Wendell the Humpback Whale: Discover the Songs & Secrets of Ocean Giants!
Homeschool
Audio By Carbonatix
Hi friends! I’m Tricia Goyer, and I’m thrilled to welcome you back to Fun Fishy Friday! My co-author, Sherri Seligson, and I have had an amazing time writing Wonders of the Ocean Realm, and we love sharing these fascinating sea creatures with you.
This week, we’re diving deep into the world of Wendell the Humpback Whale—a magnificent ocean giant with a song all his own!
Humpback Whales: More Than Just Big Fish
Did you know that whales are mammals, just like dogs, bears, and even us? That means they:
- Breathe air (no gills for these giants!)
- Nurse their babies with milk
- Have hair (yes, even whales have tiny tufts of hair!)
Humpback whales belong to a special group called baleen whales. Instead of teeth, they have comb-like structures called baleen that help them filter tiny shrimp-like krill and small fish from the water. They take giant gulps, push the water out, and keep the tasty food inside—kind of like an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet!
But what really makes humpback whales special? Their songs. Male humpback whales sing long, beautiful melodies that can travel for miles underwater. Scientists believe these songs help them communicate and even attract mates, but no one knows for sure. It’s a mystery of the deep!
God’s Incredible Design
Humpback whales might look fish-like, but they move very differently! While fish swim by swishing their tails side to side, whales move their tails up and down. This motion helps them dive deep, then rise up for a breath of fresh air.
God designed each sea creature with a unique way to move, breathe, and survive. Fish stay at certain depths, moving side to side. But whales travel up and down, adjusting to different water pressures as they come up for air. Isn’t that amazing?
Make Your Own Whale & Shark Tails!
Want a fun way to remember how whales and fish swim differently? Try this simple craft:
- Print and cut out the whale tail and shark tail templates.
- Tape or glue them together.
- Hold them up and compare! The whale tail moves up and down, while the shark tail sways side to side.
It’s a great way to visualize how God designed these creatures for their unique ocean homes!
Shark Writing vs. Whale Writing
As Sherri and I worked on Wendell’s story, I realized something fun—writing has a rhythm, just like sea creatures move!
🐋 Whale Writing – Long, smooth sentences that flow gracefully, like a whale gliding through the ocean.
🦈 Shark Writing – Short, fast-paced sentences that mimic a shark’s quick, darting movements.
When writing action scenes, we use shark writing—short, breathy sentences to keep readers on the edge of their seats. But when describing the beauty of the ocean or a whale’s long journey, whale writing helps set a slower, more thoughtful pace.
Here’s an example from Wendell’s story:
Looming under the surface, a large shadow grows closer. Another humpback whale. She is smaller than Wendell’s mother but still an adult.
Wendell follows his mother toward the newcomer. She calls out, waving her long pectoral fin in greeting. The whales swim together, moving slowly. The trip will be a challenge.
Now, notice what happens when danger appears:
Orcas!
The little pod swims with purpose. Clicks and whistles fill the water. The sounds grow louder. Danger.
Wendell’s heart races. Black-and-white creatures circle. Teeth flash.
See the difference? Longer sentences for calm moments, short bursts for action-packed scenes!
Whale Songs and Our Prayers
One of the most beautiful things about whales is their ability to communicate. Their songs travel through the ocean, reaching others miles away. And that reminds me of something important:
God designed us with a special way to communicate too—through prayer.
Just like whales call out to one another, we can call out to God in every situation. Whether it’s a quick, breathless prayer in a moment of stress (like shark writing!) or a long, thoughtful conversation with God (like whale writing!), He is always listening.
Jeremiah 29:12 (NLT) says:
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Isn’t it amazing to think that the same God who hears the songs of the whales also hears your prayers?
What’s Next?
We’ve loved sharing Wendell’s story with you, but our ocean adventure isn’t over yet! Next week, we’ll introduce Luna the Deep-Sea Anglerfish, a mysterious creature from the darkest depths of the ocean. She may look a little scary, but trust me—her story is fascinating!
Until then, be sure to check out Wonders of the Ocean Realm to meet Wendell and his ocean friends. And don’t forget to get your Activity Book! Happy reading, and we’ll see you next week for another Fun Fishy Friday!
💬 What’s your favorite ocean animal? Tell us in the comments!
Hope and Refreshment for Homeschooling Parents
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