Tillie Lays An Egg

This book fosters the development of the processes of observation, prediction, and making inferences. There are several points where the teacher could ask students to make inferences or predictions about the photographs before reading aloud the text (Why is Tillie not outside in the rain? Why do the other hens take turns?). Since the book gives exposure to new vocabulary words (nesting boxes, hen house) and has photographs to support these words, the students can use context clues and make inferences on the meaning and use of these new words. Because this book is following Tillie the hen, the students use observation process to understand the hen and her environment.

• Author: Terry Golson
• Illustrator: Ben Fink
• Year Published: 2009
• ISBN: 9780545005371

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

"Tillie Lays An Egg" written by Terry Golson with photography by Ben Fink, is a part I-Spy and part photographic essay about a determined chicken named Tillie who does things her own way. Throughout following a week in the life of Tillie we are exposed to what chickens do, what chickens eat, where they live, and the vocabulary that is used to describe these things. The vivid photographs used make this book special. The photographs take place in a real henhouse, with hens in their real nesting boxes, in a real backyard. This look at hens in their habitat involve close-ups of their faces that are crisp and clear, movement shots, and group shots. Children will also enjoy trying to spot Tillie's eggs in each photograph. The back cover includes photographs of each of the 7 hens found in the book with their name.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: Medium
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book fosters the development of the processes of observation, prediction, and making inferences. There are several points where the teacher could ask students to make inferences or predictions about the photographs before reading aloud the text (Why is Tillie not outside in the rain? Why do the other hens take turns?). Since the book gives exposure to new vocabulary words (nesting boxes, hen house) and has photographs to support these words, the students can use context clues and make inferences on the meaning and use of these new words. Because this book is following Tillie the hen, the students use observation process to understand the hen and her environment.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

If students look at the photographs first they will have the opportunity to ask and answer their own questions. For example, if the students asked "Why is Tillie in the laundry room?!" the book answers that Tillie sees the laundry basket as a cozy nest.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to think for themselves implicitly because the book is so highly focused on the photographs. This focus on the photographs and what is going on in the photos encourages children to think about what Tillie may be doing, and why. (Q: Why would a chicken be in a laundry basket? A: Maybe she thinks it's a nest like the nesting boxes.)

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

The book is focused on days in the life of a hen, so we see a hen's eating habits, desires, and habitat. I feel that this book does a great job (for a very young audience) of implicitly giving a look into the life of a hen on a small backyard farm for children who have not encountered such things.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

This book does not have the intention of actively teaching about hens/chickens and their lives. However, everything about the hens that is displayed is accurate and based on sound scientific principles.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

This book does not distinguish between fact and fiction, because it is intended to appear as a real "day in the life" of a hen. While this story did not actually happen as the book was written, and hens can not talk, we know that a hen could do these things if they wandered into a home like Tillie does.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are extremely clear and accurate, and are the best part of this book because they are photographs. From the different hens presented, to their hen house, to the small backyard farm on the title page we know it is accurate because they are clear and concise photographs. The photographs engage and tell a story on their own. The students can see the hens up close and in different angles/motions.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is more textually appropriate for younger students (PreK-2nd) but could be used for 3rd and 4th grade for the photographs and their content. While the older students may not find the story very fun or "too easy" in the I-Spy portion of this book, the photographs hold their own weight for observation of the hens.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

This book does not feature a multi-cultural component but is free from stereotyping because it is about hens and does not show any people.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Since this book is about hens, all of the hens are females. There are no male chickens mentioned in this book, which could be viewed as a gender bias.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

This book does not show the close association between science and other disciplines. However, a hen is featured doing "people things" like finding breakfast and getting in a vehicle, so it implicitly relates animals to humans by creating that similarity and builds empathy for animals.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

This is actually one of my favorite parts about the book. The author set up a live "HenCam" that is on 24 hours and can be accessed on her website. The HenCam also has audio.  (HenCam.com) This encourages children to observe, infer, and make predictions about the hens and would be a great component if studying or doing a unit on hens.