Trade Books Amanda Dickman EDUC 340 Heather...
Transcript of Trade Books Amanda Dickman EDUC 340 Heather...
Table of Contents
Multi-Cultural
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Research labor camps and conduct on interview with partner
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco
Character trading cards
The Firekeeper’s Son by Linda Sue Park
Reader’s theater
Black Cat by Christopher Myers
Picture map
Harlem by Walter Dean Myers
Research paper
Fantasy
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Build a “wild thing” from health food
The Spider and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi
Graphic organizer
Strega Nona by Tommie de Paola
Pasta manipulative (Math)
Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin
Match phrases with character
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Debate
Realistic Fiction
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
Bookmark
Pancakes, Pancakes! By Eric Carle
Make pancakes
A Couple of Boys have the Best Day Ever by Marleen Frazee
Write a memoir
Grandpa’s Garden Lunch by Judith Caseley
Plant flower and journal growth
Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman
Cut pictures and past in chronological order
Historical Fiction
Oliver’s Game by Matt Tavares
Radio advertisement
Coming on Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson
“Missing you” card
Henry’s Freedom Box by Kadir Nelson
Journal entry
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Venn-diagram
Papa’s Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
Election poster
Non-Fiction
What do you do with a tail like this? By Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
Draw creature with unique characteristics
Sarah Morton’s Day by Kate Waters
Chores book
The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton
Scrapbook
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall by Vaunda
Micheaux Nelson
Write obituary for Bass Reeves
Moonshot the Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
Newspaper article
My Choice
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Creative dramatics lesson- acting out growing flower
Rainbow Fish to the Rescue by Marcus Pfister
Diorama
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman
Safety tips list
The Frog Prince Continued by Jon Scieszka
Frog origami/life cycle of frog
My Penguin Osbert by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Book jacket
Title: Esperanza Rising
Author’s Name: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Copyright Year: 2000
Genre: Multi-Cultural
Number of Pages: 262
Synopsis of Story: Esperanza Ortega lives on a vineyard, El Rancho de la Rosas, with her family
in Mexico. She has wealth, love, and a promising future, but tragedy soon strikes. Esperanza and
he mother have to leave Mexico for California and a new life in a Mexican farm labor camp.
There, Esperanza must face challenges brought on by the Great Depression. When he mother
takes ill, Esperanza must learn to adapt to her new life but still hold on to her past, while learning
to embrace what the future holds for her and her family.
Activity: Students will research labor camps during the Great Depression. They will then
conduct an interview with their partner (one as Esperanza, the other as the interviewer) to better
understand what Esperanza was going through. Esperanza was taken out of her life of luxury in
Mexico, to a life working in a labor camp. By researching first, students will be able to know
details of labor camp so that they can connect them to what Esperanza was feeling at the time.
Social Studies 6.1.20 Chronological Thinking, Historical Comprehension, Analysis and
Interpretation, Research: Recognize historical perspectives in fiction and nonfiction by
identifying the historical context in which events unfolded and by avoiding evaluation of
the past solely in terms of present-day norms.
Gail Desler- http://home.jps.net/~gailhd/crossing/esperanza/student.htm
Title: Chicken Sunday
Author’s Name: Patricia Polacco
Copyright Year: 1992
Genre: Multi-Cultural
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: A story of three friends of different race and religion, who want to buy Miss
Eula an Easter hat. They have one problem, though; they do not have enough money for the hat.
Just as they are about to go talk to the shop owner about their problem, they are accused of
throwing eggs at the store. With the help of some dyed eggs, the children make things right with
the shop owner and even come up with a way to raise some money for Miss Eula’s hat. Chicken
Sunday is about acceptance, trust, and love, and three friends’ journey to do something nice for
Miss Eula.
Activity: Students will create character trading cards for each of the four main characters to help
better understand each of the characters better. Students will make trading cards for the 5
characters and using information from the book, students will provide character traits and details
about each.
English 4.3.3 Use knowledge of the situation, setting, and a character's traits,
motivations, and feelings to determine the causes for that character's actions.
Whitney Schultz- http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-
plans/schema-building-study-with-996.html?tab=2#tabs
Title: The Firekeeper’s Son
Author’s Name: Linda Sue Park
Copyright Year: 2004
Genre: Multi-Cultural
Number of Pages: 42
Synopsis of Story: Sang-hee lives in a small village in Korea. Every evening his fire goes up to
the top of the mountain to light a fire to show that there is peace in their village. The fire is used
as a sign to the next mountain that they can light their own fire to all the way to the last mountain
to show the king that all is well. Sang-hee has always dreamed of seeing the soldiers come with
the fire is not lit, signaling trouble. When his father hurts his ankle one night, Sang-hee has to go
to the top of the mountain to light the fire for his father. Sang-hee has to make the decision of
whether to light the fire or to see what he has always dreamed about, the soldiers.
Activity: Do a reader’s theater. Students will be given a part and after practicing students will
play out the reader’s theater
English 1.1.15- Read aloud smoothly and easily in familiar text.
http://www.educarecatalog.com/readers_theater_the_firekeepers_son-p-169005.html
Title: Black Cat
Author’s Name: Christopher Myers
Copyright Year: 1999
Genre: Multi-Cultural
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis of Story: Follow a black cat as he roams through the cities of New York. As the cat
searches for a home he goes through the subway, along roof tops, and past playgrounds. Looking
for a place to live can be a hard thing to do in a city of so much. Black Cat even dances to the
music made but the passing jeeps. In the end black cat not only finds one place to live but many
places to live.
Activity: Students will create a “picture map” of their town or a town they have been to. Just like
in the book the students will pick (either drawing them or using an actual picture, whichever the
student prefers to do) pictures of important spots in that town and write about their town and the
things that make it important.
English 5.6- Students write using Standard English conventions appropriate to this grade
level
Original
Title: Harlem
Author’s Name: Walter Dean Myers
Copyright Year: 1997
Genre: Multi-Cultural
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: A poem that takes you through Harlem. From the streets to the homes to
churches, we see what goes on in the city of Harlem. It tells story of how Harlem was a place for
African Americans to go to escape from the harshness of other cities. Where one could go to
church, play in the streets and hangout freely. Along with the pictures it gives great insight into
how Harlem got to be such a unique city.
Activity: Students will write a research paper about Harlem. Students will pick their topic from
something discussed in the book.
English 8.5.3 Research Application: Write or deliver a research report that has
been developed using a systematic research process (defines the topic, gathers
information, determines credibility, reports findings) and that:
• uses information from a variety of sources (books, technology, multimedia) and
documents sources independently by using a consistent format for citations.
• demonstrates that information that has been gathered has been summarized and
that the topic has been refined through this process.
• demonstrates that sources have been evaluated for accuracy, bias, and
credibility.
• organizes information by categorizing and sequencing, and demonstrates the
distinction between one's own ideas from the ideas of others, and includes a
bibliography (Works Cited)
Original
Title: Where the Wild Things Are
Author’s Name: Maurice Sendak
Copyright Year: 1963
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 48
Synopsis of Story: When Max puts on his wolf suit one night. He gets into all kinds of mischief.
His other sends him to bed without dinner. Max finds his room turning into a forest. From there
he traveled to where the wild things were. The wild things make Max their king and they start a
wild rumpus. After awhile Max starts to miss his home and gets lonely even though he is with
the wild things. Max has to make up his mind on whether to stay with the wild things and be
their king or go back home to where his family is.
Activity: Students use healthy foods to create their own “wild things”. Students will build their
own “wild thing” by using the ones from the book as an example of what a “wild thing” looks
like. By only using health foods, fruit, and vegetables students will know that eating healthy is
just one aspect of personal health.
Health/Wellness K.1.1: Name healthy behaviors
Keren Perles- http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/68865.aspx
Title: The Spider and the Fly
Author’s Name: Tony DiTerlizzi
Copyright Year: 2002
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis of Story: When a fly is invited into a spider’s parlor, only bad things seem to happen.
This story follows the fly into the spider’s house as the spider tries to get the fly to stay. We
follow the fly through the spider’s house, winding staircase, bedroom, dining room, and all as the
spider tries to lure the fly into his trap. But the fly knows better and tells the spider she will call
again. The spider then uses his sweet words to lull the fly back into his trap.
Activity: Beginning-Middle-End Cluster- students will show that they understand the elements
of the story by filling out clusters about the story. Kind of like a graphic organizer, students will
fill in the beginning, middle, and end of the story. As well as filling in the character, setting, and
theme of the book.
English 4.3.2: Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text:
Identify the main events of the plot, including their causes and the effects of each event
on future actions, and the major theme from the story action.
English 4.3.3: Use knowledge of the situation, setting, and a character's traits,
motivations, and feelings to determine the causes for that character's actions.
Leah Burgmeier- www3.cesa10.k12.wi.us/clustera/colleagues/interns/.../335lesson6.doc
Title: Strega Nona
Author’s Name: Tomie de Paola
Copyright Year: 1975
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: Strega Nona lives in the town of Calabria. She helps those in town with their
troubles. She uses he magic potions and remedies to help get rid of warts, help girls find love,
and even cure headaches. When Strega Nona hires Big Anthony to help her out around the
house, everything starts to go wrong. When Strega Nona is away, Nig Anthony uses her magic
pasta pot which leads him into some trouble. When Strega Nona returns she is able to fix the
trouble with just the right solution.
Activity: Students use different types of pasta as a manipulative for math problems- patterns,
adding, subtracting, etc. Students will be able to map out problems using the pasta. Story
problems can be related to the book.
Math 1.2.1: Show the meaning of addition (putting together, increasing) using objects.
Math 1.2.2: Show the meaning of subtraction (taking away, comparing, finding the
difference) using objects
Tracey Bleakley- http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/67422.aspx
Title: Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type
Author’s Name: Doreen Cronin
Copyright Year: 2000
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: Farmer Brown has no ordinary cows on his farm; he has cows that can type.
The cows type a letter to Farmer Brown asking for blankets because it gets cold in the barn.
After Farmer Brown says no to the cows, the cows refuse to give Farmer Brown any milk. When
the cows get the hens involved, Farmer Brown gives into the requests. Things should be fine but
the ducks get a hold of the typewriter before Farmer Brown gets it.
Activity: Character match-up- Students will use pictures to match phrases from the story to the
correct character picture
English K.3.3: Identify characters, settings, and important events in a story
http://pbskids.org/lions/cornerstones/pdf/clickcharacters.pdf
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author’s Name: J.K. Rowling
Copyright Year: 2001
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 309
Synopsis of Story: After his parents are killed, Harry goes to live with his Aunt, Uncle, and
cousin. On his eleventh birthday he finds out he is a wizard and he attends Hogwarts School for
Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the wizarding world, Harry learns all about his past and what
happened to his parents at the hands of “He Who Must Not Be Name”. Through his adventures
Harry meets new friends and realizes how much people know about him. In the first of seven
novels we are introduced to Harry and why he is such a celebrity in the wizarding world.
Activity: Students will discuss why Harry Potter is so popular, what makes it so appealing to so
many people? After researching, have students debate over the topic. Students will be broken up
into groups of their preference or dislike of the book. Students will research the appeal of the
book and its popularity. The debate should involve everyone and should be a discussion of the
book themes to relate it to its popularity.
English 8.2.9: Make reasonable statements and draw conclusions about a text, supporting
them with accurate examples.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tsl/archives/00-2/lesson0001.shtml
Title: Thunder Cake
Author’s Name: Patricia Polacco
Copyright Year: 1990
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: Patricia has always been afraid of storms, until her babushka showed her that
there is nothing to be sacred of. Babushka says that storms are perfect for baking a thunder cake.
As they gather the ingredients before the storm comes, Patricia finds out she is braver than she
ever thought. Babushka also teaches Patricia how to find out how far away the storm is, so they
will be able to get the cake done in time. When they get the cake made just in time, babushka lets
Patricia know that storms are nothing to be afraid of.
Activity: Students will create a bookmark with the different parts from the story on it. On the
front of the bookmark, students will draw their favorite part from the book. On the back students
will list the setting, characters, and the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
English 1.3.1: Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text: Identify and describe
the plot, setting, and character(s) in a story. Retell a story's beginning, middle, and
ending.
English 1.7.1: Comprehension: Listen attentively.
Original
Title: Pancakes, Pancakes!
Author’s Name: Eric Carle
Copyright Year: 1990
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 36
Synopsis of Story: When Jack wakes up hungry for a big pancake breakfast, he asks his mother if
she will make him some. She is very busy so she has Jack gather all of the ingredients that she
will need to make pancakes for him. So Jack makes a trip to the miller, the chicken coop, and
even the cellar to get all the materials. When all the ingredients are together, Jack’s mom makes
him pancakes. When they are finished Jack knows just what to do, he does not need his mother’s
instructions for this.
Activity: Students will help the teacher make pancakes. This would be a great activity to do in
groups and have parent helpers come in to help be in charge of a group. Students will have a list
of directions and with some guidance students will mix up the batter for the pancakes, following
directions. Each group could make a different kind of pancake and students could choose what
pancake they liked. Making a chart, students can then put their favorite one of the chart to see
which pancake the class liked best.
English 1.7.1: Comprehension: Listen attentively.
English 1.7.3: Give, restate, and follow simple two-step directions
http://www.eric-carle.com/bb-pancake.html
Title: A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever
Author’s Name: Marla Frazee
Copyright Year: 2008
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis of Story: James and Eamon spend a week at Eamon’s grandparent’s house. That week
they go to nature camp and spend time learning a lot of new things. The boys learn how to hike,
use binoculars, and some information about penguins and the Arctic. James and Eamon also
become better friends as the week goes on and they do more and more activities together. When
the week is over the have learned so many things and have the best week ever.
Activity: Explain to students that this book is something that could have happened in real life and
that this could be called a memoir. Explain to students that memoirs are something that has
happened to the person that the story is about. The story is a part of the person’s life. Just like
that boys’ story was about their week at their grandparent’s house. We are going to write a
memoir about the best week in your life. Give students blank books with spaces for writing as
well as a space for illustrations and have students write their memoir on the best week ever.
1.6.2: Sentence Structure: Write in complete sentences.
1.5.1: Write brief narratives (stories) describing an experience.
Dawn Little- http://teachingwithpicturebooks.blogspot.com/2009/07/couple-of-boys-
have-best-week-ever-by.html
Title: Grandpa’s Garden Lunch
Author’s Name: Judith Caseley
Copyright Year: 1990
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 24
Synopsis of Story: When Sarah is with her grandparents, she helps her grandpa in his garden.
She learns how to water plants and herbs, pick out flowers, and what happens to the plants when
they are picked from the garden. When her grandpa takes Sarah to a nursery, she even gets to
pick out her own flower that her grandpa plants in his garden. They plant all their new flowers in
the garden and are sure to water them well. When Sarah comes over for a visit again, she has a
special lunch with her grandparents.
Activity: Students will get supplies to plant their own flowers in the classroom. Working by
themselves or in groups, students will pick out flowers, plant, and take care of them just like
Sarah did in the book. Students will keep a journal of what they see changing in their flowers and
what helps their flower grow. In connection with science, students will learn about the different
parts of flowers and how flowers grow.
Science K.3.3: Describe and compare living plants in terms of growth, parts, shape, size,
color, and texture.
Original
Title: Something from Nothing
Author’s Name: Phoebe Gilman
Copyright Year: 1992
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 28
Synopsis of Story: When Joseph is born, his grandfather makes him a wonderful blanket. As
Joseph grows older the blanket changes to suit what Joseph needs at the time. His grandfather
makes him a coat, a vest, a tie, and even a button. When Joseph realizes that the blanket cannot
be made into anything smaller he comes up with a new idea. The story follows Joseph and his
blanket as he grows up and he realizes that some things can be made out of nothing.
Activity: Giving students a large piece of blue construction paper, have students cut out the items
that were made from the book. Then students will glue the items in the order in which they
appeared in the book. When they are done, students will take the leftover and create something
new. You could then have students present their new item they made in front of the class to work
on fluency, as well as show the different ideas that others had in creating something new.
English K.2.5: Identify the order (first, last) of information
English K.7.2: Share information and ideas, speaking in complete, coherent sentences
http://www.phoebegilman.com/teachers.pdf
Title: Oliver’s Game
Author’s Name: Matt Tavares
Copyright Year: 2004
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 24
Synopsis of Story: Oliver Hall was an ordinary, baseball-loving kid. He liked to help out in his
grandfather’s baseball souvenir store. One day he found an old Cubs jersey and found out that
his grandfather was almost a cub. His grandfather tells him the story of almost making it to the
big leagues but reality steps in. The 1940s, known as the golden age of baseball, was a time in
which baseball players were taken out of the game and put into a different uniform. This story is
about one man and his duty to serve his country during a time of need that distances himself
from his dream of playing with the cubs.
Activity: Students will write a radio advertisement for the army. In the book, the war is
beginning and baseball players have to leave the game for the war. Students will create a radio
advertisement that is persuasive and uses some of the detail from the book to create and
advertisement to encourage people to join the army. Students will write a paragraph and could
possibly record their advertisements on a tape so that the class could listen to all of them when
they are done.
English 3.4.3: Create single paragraphs with topic sentences and simple supporting facts
and details.
English 3.5.2: Write descriptive pieces about people, places, things, or experiences that:
• develop a unified main idea.
• use details to support the main idea.
English 3.5.6: Write persuasive pieces that ask for an action or response.
Original
Title: Coming on Home Soon
Author’s Name: Jacqueline Woodson
Copyright Year: 2004
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 29
Synopsis of Story: Ada Ruth knows that there is a war going but she is still sad when her mother
has to leave for Chicago. Her mother is going to work since women are working while the men
are off fighting. Ada stays at home with her grandmother and writes letters and waits for her
mother to come home. While finding a kitten for a friend, Ada and her grandmother try to pass
the time with whatever they can find to do during this hard time. Finally, one day, Ada gets a
letter that she has been waiting for.
Activity: Students will construct a “missing you” card from Ada to her mom. They will embody
the character of Ada and through the card show the feelings what she was going through when
her mother left. Students will make a front cover and a message in the inside of the card.
English 2.6.5: Punctuation: Use commas in the greeting (Dear Sam,) and closure of a
letter (Love, or Your friend,) and with dates (March 22, 2000) and items in a series (Tony,
Steve, and Bill)
English 2.5.3 Write a friendly letter complete with the date, salutation (greeting, such as
Dear Mr. Smith), body, closing, and signature. (the inside message of the card should
follow this format)
http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/COMING%20ON%20HOME%20SOON.pdf
Title: Henry’s Freedom Box
Author’s Name: Kadir Nelson
Copyright Year: 2007
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 38
Synopsis of Story: Henry Brown is a slave. He works with his family for a master, until his
master falls ill and tells Henry to go work for his son. Henry leaves his family but soon has a
family of his own to look after. When his master falls on hard times, Henry is separated from his
family. Henry is heartbroken but soon thinks of an idea that will give him his freedom. Henry’s
puts his idea in motion and he starts his journey of finding freedom.
Activity: Students will fill out a KWL chart before reading and after reading with details they
have learned about slavery from the book. Students should fill out the K and W columns before
the book is read to them and after reading students will fill in the last column with what they
have learned from reading the book. With the information they learned as well as the account
from the book, students will write a diary entry from the view point of Henry and his journey to
freedom.
English 3.6.1 Handwriting: Write legibly in cursive, leaving space between letters in a
word, words in a sentence, and words and the edges of the paper.
English 3.5.5 Write for different purposes and to a specific audience or person.
http://student.plattsburgh.edu/jjich001/lesson_HFB.html
Title: Number the Stars
Author’s Name: Lois Lowry
Copyright Year: 1989
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 137
Synopsis of Story: 10 year old Annemarie lives in Denmark at the time of World War II. When
the Nazi’s harsh ways reach Ellen, Annemarie and her family help the Rosen’s to get the a safe
place. Annemarie also must make a dangerous delivery for her mother who has gotten hurt.
When Annemarie comes to learn more details about the war she realizes how serious things
could have been for her. When the war is finally over, she is happy with the part she has played.
Activity: This would be a great book to use for literature circles. You could do a pre reading
activity on Denmark, the geography of the country and how things are different from the United
States. Or could even use this as a comprehension tool, as students read the book they fill in what
is said in the book about the two countries. Students can fill out a Venn-diagram for the two
countries and find similarities and differences.
English 4.3.4 Compare and contrast tales from different cultures by tracing the
adventures of one character type. Tell why there are similar tales in different cultures.
English 4.2.5 Compare and contrast information on the same topic after reading
several passages or articles.
Original
Title: Papa’s Mark
Author’s Name: Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert
Copyright Year: 2003
Genre: Historical Fiction
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: Simms is very excited because it is almost election time and this year his
father is going to be able to vote. Simms tags along with his dad when he heads into town to the
store. When Simms notices that his father always signs his name with a big X, Simms takes the
time to teach his father how to write his name before the election. At meetings though, some of
the other men are nervous about voting. Simms and his father do not change their mind and
Simms has a big influence on his father as well as the other men.
Activity: Explain to students that we all have the right to vote now and that voting can lead to
community good and your influence in the community. Have students create election posters.
Students will create signs that show who they would support and why everyone else should
support them as well. When finished the class could hold their own election over which election
poster is the best.
Social Studies 1.2.1 Foundations of Government: Identify rights that people have and
identify the responsibilities that accompany these rights.
Social Studies 1.2.4 Roles of Citizens: Describe ways that individual actions can
contribute to the common good of the community.
www.lesliepreddy.com/YHBA/06-07/Picture%20Book/Papa-Gehm.doc
Title: What do you do with a tail like this?
Author’s Name: Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
Copyright Year: 2003
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: Animals can do a lot of unique things with different parts of their bodies. This
book explores how different animals use their noses, ears, tails, eyes, mouths, and feet in
interesting ways. From how skunks use their tails, to how geckos use their feet, the book
explores these crazy body parts. The book is a great guessing game for children to learn about
unique animals. Readers will learn interesting facts about different animals and all about their
unique body parts.
Activity: This book would be great to use when introducing a science lesson focused on animals
and how they use parts of their bodies to adapt to things. Students will create a creature of their
own that has unique characteristics like the animals from the book. They will draw their creature
and write a paragraph explaining the unique characteristics. Students will answer questions like
Where will your creature live? What will your creature eat? What special needs might your
creature have? How will your creature move? How will your creature use their unique body
part(s)? Etc.
Science 1.3.1 Classify living organisms according to variations in specific physical
features (e.g., body coverings, appendages) and describe how those features may provide
an advantage for survival in different environments.
English 1.6.1 Handwriting: Print legibly and space letters, words, and sentences
appropriately.
English 1.6.2 Sentence Structure: Write in complete sentences
http://www.ciser.ttu.edu/outreach/CAST_2010/Handouts/What_Do_You_Do_With_a_Ta
il_Like_This.pdf
Title: Sarah Morton’s Day
Author’s Name: Kate Waters
Copyright Year: 1993
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: Sara Morton lives in a village called Plimoth Plantation. It is the year 1627.
Readers follow Sarah through her daily chores and activities that a pilgrim girl would be doing
during that time. Sarah’s chores include building a fire, cooking breakfast, feeding animals, and
attending lessons. Sarah will show readers what it is like to be a child back in the days where
chores and work were part of everyday life.
Activity: Students will make a book of chores that they do around the house. They learned in the
book that Sarah does a lot of chores during the day. Students will be able to see how the chores
they do correlate to the chores that Sarah had to do. The book could have pages of the chore that
Sarah had to do and on the page after that it could have the chore that is similar to the one that
Sarah did. The pages could be titled “Chores back then” and “Chores today”. This would be a
good way to see how different things were. Students will write and illustrate the books.
English 3.6.4 Identify and use past (he danced), present (he dances), and future (he will
dance) verb tenses properly in writing.
English 3.6.1 Handwriting: Write legibly in cursive, leaving space between letters in a
word, words in a sentence, and words and the edges of the paper.
Original
Title: The Day-Glo Brothers
Author’s Name: Chris Barton
Copyright Year: 2009
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of Pages: 48
Synopsis of Story: Brothers Bob and Joe Switzer grew up wanting to be a doctor and a magician.
They never thought they would grow up to invent something like glow in the dark paint. But
when Bob got in an accident and Joe wanted to add some more pizzazz to his magic show, they
stumbled up day-glo. The brothers invented ink at first but had to keep working at it because it
faded in the sun but they soon found a concoction that worked. The brothers are who we should
thank when we see glo-in-the-dark colors on signs and objects.
Activity: Students will create a scrapbook of the events in the lives of the Switzer brothers.
Students can pick one brother or create a scrapbook for both of them. Students will use
magazines, pictures from the internet, or draw pictures. They will put the highlights of the
brothers’ lives in the scrapbook including things like what they were like when they were little,
big events that happened in their life, their invention, and how things turned out for them.
Accompanying their pictures with a short summary of what that page is representing. Students
will be creative with their scrapbooks and put things in chronological order as they saw it happen
in the book. Could also connect this with a science lesson about light and how colors change
when light hits them.
English 5.2.2 Analyze text that is organized in sequential or chronological order.
English 5.4.11 Use logical organizational structures for providing information in
writing, such as chronological order, cause and effect, similarity and difference, and
stating and supporting a hypothesis with data.
English 5.5.7 Write summaries that contain the main ideas of the reading selection
and the most significant details
Original
Title: Bad News for Outlaws: the Remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Author’s Name: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Copyright Year: 2009
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis of Story: The Story of Bass Reeves was a slave growing up in Texas but ran away from
his master when he got into some trouble. He went to live in Indian Territory and that is where
he became one of the most feared men during that time. He was appointed Deputy US Marshall
and he arrested over three thousand men including his own son. When Indian Territory was
disbanded Bass Reeves became a police officer in Oklahoma. During his two years there, not a
single crime was committed. After his death he was known as “a true champion of the American
West.”
Activity: Using some of the events that happened in the book, students will write the obituary for
Bass Reeves, showing how important he was for the West at this time. Students will talk about
his accomplishments and his motivation for doing some of the things that he did. Students’
writing should explain just how important he was so that someone who has not read the book
will know who Bass Reeves was by reading the obituary.
English 4.3.3 Use knowledge of the situation, setting, and a character's traits,
motivations, and feelings to determine the causes for that character's actions.
English 4.6.1 Handwriting: Write smoothly and legibly in cursive, forming letters and
words that can be read by others.
https://childrenslit-
socialstudies.wikispaces.com/Bad+News+for+Outlaws+Reinforcing+Activity
Title: Moonshot the Flight of Apollo 11
Author’s Name: Brian Floca
Copyright Year: 2009
Genre: Non-Fiction
Number of Pages: 48
Synopsis of Story: Follow the astronauts up into space on the flight of Apollo 11. Neil
Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin are on their way to the moon, hoping to become
the first men to land there. Readers will see how to live in the small confines of a space ship, the
challenges they face, and how the world was watching these men during 1969. The story of how
the first men step foot on the moon and how it changed America forever. The book is a good
look behind the scenes of that first flight to the moon.
Activity: Students will write a newspaper article, as if they were there when men first stepped
foot on the moon, structuring the article so it is engaging and using the information that was
provided in the book. Students will write about the flight and what the reaction was to Apollo 11.
English 4.4.3 Write informational pieces with multiple paragraphs that:
• provide an introductory paragraph.
• establish and support a central idea with a topic sentence at or near the beginning of the
first paragraph.
• include supporting paragraphs with simple facts, details, and explanations.
• Present important ideas or events in sequence or in chronological order.
• provide details and transitions to link paragraphs.
• conclude with a paragraph that summarizes the points.
• use correct indention at the beginning of paragraphs.
English 4.4.2 Select a focus, an organizational structure, and a point of view based upon
purpose, audience, length, and format requirements for a piece of writing.
Original
Title: The Tiny Seed
Author’s Name: Eric Carle
Copyright Year: 1987
Genre: Informational
Number of Pages: 36
Synopsis of Story: A seed is taken from its flower home by the wind. It is carried with other
seeds to different places. By winter the seed is underground, waiting for the weather to get warm
again. When spring arrives, the seed grows into a big, beautiful flower. When the flower gets
picked by a boy more seeds get carried away by the wind and the cycle of the seeds begin a new
journey.
Activity: Students will do a creative drama lesson after reading the book. The book talks about
how seeds get dispersed. Have students spread out throughout the classroom and close their eyes.
Tell them that they are going to be the seed. Use some excerpts from the story or find one that
relates to “The Tiny Seed”. As your read students will act out what the seed is doing (blowing in
the wind, sitting in the ground, growing into a flower, etc.).
English 1.7.1 Comprehension: Listen attentively.
Good site for creative drama stories to read http://www.childdrama.com/lessons.html
Original
Title: Rainbow Fish to the Rescue
Author’s Name: Marcus Pfister
Copyright Year: 1995
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: A new stripped fish wants to play with Rainbow fish and his friends. Because
the new fish does not have a flashing scale the other fish does not let him join them. When a
shark comes and chases the new fish, Rainbow fish comes to the rescue. Rainbow fish and the
others help to scare the shark away. When everyone is safe, all the fish play together.
Activity: Students will create a diorama of a scene from the book. Students will recreate the
setting, characters, and a part of the plot in a diorama. Using a show box and other art supplies,
students will make their favorite scene from the book. After students have made their diorama,
the class will put the scenes in order of how they appeared in the book. That is how they will be
displayed in the classroom.
English 1.3.1 Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text: Identify and describe
the plot, setting, and character(s) in a story.
1.3.4 Distinguish fantasy from reality.
Original
Title: Officer Buckle and Gloria
Author’s Name: Peggy Rathman
Copyright Year: 1996
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 33
Synopsis of Story: Officer Buckle likes to keep things safe. He goes to schools and teaches
students how to keep safe. He has one problem. Most of the students sleep through his
presentation. When he brings his dog, Gloria, with him for a presentation, something happens.
The students are no longer sleeping through his presentations but actually laughing. He is thrilled
until Officer Buckle sees the evening new and finds out why students are no longer sleeping.
Activity: Students will create their own list of safety rules. Using ideas from the book and their
own ideas, students will create a list of safety rules that think are most important. After they
make their list, students will make a poster of the safety top they think is most important.
Students could then present their posters to the class. The poster could then be put up on a
bulletin board about safety.
Health and Wellness 2.7.2 Demonstrate behaviors that avoid or reduce health risks
Health and Wellness 2.7.1 Demonstrate healthy practices and behaviors to maintain or
improve personal health.
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/safety-tips-with-officer-
1019.html?tab=4#tabs
Title: The Frog Prince Continued
Author’s Name: Jon Scieszka
Copyright Year: 1991
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 32
Synopsis of Story: The story starts out after the princess kissed the frog and turned him back into
a prince. The prince is a little sad because he misses being a frog and is not sure this is what he
wants anymore. The prince goes on a journey to find a witch to turn him back into a frog. When
he finally finds a witch that will turn him back into a frog, something goes wrong and he gets
turned into a carriage instead. At midnight, he gets turned back into a prince and goes back to his
princess where he gets a surprise.
Activity: Students will learn about frogs. They will learn about the life cycle of a frog and the
different stages involved. Students will also create an origami frog out of paper.
English 2.7.4 Give and follow three- and four-step oral directions.
Science 2.3.1 Observe closely over a period of time and then record in pictures and words
the changes in plants and animals throughout their life cycles-including details of their
body plan, structure and timing of growth, reproduction and death.
http://www.mittenpress.com/promo/62791-guide.pdf
Title: My Penguin Osbert
Author’s Name: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Copyright Year: 2004
Genre: Fantasy
Number of Pages: 40
Synopsis of Story: Joe writes a letter to Santa every year, so that Santa knows what to get Joe.
Each year Joe does not really get what he wants. Last year he asked for a race car but only got a
toy race car. This year though, Joe got exactly what he wanted, a real pet penguin. Joe is excited
for his new pet and all the fun activities they are going to do together. Joe learns very quickly
that penguins are a lot of work and has to decide what to do with his new pet.
Activity: Create a jacket for the book. Students will create a new front cover, back cover, and
binding. Inside students will list the characters, events that happened, and the setting. For the
front cover, students will draw their favorite scene. The back cover, students will write a short
summary of the book.
English 3.3.2 Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text: Comprehend basic
plots of classic fairy tales, myths, folktales, legends, and fables from around the
world.
English 3.6.1 Handwriting: Write legibly in cursive, leaving space between letters in
a word, words in a sentence, and words and the edges of the paper.
Original