Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?
The next featured book in my Picture Books, Printables and Play—OH MY! is the wonderful picture book, Have You Thanked an Inventor Today? by Patrice McLaurin (Author), Dian Wang (Illustrator).
Being February is Black History Month, I want to highlight picture books featuring African-American characters, people, authors, and/or illustrators. When I came across this picture book, I KNEW this had to be my first feature of the month!
This is a wonderful book that is fun, engaging, and educational for all! The illustrations are adorable, and the rhyming text makes it a fun and easy read aloud! It highlights African-American inventors throughout history and their inventions! Who invented the lunch box? How about the clock? Refrigerator? And so many more! Read to find out!
Have You Thanked an Inventor Today is a PBS Kids featured read aloud/strong, and is recognized by Microsoft as a book that informs and inspires STEM education.
This book will create inspiration in all young readers!
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these FREE printables below.
The first is a word find using some of the inventions from the story!
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Here is a simple journal page. The children can draw something they would like to invent and complete the sentence.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here!
Another simple journal page asking the children to reflect on their favorite invention.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
After reading this book, children can reflect on their favorite parts of the story, rate it using the 5 stars, and explain why by completing the sentence.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
If you enjoy these free printables, please check out the 4 extra printables below available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store, Printables for Picture Books!
You can find the link for ALL EIGHT worksheets by clicking here!
This printable has children reflect on the names of the inventions and inventors in the story. This may need more review and or going through the story more slowly together.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can reflect on the story by coloring or circling the inventions mentioned in the story.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can identify the different inventions from the story by filling in the blanks.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Children can identify the different inventors from the story by filling in the blanks.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
For a fun, hands-on activity to go along with this book, what else besides making your own invention!? Kids have the best imaginations and when given the opportunity, they creative minds can explode! There is no need to buy anything special for this activity— Use what is already around the house!
A few options for inspiration:
-Empty boxes of various sizes
-Empty milk/juice cartons
-Old/broken toys (that can’t cause injuries)
-Rubber bands
-Balloons
-Bottle Caps
-Egg cartons
-Cereal boxes
-Straws
-Cardboard tubes (paper towels, TP)
-Various art supplies: colored paper, pipe cleaners, string, pom poms, popsicle sticks, scissors, glue, and tape!
As you can see, the ideas are endless. Read the story, complete the printables, and then have your kiddos creativity be explored by offering all kinds of supplies. Ask the questions: If you could invent anything in the world, what would it be? And have them build it! (with adult supervision, depending on age).
Please considering purchasing this book, Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?, checking it out at your local library or even watching it on YouTube here. After reading this story, PLEASE leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. :)
Stay tuned for more Picture Books, Printables and Play!—OH MY!
