There Once Was A Sky Full Of Stars

(Crelin, B. (2003). There once was a sky full of stars. Cambridge, Mass: Sky Pub.)

Summary: This book brings to attention the problem of light pollution through poetry and illustrations. It begins describing how the night used to be without light pollution, continues to describe how light pollution affects the night sky, animals, trees, and humans, and concludes with solutions to the problem.

Reading Level: Ages 4-8

Key words/phrases:

1.      Light Pollution

2.      Humans

3.      Environmental Concerns

4.      Solutions

5.      Night Sky

Suggested Delivery: 3^rd grade read aloud

Electronic Resources:

1. Too Much Light Means Stars Out of Sight by National Geographic Kids provides information on light pollution and additional resources such as games, stories, and photos which the students can use.
2.Bob Crelin's website provides multiple resources.links, and programs which teachers can use in relation to this book and light pollution.

Teaching Suggestions:

Key Vocabulary: Milky Way, Falter, rearranged, universe, belfries, galaxy, light-years.

Reading strategies to increase comprehension:

         Before: Build prior knowledge by introducing the concept o pollution and different types of pollution. Have students brainstorm what they know about pollution in general and light pollution specifically to check background knowledge and to engage the students prior knowledge in preparation for reading this book.

         During: Using the Questioning the Author method, build comprehension of the author’s message while reading. Focus on: “What is the author trying to tell us?” and “Why does the author feel this is important?”

         After: Using the graphic organizers, have students outline the main ideas in the book. The graphic organizer from the following site (http://www.teachervision.fen.com/tv/resources/PDF/GOOD_TV_K_2_pdf_s/62176_InRCd_83.pdf) can be used three times to graph "Before Light Pollution", "Impact of Light Pollution", and "Solutions".



Bob Crelin



Writing activity demonstrating inferential comprehension:Have students write letters to a political figure of their choosing promoting light pollution awareness, stating its importance, how it impacts our lives, and suggestions for the government to reduce light pollution.