Do you teach Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly? This upper elementary to middle school novel is simply amazing. It’s an awe-inspiring story full of heart, determination, and even a splash of science. Song for a Whale is a unique story, unlike anything I’ve ever read. I highly recommend this book if you’re searching for a new novel unit or read-aloud for your classroom. Check out our list of 5 activities for Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly.
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Publisher’s Synopsis:
From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she’s the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she’s not very smart. If you’ve ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be.
When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to “sing” to him! But he’s three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him? Full of heart and poignancy, this affecting story by sign language interpreter Lynne Kelly shows how a little determination can make big waves.
What’s truly amazing about Song for a Whale is how Lynne Kelly weaves so many interesting themes into one unique story. From diving into the world of whales, the ways they communicate, and their unique plumes, to deaf culture and what it’s like to struggle with connecting with others who are different than you, Kelly hits on so many thought-provoking concepts. She splashes in some marine science, mixes in technology with Iris’s interest in radios, and merges it all together to form a melody of a sweet story. This novel has a plethora of opportunities for a diverse array of activities and hands-on projects. This novel is not just a story but an opportunity to broaden students’ understanding of the world and themselves.
Check out our list of 5 activities you can complete with your class when diving into Song for a Whale.
#1 Informational Literacy
Lynne Kelly was inspired by the real-life story of 52-Blue, a whale who communicates at a different Hertz level, unlike other whales. A hybrid of two whales, scientists believe this has created a malformation making him unable to sing a song other whales can understand. Dubbed “The Lonely Whale,” Lynne Kelly wrote this novel based on this unique true story.
Because this novel is based on a real-life situation, a wonderful activity to complete is to read available online articles all about the real 52-Blue. Diving into these articles before reading the novel will help students understand the inspiration behind the story. It will help connect the storyline to an authentic and interesting scientific discovery and journey of attempting to track 52-Blue and understand him more. Here are some fascinating articles about 52-Blue and even an article written by the author herself explaining her connection to and inspiration from 52-Blue.
The Search for the Loneliest Whale in the World by The Guardian
How the World’s Loneliest Whale Inspired a Kid’s Tale about Human Connection by Lynne Kelly
Inside the Nail-Biting Quest to Find the Loneliest Whale
Exploring these nonfiction articles before or after reading the novel will help students gain text-to-world connections as well as informational literacy.
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Looking for an activity to complete after reading these articles? Try our comic-book summary activity or collaborative Jigsaw project in our Song for a Whale Project-Based Learning unit.
#2 Characterization of Iris
Lynne Kelly has created a dynamic character in Iris. A twelve-year-old girl full of spunk, determination, sass, and bravery, Iris is an inspiration. Iris’ deafness may make her feel different from others in her school. However, that very trait of hers is what is the key to connection for Blue-55. It is what helps the world’s loneliest whale not feel so lonely anymore. What I love about Iris is her no-apologies confidence in being truly herself. Her keen interest in radios and technology and her head-strongness and vast empathy make for a determined combination that Blue-55 has needed.
Because of the many facets of Iris, students can dive into exploring her inner and outer character traits based on direct and indirect characterization present in the book. One of the many literature activities I love to do that’s perfect for any novel is to have students draw the character based on the description in the book. Next, students write quotes from the book based on the various inner traits of the character shown through direct and indirect characterization.
Another activity students can complete is to get inside Iris’s head and write diary entries based on major events from the story. Students use their inference skills and draw conclusions about these major events to write from the point of view and perspective of Iris to detail her emotions, thoughts, and reactions.
The characterization and diary activities are both included in our Song for a Whale PBL Unit.
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Looking for more ways to explore characterization? Check out our FULL Characterization Unit that can be used with ANY novel or story.
#3 Marine Science
Books that merge real-life science with literature are a genre I’ve been obsessed with lately. Song for a Whale is a captivating example of a fictional story laced with true science. It is unlike science fiction which normally is based on imaginative science. This genre that merges a fictional story with true science has been termed “hard science fiction,” and it’s a wonderful way to dive into cross-curricular activities.
Students can research all about a type of whale and create a presentation, poster activity, or infographic to present to their class. Students research the attributes of the whale, from its physical characteristics to its habits and food choices.
Another idea is to have students create a 3-D replica of a whale. Song for a Whale mentions many interesting tidbits and facts about whales, including how each whale has its own unique fluke (tail) and plume. Students research all about the whale and then craft a true replica. From paper mache to sewing a whale pillow, students can use their imaginations and interests for this art project.
Looking for templates and guides for the two projects (infographic and art project) above? Grab them in our Song for a Whale Unit.
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#4 Thematic Song Writing & Musical Composition
Just like Iris composed a song for Blue-55, students can write a song too. Iris’ song did not contain words or lyrics, but students can write a lyrical song about the themes and emotions of the novel, similar to a long poem. Students can draw inspiration from the book to write their songs. Furthermore, students interested in musical composition can even add music to the background and perform the song in front of their class or record the song and play it for the class.
Students who want to write a song similar to Iris’s can explore the challenge of composing an actual whale song at the 50-60 hertz level. This level can be heard by 52-Blue or Blue-55. They can research and listen to real whale songs online to gain inspiration. Students can utilize real instruments, apps, various other songs, and/or YouTube, and any other technology to create their very own whale song. The following apps are free and can help students with this project:
- GarageBand
- BandLab
- Music Maker Jam
- Soundtrap
- FL Studio Mobile
- Medly
- Groovepad
- Voice Recorder & Audio Editor
The following apps contain hertz-detecting technology that will help students know if their song is at the 50-60 hertz level.
- Audio Spectrum Analyzer
- FrequenSee
- SpectrumView
- FFT Plot
- HZP Hertz Players
Looking for a student guide and template for these music projects? Find them in our unit!
#5 Learn American Sign Language
For students unfamiliar with American Sign Language (ASL), Song for Whale can motivate others to learn this form of communication. Lynne Kelly was a special education teacher and sign language interpreter. Her novel is an eye-opening example of why we should all learn ASL.
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Use free videos and courses to familiarize yourself and your students with ASL.
A great idea to merge the novel with ASL instruction is to learn a little sign language. Students can do this each day before or after reading the novel.
Conclusion
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly offers an enriching and multifaceted experience for upper elementary and middle school students. Through the novel, students are exposed to diverse themes, including the intricacies of communication, the wonders of marine science, and the power of determination and empathy. The activities outlined above provide a variety of ways to engage students deeply with the story, Whether through informational literacy, character exploration, hands-on science projects, musical composition, or learning American Sign Language. By incorporating these activities, you can create an immersive learning experience that resonates with your students. Furthermore, it enhances their appreciation for literature and the world around them. Dive into Song for a Whale and watch your classroom come alive with curiosity, creativity, and connection.
