Are you looking for lapbooking materials and activities to use with the book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge? If so, you’re in the right place!
I’m using this book as part of the Five in a Row (FIAR) Volume 2 (2nd Edition) curriculum. I’ve also created a simple lapbook you can use to accompany this story in your FIAR adventures.
The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge Summary
The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge is the story of a little red lighthouse who has a very important job: keeping the boats on the water safe. Then, the building of the great gray bridge happens!
The little red lighthouse mistakenly believes that he’s no longer needed. Fortunately, that’s not the case, and the lighthouse discovers that he is still useful with important work to do.
This is a sweet story about the need we all have to do important things in life; to feel like we are useful and meaningful in the world.
Rowing The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge with FIAR
Art
There are several art suggestions in the manual, however, because we really enjoy using Art for Kids Hub, we found a draw-along tutorial for a lighthouse, and this was a really lovely addition to our study. (You can see the finished drawing in the lapbook pic below.)
Science
For science, we looked up information about famous bridges around the world, and watched part of a YouTube clip about the Seven Mile Bridge linking the Middle Keys to the Lower Keys in the Florida Keys. (Note: I recommend pre-screening any video before you show it to your kids).
Supplemental Reading
We also read a couple of additional books during our study. The first was Ayo’s Awesome Adventures in New York City. This book has nice pictures that highlight some well-known landmarks in New York City.
A second book about New York City was My New York by Kathy Jakobsen. The pictures in this book are worth the read on their own! They are hand-painted by the author and include so much detail. I think you and the kids will love reading through this one. It was such a treat and an unexpected discovery.
The third book was River Town by Bonnie and Arthur Geisert. We loved this book! So much so that we ordered all the books in the Small Town U.S.A series from the library. Don’t you love the rabbit trails?!
The last book was Life By the River by Holly Duhig. So interesting to learn how people use rivers in different ways around the world.
Finally, we watched the DK DVD version of Pond and River. My daughter said it was good and really enjoyed it. It was from our local library, so check there first, as I believe it’s an older movie. However, there is a book version as well.
Virtual Tours
One connection my daughter made was that the American Museum of Natural History is in New York City and is also the location of the movie, Night at the Museum, which she loves.
Additionally, there are several online virtual tours you can take of iconic New York City locations, such as the view from the top of the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
Other ideas to include in this study might be walking across a bridge in your town or visiting a lighthouse if there is one nearby.
Unfortunately, I didn’t think of this when we were rowing this book, but that’s okay! I’m sharing the idea with you, and I hope you can take advantage of it when you plan your unit study.
Other Lapbooks for Five in a Row Volume Two
There are several other lapbooks I’ve created to complement your FIAR studies! The list continues to grow as we make our way through the FIAR manual. Be sure to check them out:
- A New Coat for Anna
- Mirette on the High Wire
- Down Down the Mountain
- Mrs. Katz and Tush
- Mr. Gumpy’s Motor Car
- All Those Secrets of the World
- Miss Rumphius
Free Lapbook for The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge
I am happy to share with you the 12-page lapbook I made to accompany this book. It’s currently available in my ever-growing Resource Library for subscribers.
If you sign up, you will have immediate access to the library and this lapbook. You’ll also get access to other incredibly useful resources for your homeschool and personal self-care as a homeschool mom!
Conclusion
I hope The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge lapbook will benefit you as you use the FIAR curriculum. It also works if you want to read a story that addresses themes of determination, flexibility, and pride. Either way, I believe this resource will be helpful and useful in your homeschooling journey!
Do you use lapbooks in your homeschool? Have you ever used Five in a Row? Leave a comment and let me know!
