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Cynthia Rylant’s book is a fantastic way to learn all about a variety of topics. Grab our free When I Was Young in the Mountains activities and printables and get started!
Thanks to Ginger A. and Tamara for contributing to this When I Was Young in the Mountains printable pack.
When I Was Young in the Mountains Activities
When I was young in the mountains, Grandfather came home in the evening covered with the black dust of a coal mine. Only his lips were clean, and he used them to kiss the top of my head.”
from When I Was Young in the Mountains
And so opens the story about a girl and her memories of growing up with simple joys in the Appalachian Mountains. Cynthia Rylant perfectly captures this time with her words.
Use our free activities and printables to compliment your readings of this story.
When I Was Young in the Mountains Math Activities
Math: Story Problems
There are three pages of math problems for your student to work out. All of them are based on the book, When I Was Young in the Mountains.
Math: Snake Measurement Activity
Look how long that snake is in the illustrations! Yikes!
You will need a soft measuring tape for this activity in which you can compare your student’s height to the length of various snakes.
Cooking: Make a meal of cornbread, pinto beans, and fried okra. Emphasize math skills (measuring, fractions, etc.) as you go!
When I Was Young in the Mountains Language Arts Activities
Language Arts: When I Was Young In _____
Encourage your student to write a story similar to When I Was Young in the Mountains. Your student can type right on the page provided (or your student can dictate while you type).
Language Arts: Copywork
Copy the passage and discuss the words.
When I Was Young in the Mountains Social Studies Activities
Social Studies: Comparing Past and Present
Let your student use the Cynthia’s Life in the Mountains/My Life in _____ to compare and contrast his life with Cynthia’s life. For instance, Cynthia shops at the general store, but your student probably shops at a grocery store. Cynthia uses an outhouse and takes a bath in a tub because there isn’t indoor plumbing. What other things are different about Cynthia’s life? Is there anything that is the same?
Social Studies: Where Are the Appalachian Mountains?
Draw and color the Appalachian Mountains on the map provided.
How to Get Started with the When I Was Young in the Mountains Activities
Follow these simple instructions to get started with the When I Was Young in the Mountains activities, lessons, and printables.
- Buy or borrow When I Was Young in the Mountains.
- Choose and prepare the printables you want to use with your student.
- Enjoy a week of reading and learning with When I Was Young in the Mountains.
Get Your Free When I Was Young in the Mountains Printables
Simply click on the image below to grab your free When I Was Young in the Mountains printables.
More Resources for the Appalachian Mountains
