Coyote Places the Stars

Coyote Places the Stars By Harriet Peck Taylor

What do you see when you look at the night sky?

canyon gazing skillful pride arranged swiftly feast

Genre Genre Native American Tale A story that has been passed down through time • A clever main character • Explanation of how something came to be Also known as a “legend” or “folk tale”

Picture Walk • Look over the title pages 38 and 39. Predict where the story takes place, the setting. • 2. Examine the picture on page 40. Do you need to change your prediction about the setting? Why or why not? • 3. On page 40 there are mountains in the background. What is the special name for them? • 4. On page 40, does Coyote seem happy? How can you tell? • 5. Turn to page 42. Predict how Coyote arrived at the moon.

6. On page 43, what do you notice about the stars? 7. Turn to pages 44 and 45. Where are the animals going? 8. Look at the animals’ faces on pages 46 and 47. Do they seem happy or excited? Why do you think they are? 9. Examine the illustrations on pages 48 and 49. What do the animals seem to be doing? 10. On page 50, there is a window and a child looking out. What do you think the child is looking at or looking for?

Prediction _________________________________ _________________________________ _____________________________ ______________________ ________________________ __________________________

During Reading • (Three Ring Circus) • You may choose to read in one of the following ways: • With a partner • With your teacher • By yourself

During Reading While you read, do the following: 1. Discuss the meaning of each vocabulary word as you come to it. If reading alone, think about the meaning of each word. Be ready to discuss with the class. 2. Be on the look out for words and phrases that “show; don’ttell” and “paint a picture in your mind”. Mark these with small Post-It notes. Share with your partner or group. If reading alone, be ready to share during our whole group discussion. 3. Reread for better understanding and to build fluency.

Show; Don’t Tell Paint a Picture in the Reader’s Mind Instead of: The author used: A long time ago Many moons and many moons ago Swift-running river Fast river Roaming the land Walking around the land Chasing butterflies Going after butterflies Smelling flowers Sniffing flowers Gazing at the starry heavens Looking at the starry heavens

Coyote makes star pictures of himself and his friends. Coyote says he will climb to the heavens. Coyote points out the pictures to the animals.

This story, Coyote Places the Stars, is a Native American folktale that tells how constellations were formed in the night sky. Have you ever read the Native American folktale called Coyote Places the Stars? This story begins You should read Coyote Places the Stars, a Native American folktale.

You should read Coyote Places the Stars, a Native American folktale. Many moons ago, Coyote climbed to the heavens.

Coyote Places the Stars