Over at the Rink
A Hockey Counting Book
Scholastic Canada., 2012
ISBN 978-1-4431-1374-8 (sc)
$7.99, 28 pp, ages 5 – 8
scholastic.ca
Using the rhythm of the traditional counting rhyme Over in the Meadow as a template, the author has created a lively account of a hockey game at the local outdoor rink. Friends and neighbours cheer the teams on and then they take to the ice for a family skate.
Classroom Connections: The lilting rhythm and rhyme in this colourful picture book make it a great read-aloud for primary teachers. Besides the obvious word play, the text provides a fun way for children to practise their counting skills from one to ten. As many young students have close ties to their local skating rink and to the game of hockey, teachers could explore those experiences as a way to introduce making connections as a powerful reading strategy.
Review by Brenda Boreham.
This review is from Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Jan/Feb 2014 issue.