Classroom Activities for “Timeless” by Kelly Canby

I’m always on the lookout for stories that not only captivate my students’ imaginations but also resonate deeply with my own experiences. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my absolute personal favourite from the 2024 Book Week Shortlist: “Timeless” by Kelly Canby.

“Timeless” isn’t just another picture book—Kelly Canby’s captivating storytelling, invites readers to embrace the beauty of the present moment. As someone who is hyper aware of the passage of time and strives never to waste a single moment, the themes of seizing the moment and cherishing our time together resonated with me on a deeply personal level. My own experiences, particularly the loss of a parent at a young age, have instilled in me a profound appreciation for the preciousness of every moment we’re given.

To bring the themes of “Timeless” to life in my classroom, I’ve curated a comprehensive resource filled with engaging activities designed to spark meaningful discussions and inspire personal reflection.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s included:

• “Me Over Time” Worksheet: Encourage students to reflect on their own growth and journey through time, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal development.
• “Quality Time” Activity: Prompt discussions about the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and creating meaningful connections, reinforcing the value of interpersonal relationships.
• “Spending Time” Activity: Encourage students to consider how they choose to spend their time and reflect on the impact of their decisions, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Story Maps and Retell Activities: Dive deep into the narrative arc of “Timeless” and explore key plot points and character development through interactive storytelling exercises.
• Vocabulary Word Search with Answer Key: Expand students’ vocabulary and reinforce word recognition skills with a fun and educational word search activity.
• Venn Diagram Comparison Activity: Encourage critical thinking by comparing and contrasting themes or characters from “Timeless,” fostering deeper understanding and analysis.
• Comprehension Worksheets: Deepen students’ comprehension skills and critical thinking abilities with a variety of comprehension exercises focused on predicting, making connections, and questioning.

These activities aren’t just about reading a story—they’re about engaging with it on a deeper level, exploring its themes and messages, and applying them to our own lives.