1. By Helen Ketteman Illustrations by Scott Goto
Heat Wave!
By Helen Ketteman
Illustrations by Scott Goto

2. Genre: Tall Tale
Characters with exaggerated qualities and abilities perform fantastic feats.

3. Key Concept:
Heat waves

4. Key Vocabulary Affected Horizon Miscalculated Singe Temperature
Weather vane

5. Affected- v. caused a change in
The hot sun affected the temperature of the earth.

6. Horizon- n. line along which the earth and sky seem to meet
Heat can make the horizon appear blurry and wavy.

7. Miscalculated- v. figured incorrectly
I miscalculated the amount of money I need to pay for the tickets.

8. Singe- v. to burn slightly
The fire was so hot that my marshmallow started to singe.

9. Temperature- n. measure of heat or coldness
The temperature began to rise as soon as the sun appeared.

10. Weather vane- n. movable pointer that shows wind direction
The weather vane pointed to the south when the strong wind blew.

11. Now let’s take a look at some of the reading skills we will practice as we read Heat Wave…

12. Strategy Focus: Evaluate
What amazing things happen when a heat wave strikes a Kansas farm? Evaluate how the author and the illustrator make this story funny and incredible.

13. Comprehension Skill Focus: Fantasy and Realism
As you read the story, decide which details are made up and which ones can really happen. Then you can record your findings on a fantasy/realism chart.

14. Fantasy/Realism Chart
Page
Story Detail
Fantasy (F) or Realism (R) ?
361
Geese are plucked, stuffed, and roasted.
Geese are cooked in the sky. R F
367
Milk is churned into butter.
________________________________

15. Enjoy Selection 3: Heat Wave
Check out for more activities relating to Heat Wave.