Big and Small and In-Between

by Carter Higgins

This poetic picture book explores the spectrum of sizes and states of being that exist in our world. Through lyrical language, the text celebrates the beauty found in everything from the enormous to the microscopic.

Big Idea

There is a place and a purpose for everything, whether it is big, small, or somewhere in between.

Discussion Questions

1.How does the author use size to compare different things?
2.Why does the book focus on things that are 'in-between'?
3.How does the rhythm of the words make you feel?
4.What is your favorite 'size' or 'state' mentioned in the book?
5.Why is variety important in the world?

Lesson Plan

⏱ 50 minutes📦 Notebooks, pencils, magnifying glasses

Learning Goals

Practice using comparative language
Understand the elements of poetic structure
Observe environmental details
Develop descriptive vocabulary

Activity Steps

1.Walk through the schoolyard or classroom
2.Find one 'big' thing and one 'small' thing
3.Write a rhythmic phrase for each item
4.Use adjectives to describe their 'in-between' qualities
5.Read phrases aloud as a group poem

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.5

Printable Teacher’s Guide

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Pace-Write-Read Study with Pace-Write It!

Carter Higgins uses line breaks and spacing to dictate the pacing of this poem. The reader must pause where the author pauses, allowing the imagery to sink in before moving to the next comparison.

Element	How to notice or teach it in the novel
Pacing	Emphasize the white space on the page as a visual cue to take a breath between thoughts.
Plot	The 'plot' is a conceptual journey; track how the scale shifts from macro to micro.
Prosody	Use a soothing, rhythmic reading voice to match the lyrical quality of the text.
Word	Examine the author's choice of synonyms for 'big' and 'small' to broaden vocabulary.
Voice & Worldview	Encourage students to adopt an observational, inquisitive voice throughout the reading.

Pace-Write It!

Write a three-line poem about an object in the room, focusing on whether it is big, small, or in-between.

Classroom Activities

Poetic Comparison Hunt

Students go on a nature hunt to find items of varying sizes and write a short, poetic phrase to describe their scale.

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Discussion questions PWR workshop PDF download