

You will need:

  • paper towel tube
  • construction paper of assorted colors
  • markers
  • scissors
  • glue
  • small cardboard box

Directions:

  1. Cut a strip of construction paper to fit around the paper towel tube.
  2. Spread glue on the tube and glue the construction paper to it. Hold the paper in place until it is secure. Add tape for extra security.
  3. Use markers to draw animal faces on various colors of paper. Some typical animals seen on totem poles are the bear, wolf, and eagle. Cut out the faces.
  4. Glue the animal faces to the paper tube, one on top of the other (as in the drawing above).
  5. To make a base for your totem pole, use a pencil to trace around one end of the tube on the top of a small box. Cut out the circle you have drawn. Slip the bottom end of you totem pole into the box.

  

Watercolors

You will need:

  • watercolors and a brush
  • white drawing paper

Directions:
Talk with your children about things that frighten them. Using the watercolors, have them paint a picture of something that once frightened them but no longer does. Suggest that they use bright, cheerful colors to show that their fear is gone.

Check out some of these books on your
next trip to the library:

  • Harriet’s Recital by Nancy Carlson
  • Let’s Go Swimming With Mr. Sillypants by M.K. Brown
  • Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

READING RAINBOW has a resource library that includes teacher guide materials as well as reading programs for use in the public libraries. You can download these resources from GPN at:
www.gpnresources.com

If you would like more information about READING RAINBOW or if you would like to learn more about other educational products please visit the GPN web site.

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