We Are The Ship

We Are The Ship

Author: Kadir Nelson

Copyright 2008

Hyperion Books For Children

Artistic - Interactive - Attractive - Historic - Iconic 

Interest Level: Grades 3 – 5

Reading Level

Grade Level Equivalent: 5

Lexile: 900L

DRA: 60

Guided Reading: W

Theme: Baseball/Segregation and Integration

 Delivery: Whole group Read-Aloud (for specific sections.) Independent if student wants to dig deeper or focus on a specific time period or player.

Summary:

In this artistic and inviting book, noted artist Kadir Nelson tells the story of baseball’s most commonly unrecognized heroes. In such novel, Nelson tells that story of Negro League baseball from its openings in the 1920’s and up until its ultimate decay after Jackie Robinson entered the major leagues in 1947.

Electronic Resources

“We Are The Ship” : Kadir Nelson, Youtube Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1OqigCq8H4&list=PLyijIHyqjoJYLHgsNq3KmSE-CYzbJ3TOc

Followed by online read-aloud:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGB79PEAkF0&list=PLyijIHyqjoJYLHgsNq3KmSE-CYzbJ3TOc&index=5

Vocabulary:

1.    Commissioner: sport official executive.

2.    Debut: first appearance.

3.    Eloquent: expressing emotion clearly, speaking clear and beautifully.

4.    Legendary: something famous.

5.    Recruits: the new member.

6.    Roster: list of names.

ELA Teaching Suggestions:

Comprehension

Before Reading:

-Show students the cover of the book and briefly talk to students of what they believe the book will be about.

-Hand out an anticipation guide for students to quickly go through and check/write quick responses to 5 simple questions.

1. T/F – Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play baseball in the major league.

2. T/F – Professional baseball was desegregated until Jackie Robinson.

3. Do you know any other famous African American baseball players from the 1900’s, other than Jackie Robinson?

4. Just by looking at the title and cover, what do you think the book is going to be about?

5. What year do you think the “Negro Baseball League” began?

-Read-aloud Ch.1. Beginnings.

During:

-Thoroughly explain to students what “negro” means and the many denotations/connotations of the word.

-Pause to point out all the different players when their names come up in the chapter.

After Reading:

-Have students read through their anticipation guide and on the other side of the chart, fill out the “after reading” section with the same questions.