Summary

When Wesley is out of school for the summer, he isn’t quite sure how to spend his time. Then he thinks of a summer project that will top all others. Wesley grows "swist" and creates his own civilization! In the process, he learns to make friends as well.

Activities

Language Arts:

Wesley created an 80-letter alphabet—most of which you can find inside the covers of the book. Attempt to write a message to a friend using his alphabet.

Read the review of Weslandia written by Jack S. (age 8). Use this format as a model to create your own book review of another book you have read.

Social Studies:

Discuss the necessary components of a civilization.

Which of these characteristics were present in Wesley’s new civilization?

Mathematics:

Discuss Base 8. Do some addition and subtraction problems in Base 8.

Discuss the history of sundials and how they work. Make a sundial for your school.

Science:

Wesley had a mystery plant. Team with a partner to solve plant mysteries.

Wesley renamed the constellations. Learn the names of at least five constellations and be able to locate them in the night sky.

Health:

Draw the components of a food pyramid.

Discuss Wesley’s diet. Was he eating a healthy diet? Why or why not?

Physical Education:

Exercise your mind by playing online strategy games.

Wesley invented games that were rich with strategies and complex scoring systems. With a group of friends, create a new game that has several strategies and also a scoring system. Invite your classmates to play the game with you.

Music:

Listen to pan flute music.

What other kinds of flutes are there? Write and illustrate a picture book about the different kinds of flutes.

Art:

Explore an online collection of different kinds of looms.

Wesley set up a loom to weave his clothing. Using a piece of cardboard 3” by 5”, cut about 10 slits in each end, and using yarn, learn how to weave.

About the Author

• Chatting with Paul Fleischman and Kevin Hawkes about a Civilization As You've Never Seen It! (pdf). Candlewick

Awards

• Arizona Young Readers’ Award Winner, Intermediate, 2001

• California Young Reader Medal, Picture Book for Older Readers 2002

• Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award Winner, 2002

• Rhode Island Children’s Book Award Winner, 2001

More for the teacher

• Student Comments dozens of them from various schools.

Links to other online guides for Weslandia.

Assessment

Weslandia
Reading Counts: Reading Level 3.5; Points= 2.0
Lexile Level 821
Guided Reading Level N
word count= 929