The One and Only Ivan: Episode 3: Pages 106-160(A Bit-Colors)

Welcome to Episode 3 of our The One and Only Ivan series, where we check-in on Pages 106-160 (A Bit-Colors) of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

In this episode, listeners will

• Investigate character change throughout the novel
• Provide text evidence to justify their thinking
• Build vocabulary 
• Play games that foster speaking and listening skills

This episode is perfect for students reading along independently, in the classroom, or with family.

Read pages 106-160 then listen and share your thinking!

If you'd like additional reading support, check out the The One and Only Ivan companion pack HERE The pack is available to purchase and print and aligns with each episode of the podcast.

Looking for a fun way to explore words in books? Check out this FREE Word Bingo, perfect for building up new vocabulary with any book! It aligns perfectly with this episodes focus on context clues, too!

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Thanks for checking in!

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:02

Welcome to Kids Chapter Check-In, a space where we pause, think, talk, and write about great books together. Books are better together. So grab your book and let's check in. Welcome back, readers. Today we're checking in on the One and Only Ivan by Catherine Applegate. This is episode three of the One and Only Ivan series. Remember, these episodes are broken down by page numbers. Before we begin today's episode, make sure that you've read pages 106 to 160, which begins with the chapter a bit and ends with the chapter called Colors. If you're not quite there yet, you can pause the episode, read those pages, and come right back. It might be helpful to have your book and some paper handy for this episode. Take a moment to gather your materials if you need to. Ready? Let's check in. If I had to use one word to describe this section, I think the word that I would use is change. Honestly, it seems like everything is changing. After Stella's death, Ivan makes an important promise to help Ruby. As he watches Ruby struggle at the Big Top Mall, he starts to look at life differently and he becomes determined to make a difference. We also learn more about Mac and we begin to notice some of the changes that he's gone through as well. Let's pause for a vocabulary check-in. In today's reading, we hear the word nimble. Nimble is an adjective. It means to move quickly and easily. Close your eyes and picture a squirrel running around your yard. You're probably imagining it climbing a tree, jumping from branch to branch, and changing directions quickly. Squirrels are very nimble creatures. Now let's take a moment to check your understanding. You'll hear three questions about the word nimble. Listen to each one and answer yes or no. You can answer out loud or in your head. Are you ready?

SPEAKER_00 2:29

Can a nimble monkey swing from a tree? Is a heavy rock nimble? Would a nimble soccer player score goals easily?

SPEAKER_01 2:47

If you said yes, no, yes, great thinking. It's time for our reading focus. Today we'll focus on character change. In the last episode, we discussed character traits. You might remember that character traits are adjectives that are used to describe what a character is like on the inside. We spent some time in episode two coming up with specific examples of traits for our main characters. But what if I told you that characters change? It's true. Just because a character acted a certain way in one section of the text does not mean that they'll continue to act that way in a different section of the text. Just like people, characters change from one point in the story to another. Think of a character from the story. Maybe Ivan, Ruby, Bob, Mac, or someone else. How would you describe that character in the beginning of the story? How would you describe that character now? Did you notice a change? Let's look at a few specific examples. It's only right to talk about our main character, Ivan, first. How has Ivan changed since Ruby arrived? What evidence can you find that shows that Ivan is acting or thinking differently now compared to the beginning of the story? Pause the podcast here if you need some time to think. Now let's think about Mac. We've definitely noticed some changes with Mac throughout the story. How has Mac changed in the way that he treats Ivan? How did Mac treat Ivan when he first got him compare to recently? Do you have evidence to support your thinking? Pause the podcast here if you need some more time to think. Grab a piece of paper if you can, or find a thinking partner. We've been focusing a lot on character change in this episode, and we keep coming back to Ivan and Mac. It's no secret there's been a big change to their relationship. I challenge you to step into Ivan's shoes and write a letter to Mac. Express your feelings about the changes that you've seen with him. You'll want to include details like what are the changes that you noticed? And how are you feeling about these changes? Remember, you are Ivan in this letter. You are writing to Mac. Pause the podcast here if you would like some time to write. Now it's time to talk about it. In your opinion, who has changed the most in this story? Was it Ivan or Mac? Pull out some evidence and share your thinking with someone nearby. Before we end today's check-in, here's something to think about as you keep reading. Do you think that Ivan changing will lead other animals at the Big Top Mall to change as well? Keep this question in mind as you read the next section of the story. Thank you so much for checking in with me today. I will see you back here soon for episode four, where we check in on pages 161 to 213. That's chapters A Bad Dream through Puzzle Pieces. Thanks for checking in with me today. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow along so you don't miss our next check-in. And remember, keep reading, keep thinking, and keep talking because books are better together.