Frindle

Frindle

By: Andrew Clements

Published by Simon and Schuster, 1996

Quirky, Imaginative, Upbeat, Positive Teacher/Student Relationship, Promotes Language & Word Study

Awards:

• 1997 Christopher Award
• Rhode Island Children's Book Award 1998 
• Judy Lopez Memorial Honor Book (L.A.)Award 97 
• Great Stone Face Book Award (NH)1997-1998 
• Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award (IL)1999 
• Massachusetts Children's Book Award 1998-1999 
• William Allen White Children's Book Award (KS)1998-1999 
• Georgia Children's Book Award, 1998-1999 
• 1998-99 Maud Hart Lovelace Award, MN Youth Rdg. Award 
• Sasquatch Children's Book Award (WA) 1999 
• 1999 South Dakota Prairie Pasque Award 
• Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award, (AR)1998-99 
• Premio Cassa di Risparmio di Cento di Letteratura per Ragazzi, 1998, Cento, Italy 
• 1998-99 Nevada Young Readers'Award 
• 1998-99 North Carolina Children's Choice Award 
• Pacific NW Lib.Assn.- Young Reader's Choice 1999 (WA,OR,MT,AK,ID,AB,BC) 
• 1999 Texas Children's Crown Award 
• Young Hoosier Book Award (IN) 1998-99 
• 1998-99 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 4-6 
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award 1999-2000 
• Utah Children's Choice Award, 2000

Summary: (Found on the inside flap): Nicholas Allen has plenty of ideas. Who can forget the time he turned his third-grade classroom into a tropical island, or the times he fooled his teacher by chirping like a blackbird? But now Nick's in fifth grade, and it looks like his days as a troublemaker are over.

Everyone knows that Mrs. Granger, the language arts teacher, has X-ray vision, and nobody gets away with anything in her classroom. To make matters worse, she's also a fanatic about the dictionary, which is hopelessly boring to Nick. But when Nick learns an interesting tidbit about words and where they come from, it inspires his greatest plan yet: to invent a new word. From now on, a pen is no longer a pen -- it's a frindle.

Grade Level: Lexile Framework, 830L, Grade Level Equivalent, 4.8

Suggested Delivery: Small Group or Read Aloud

Key Vocabulary: (by page number): monopoly (6), etymological (20), "plays for keeps" (23), oath (38), fad (61), trademark (72)

3 Teaching Suggestions

1. Use this text to explore word origins and the dictionary. Explore the different parts of the dictionary - syllables, pronunciation key, etc.
2. Use this text to inspire students to be creative and invent their own words for objects they see and use in their everyday lives.
3. Use this text to explore the character development of Nick and Mrs. Granger at the beginning of the novel, the middle and at the end of the novel.

Before Reading: Engage students using this scenario or a scenario similar - 

Teacher - "Students, will you please take out you koob?" (book)

Repeat this phrase several times until the students understand what the teacher means. Discuss the students reaction to this. Questions to ask - What was your initial reaction? How did you figure out what I meant? What clues did you use to help you understand? Then explain to students that you will be reading a story about a 5th grader who decides to invent his own word for the word pen.

During Reading: Students will keep a running character development chart of the two main characters, Mrs. Granger and Nick. The will explain their character at the beginning of the novel, halfway through the novel and at the end of the novel. 

After Reading: Author Andrew Clements writes that Frindle "is about discovering the true nature of words, language, thought, community and learning." Take each of these ideas and discuss how each of these is explored in Frindle. What do students think the true nature of Frindle is?

Writing Activity: Have students invent their own word for a word that already exists and have them write up a plan on how they would spread the use of their new word to others in the school, the state and the country.

3 Electronic Resources:

1. Lessons/Activities/Ideas for Teachers: This blog gives teachers a handful of activities to do with this novel prior to reading it, while reading it and after reading it. If teachers are struggling with ideas, this is a great blog to check out.
2. Get A Word in the Dictionary: This is a link that will bring students to a website that will explain how a word gets included in a dictionary. It will give them a better understanding of how words are chosen for the dictionary as well. This may inspire students to try and get their own word included in the dictionary.
3. FunBrain: FunBrain is a great educational website for kids, teachers and parents. This link will direct students to several word games that they can play. Since the book has such a literal use of words, word activities are only fitting. They can be completed before or after reading the novel.

Clements, A. (1996) Frindle. New York: Simon and Schuster

 

Scat

Scat

By: Carl Hiaason

Published by Random House Children's Books, 2009

Humorous, Relates to Current Events, Courageous, Sacrifice, Turning over a new leaf

Awards:

• Rebecca Caudill young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2011)
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2011)
• Iowa Teen Award Nominee (2011)
• Voya Perfect Ten (2009)
• Goodreads Choice Nominee for Children's Book (2009)

Summary: Bunny Starch is the most feared teacher in all of Truman School. But after attending a field trip to Black Vine Swamp, Ms. Starch suddenly vanishes. The school receives message stating that had a family emergency and is unsure of her return, two of her students, Nick and Marta don't buy it. They believe that one of their classmates is somehow involved in her disappearance and begin to dig for information. However, what they find is something they could not have never predicted.

Grade Level: Lexile Framework, 810L, Grade Level Equivalent, 5.3

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read/Small Group Read

Key Vocabulary: (by page number) anvil (2), cultivate (7), bromeliad (31), embezzling (50), arson (61), trepidation (67), traipse (76), maim (118), menagerie (136), cadence (140), speciation (162), pseudonym (164), crestfallen (205), grousing (213), ornery (249), jargon (269), shrapnel (296), imperial (334), beseeched (353), ominously (356)

4 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to teach students about the Florida Everglades - the animals found there and why the land is protected.
2. Use this text to teach students about the endangered species in our world - The Florida Panther is one to focus on initially and then build off of this.
3. Use this text to start a discussion about the Iraqi war. This can be a sensitive topic with some students, so tread lightly. They are also only 10-12 years old, so remember to keep the discussion age appropriate.



The Florida Panther

4. Use this text to teach students about current conservation issues in the environment. Allow them to inquire further by performing their own research.

Before Reading: Prior to reading this text, ask students if they know anything regarding The Endangered Species Act or The Conservation Act. Also what do they know about the Florida Everglades? Are students aware of the issue of oil drilling and oil usage? These questions are meant to activate their knowledge and to see what they already know about these different issues.

During Reading: As stated earlier, there are several important messages/themes/issues covered in this novel even though it is considered a humorous novel. Have students keep track of all of these serious issues and what they have learned about them through the novel.

Some of the issues can be as follows: The War in Iraq, Bullying, Conservation, Endangered Species, Illegal Drilling.

The Florida Everglades

After Reading: Upon completion of the text, talk about the changes in Ms. Starch's character and Duane's character from the beginning of the novel to the end of the novel. This would also be an ideal time to talk more about any of the serious topics that are mentioned in the novel.

Writing Activity: Have students write a newspaper article about what happened at the end of the novel. Pretend you are a reporter, reporting all of these important events that have recently occurred. If they need to perform further research regarding any of the issues mentioned in the text, encourage them to do so. 

3 Electronic Resources:

1.  Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: This website informs students of the conservation issues that are going on in Florida, which is the main setting of the story. Students can explore the species that are endangered in this area.  They can also learn about how they can conserve and how they can help these animals and their habitats.
2. Defenders of Wildlife: This is another site where students can educate themselves on many of the endangered species (animals and plants) found in our country and around the world. It allows students to understand the threats that are facing our wildlife and what the defenders are doing to protect the wildlife.
3. Everglades Foundation: Provides numerous facts about the Everglades, the threats to the Everglades, and how the foundation is working to save the Everglades. The Florida Everglades is a key setting in the novel, so I believe it is important that the students get a better understanding of what the Everglades are. 

Hiaason, C. (2009). Scat. New York: Random House Children's Books

Poppy

Poppy

By: Avi

Published by Orchard Books, 1995

Adventure, Courage, Fable, Descriptive, Intriguing  

Awards/Honors:

• Booklist, Best Books of the Year, 1995
• School Library Journal, Best Books of 1995
• New York Public Library Best Books of the Year, 1995
• Publishers Weekly, 1995, starred review
• Booklist, 1995, starred review
• ALA Notable, 1996
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Best Fiction Award, 1996
• National Christian School Association, Crown Classic, 1998
• Maryland's Children's Choice Award, 1998
• New Mexico's Children Choice Award, 1999

Summary: This is a wonderful tale that demonstrates bravery and courage. Poppy, a deer mouse and the rest of her family, live in a forest ruled by the great-horned owl, Mr. Ocax. He tells the mice that he protects them from the porcupines living amongst the forest, but at a cost. The mice must ask permission before entering his territory or they will be his dinner.

Mr. Ocax

But one night two mice sneak up to the hill without receiving Mr. Ocax's permission. Poppy escapes, but her boyfriend, Ragweed does not escape the evil owl. When Poppy's father declares that they must move to find a new home, Poppy must come face to face once again with Mr. Ocax who denies them permission to move. From this moment on the trouble begins and Poppy must face her worst fears to save her family.

Grade Level: Lexile Framework: 670L, Grade Level Equivalent: 5.8

Suggested Delivery: 4th grade read aloud

Key Vocabulary: ebony (1), savory (2), talons (3), ghastliness (8), ill-mannered ruffian (12), haven (17), careening (19), avenge (21), deputation (36), deluge (41), fra
ilty (42), calamity (52), succulent (65), effrontery (68), cannonade (83), dilapidated (109), jubilation (126), convulsively (136), ignominiously (137), roisterous (141), ossified (142)

4 Teaching Suggestions:

Poppy

1. Use this text to teach students about heroes/heroines and the characteristics one must have to be one. 
2. This text offers a number of abstract concepts related to right & wrong and good & evil. Take these many opportunities to explore these concepts and choices that each of the characters face throughout the novel.
3. Use this text as an intro to a science unit about animals. Particularly, a unit regarding prey and predators. (Owls & mice).
4. Use this text as an example of descriptive, sophisticated writing. Pick out certain paragraphs in the text to focus on with students and then have them practice their descriptive writing.

Before: Have students think of characters from popular movies, they must think of both heroes and villains. Construct a list of heroes and a list of villains. (To make this more interesting and engaging, google movie heroes/villains from children's movies to show students visuals). After listing as many heroes and villains as they can think of ask them what makes the person a hero or a villain - what qualities and characteristics do they have?

During: While reading the text aloud, ask students to pay close attention to the main character, Poppy and follow her character development throughout the story. Is she always brave? How does she overcome her fears? Also discuss if her perceptions of other characters changed during the novel and at what point.

After: Upon completion of the novel, ask students to compare Poppy with the heroes/heroines that they listed during the "Before" activity. Does she fit the definition of a hero? What about Mr. Ocax? Does he have any characteristics of a villain? Ask about all other important characters in the story. Students can do this activity in small groups and then defend which characters are heroes and which are villains. (Or assign a character to each group and state that they have to come up with 3-5 reasons of why that character is a hero or a villain). 

Author of Poppy - Avi

Writing: Write the word "misconception" on the board and have a discussion about what the word means. Keep an open discussion flowing while students share if they believe there were any misconceptions in the book. Have students write about one major misconception that occurred in the novel. Prompt them with questions such as - Why was there this big misconception? Why would someone intentionally give others a distorted perception of others? Have students make a personal connection as well. Have they ever had a misconception about someone or something? How did it change?

2 Electronic Resources:

1. Author's Webpage: This is a link to Avi's own personal page. There are several different tabs to select. One of the first tabs has a list of all of his different books listed by genre. There are several other tabs including one that offers writing tips for kids and ideas for teachers when reading his books in the classroom. 
2. Animal Diversity: Students can go to this page to research the animals in the story - Deer mice, great horned owls and porcupines. They can educate themselves about their habitat, their appearance, their diet, etc. This will be especially useful if a teacher plans to use this novel as an introduction to a science lesson/unit.

Amelia Lost

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

By: Candace Fleming

Published by Schwartz and Wade Books, 2011

"Amelia Earhart helped the cause of women by giving them a feeling that there was nothing they could not do."
 - Eleanor Roosevelt

Biographical, Informational, Educational, Determination, Courageous, Captivating 

Awards:

• Cybils Award for Young Adult Non Fiction (2011)

Summary:  Amelia Lost! tells the fascinating and thrilling true story of the most famous woman pilot, Amelia Earhart.  This text alternates between Amelia's life - from her childhood  up until her last flight - and the search for her missing plane. Filled with photographs, maps and handwritten notes from Amelia herself, this unique informational text is perfect for middle-grade readers or to use as a whole class read aloud.



                     Grade Level: Lexile Framework - 930L, Grade Level Equivalent - 6.6

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud (to 4th or 5th grade)

Key Vocabulary: (by page number) hastily, beacon, tailwind (1), bearing, frequency (3), mournful (5), precocious, diphtheria (7), instigator (9), belly whopper (10), hackles (13), affluence (18), menial (21), aviation (31), undercarriage, propeller (39), altitude (41), deicer (48), dignity (50), hoopla (58), pragmatic (61), vagabond (61), finagled (66), reputation (67),  countenance (69), laurels (77), safeguard (85), celestial (91), bullheadedness (94), precarious (101), legacy (110)




4 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to provide students with the accurate information about Amelia Earhart and clarify any misconceptions. 
2. Use this text to educate students about women's rights and the treatment of women in the early 1900's. Explain to them the role that Amelia Earhart played in changing the image of women.
3. Use this text to teach students about the history of flying.
4. Use this text as a part of a geography lesson - Pinpoint all of her flights (completed or failed) on a world map to help students visualize.

Before: Prior to reading, ask students to name famous people from history. Make a list on the board. Discuss what these figures contributed to history. 

OR create a KWL chart. Ask students what the already know about Amelia Earhart and what they would like to know about her. 

During: Have students keep track of interesting facts about Amelia Earhart as they read. For each chapter require a certain number of facts. If you want a more narrow focus, ask students to keep track of important moments where Amelia contributed to women's history. 

After: Start a whole group discussion (or break students into small groups). Did they like the way the story was told, alternating between her life and the day her plane went missing? Have students discuss any facts they found particularly interesting. What do they think ever happened to Amelia? Do they have their own theory?

Writing: What is a legacy? What was Amelia Earhart's legacy? She accomplished many things in her lifetime, but what do you believe she would most want to be remembered for? 

3 Electronic Resources:

1. Amelia Earhart: The Official Website: This is a great website to visit before, during or after reading the text. It has a short biography about Amelia Earhart, photographs, videos, quotes, a list of her achievements, and a list of fast facts about her. It can further reinforce the points told in the story or perhaps provide some facts that were not published in the book.
2. History of Airplanes: This link brings you to a site that provides a concise history of airplanes. This would be a great source to visit when you reach page 30 in the text which gives a history of airplanes as well. It will help to expand the student's knowledge and will provide some extra information not included in the text.
3. Women in History: Prior to reading the text or after completing the text, this site is a great one to visit! It explains the history of women decade by decade and how women eventually gained equal rights. There is also a tab called "Phenomenal Women in History." This will give students the opportunity to see how many other women contributed to our history.

Fleming, C. (2011). Amelia lost! the life and disappearance of amelia earhart. Schwartz and Wade Books: New York

Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck

By: Brian Selznick

Published by Scholastic Press, 2011

Awe-inspiring, Beautifully intertwined, Wondrous, Stunning Artwork, Determination

Awards:

• Schneider Family Book Award for Middle School Book (2012)
• Buckeye Children's Book Award for 3-5 (2012)

Summary: This novel tells the separate tales of a young boy named Ben and a young girl named Rose. Ben's story is told through words while Rose's story is told through pictures. Brian Selznick does a fantastic job bouncing back and forth between one story and the other, ultimately catching the reader off guard when these two stories, set more than fifty years apart, surprisingly intertwine. 

Reading Level: Lexile Framework, 830L, Grade 4/5

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read

Key Vocabulary: (by page number) scavenged (10), drone (17,) ejecta (21), overcast (27), heavenward (56),  silhouette (57), peculiar (68), indentation (86), curator (96), smoldering (157), disintegrated (308), undulating (344), non-circulating (381), portages (393), acquisition (409), carbon copy (450), revelation (483), incomprehensible (485), cavernous (551), radical (571)

4 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to improve and further develop student's inferential comprehension. Rose's story is told only through pictures, so readers must infer what is happening through the drawings. 
2. Use this text to improve student's prediction skills.  This book offers a lot of opportunities to where students can predict what will come next. It is important that teachers take advantage of those opportunities.
3. One of the main settings in this text is the American Museum of Natural History. This text allows teachers to tie in the concept of museums and their purpose through a history lesson. Students can go in depth and research all different museums located around the world.
4. The main characters in this story are deaf. Take the opportunity to discuss this disability in depth with students as well as other disabilities such as blindness.

Before Reading: Prior to reading this book, students will read the inside flap of the novel. After doing so they will make predictions about how they think these two world's will collide. They will also skim quickly through the text and discuss their thoughts on the whole "story-telling through pictures" concept. 

A "Cabinet of Wonders" Exhibition

During Reading: While reading the novel, students will keep a journal. Every time they come across the drawings depicting Rose's story, they will briefly write down what they believe is happening in her story. (Remember to write down page numbers!) This will help students when making predictions and it also allows them to reflect back on what is happening in Rose's story in case they forget or something is not making sense to them.

After Reading: Ben has his own "museum box" (or Cabinet of Wonders) where he keeps items that he believes represents him and his life so far. They are also particularly meaningful to him. Students will create their own version of a museum box, (ex. a shoe box), and place items in the box that are meaningful to them and that they think represent them.

Another option is to teach students fingerspelling and some simple sign language. There are a surplus of videos, websites and books that teach people how to sign. This activity will allow students to better understand the deaf community and one of the most common ways that they communicate.

Writing Activity: The very first illustration drawn in this novel is of two wolves. Explain the significance of wolves throughout the novel and how this "symbol" is carried out from the beginning of the novel until the end. How does Ben initially feel about the wolves? Does this change? Why and how? What is the connection between the wolves and Ben's life?

3 Electronic Resources:

1. Scholastic: This link will bring you to a discussion guide created by Brian Selznick to help readers better understand and comprehend what is happening throughout the novel. This is a great tool to use either during or after reading. They are thoughtful, multiple part questions that will make the reader really think and provide in depth responses.
2. American Museum of Natural History: This is a great website for students to explore. It lists all of the different exhibitions that is has, including the Wolf diorama. Students can learn more information on the Wolf diorama or research other exhibitions that interest them.
3. Sounds of Silence: This link is a great source to check out before, during or after reading the novel. It explains what it is like to be deaf in a clear and simple manner. It also explains the causes of deafness and describes the different techniques the deaf community uses to communicate. 

Selznick, B. (2011). Wonderstruck. New York: Scholastic Press

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

By: Jeff Kinney

Published by Amulet Books, 2007

Comedic, Relatable, Witty, Graphic Novel, Real-Life Issues, Sarcastic

Awards: 

• Borders Original Voices Award for YA or Independent Reader (2007)
• West Australian Young Readers' Book Award for Young Readers (2009)
• Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (2009)
• ALA Teen's Top Ten (2008)

Summary: Greg Heffley has just begun middle school. His "diary" or journal as Greg prefers to call it, chronicles his day to day life. He is viewed as a "wimpy" kid by his peers and makes many efforts to change their opinion of him. His best friend Rowley, doesn't help his case too much because he doesn't exactly understand what it means to be "cool." Greg also notes the pains of his life at home: An older brother obsessed with heavy metal music, a younger brother who always tattles and parents who just don't understand. This is a fun, relatable novel for fifth or sixth grade students. Author Jeff Kinney does a great job recalling the many hardships that kids face in their every day lives while also providing the reader with a lot of laughs.

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read or independent read within a small group

Grade Level: Lexile Framework, 950L, Grade 5.3

Key Vocabulary: (by page number) gimmicks (19), "mopping the floor" (27), blubbering (36), fabrications, (48), legitimate (59), mooch (75), singlets (80), regimen (88), well-rounded (96), degrading (104), ad-libbing (109), piddly (160), ironic (164), culprit (186), foil (203), taunting (209)

4 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to further improve students inferential comprehension. The comics drawn throughout the text is mostly where students will be need to infer.
2. Use this text to allow students to develop their text-to-self connections. Greg discusses many real-life issues that kids deal with at some point in their childhood. Take advantage of this opportunity to give students their own diary/journal where they can express their thoughts and how they relate to the events in the story.
3. Although this novel is humorous, there are still a significant amount of themes carried throughout the novel. Have students determine those themes that were most powerful and discuss how they drove the plot of the novel.
4. This novel is written differently than most other novels that students have read. Use this story to allow students to get creative and design their own short comics.

Before Reading: Prior to reading this text either create your own anticipation guide or use an anticipation guide similar to this one - Anticipation Guide. By using this it will allow teachers to gain insight to the students perspectives regarding certain situations and utilizes the students problem solving and decision-making skills.

During Reading: Throughout the novel, Jeff Kinney uses a lot of "expressions," some of which students may be unfamiliar with. Have students make note of the expressions used that they do not understand. If they had to guess what do they think it means? Allow students to either research or discuss with others what they think it means. 

After Reading: Upon completion of the novel, have students go back to a part of the story where they believe that Greg made the wrong decision. Either have them redraw the comic (if there was one drawn for the event) or have them create a comic in which he is doing "the right thing."

Writing: Greg is not always treating his best friend Rowley very nicely. Write an essay about what it means to be a "good friend." Describe why Greg was not a good friend to Rowley and how he could have been a better friend to him. Give examples.

2 Electronic Resources:

1. FunBrain: This website provides great resources for teachers and students. There is a variety of math and reading games as well as a large amount of comic strips to read. Diary of a Wimpy Kid initially began on this website so it gives students the opportunity to compare and contrast the web version and the print version.
2. Comic Generator: This is a quick and simple comic creator that students can use for their "After Reading Activity" or to create their own comic entirely!

AND DON'T FORGET! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN MADE INTO A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE!

So if you get the opportunity... Check it out! 

Kinney, J. (2007) Diary of a wimpy kid. New York: Amulet Books

Sharing The Seasons: A Book of Poems

Sharing The Seasons: A Book of Poems

By: Lee Bennett Hopkins 

Illustrated by: David Diaz

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2010

Bright, Whimsical, Entertaining, Informational, Bold, Beautiful Artistry

Awards:

• California Collections
• Young Hoosier Book Award Master List (IN)

Summary: A collection of diverse poems and quotations from a variety of writers about each of the four seasons, accompanied by colorful and vivid illustrations. 

Grade Level: Lexile Framework: NP, Grades 3-6

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Key Vocabulary: (by page number) fledgling (3), fiddleheads (6), unfurl (6), polliwog (9), slithery (15), perspiration (23), turrets (26), damsels (26), bungalows (32), strum (34), maracas (35), disbelief (42), forlorn (44), feisty (50), criticize (50), whittling (51), scuttling (53), evident (55)

Spring 

3 Teaching Suggestions: 

1. Use this text to teach students (younger) about the various aspects of the four different seasons.
2. Use this text to teach students about the different types of poems there are and the different literary devices that poets use: rhyme, alliteration, metaphor, simile, onomatopoeia, personification, etc. 
3. Use this text as inspiration (and a framework) for students to create their own poem about their favorite season.

Before Reading: Prior to reading this text, it is important to introduce students to the many different kinds of poems that there are: haiku, couplet, limerick, free verse, acrostic, diamante, etc. The older the students are, the more complex poems can be introduced. Be sure to provide them with several examples of the different poems and allow them to practice writing some so they get a better understanding. 

OR 

If the teacher feels that his or her students are up to the challenge, introduce (or review) the different types of literary devices that poets use when writing. Give students practice reading different poems and picking out all of the different elements!

*For younger students, give them a sheet of lined paper and a sheet of printer paper. Ask students to write about their favorite time of the year: Spring, summer, fall, winter. Provide reasons as to why they like that time of year best. Ask them to draw a picture to accompany their description.

Summer

During Reading: There are 12 poems for each of the 4 seasons. Read each of the 12 poems in sync with the seasons. For example: Read the fall poems during the fall, the winter poems during the winter, etc. (Read the summer poems at the end of the school year). Read one poem per day for twelve days. While the teacher reads the poem aloud, students will listen attentively (and take notes if they choose to). After the teacher has finished reading the poem the students and teachers will discuss:

• What type of poem is it?
• Are there any literary devices use? What are they?
• What is the poet talking about? (Specifically)
• Are there any words you do not recognize/understand?

After Reading: After completing a season, students will select one poem from that section that stood out to them most. They will then write a reaction/response to only this poem. Their reaction should describe how the poem makes them FEEL, not what they think about it. After writing their reaction, they will explain why they chose this poem. Can they relate to it? Was it their favorite poem or their least favorite? What do they like/not like about this poem?  

Writing Activity: Students will pick their favorite season and write their own poem. They can choose the type of poem they want to write. Older students must use a literary device in their poem. After writing their final draft, students will be asked to type it up and draw an illustration to go along with their poem. All poems will be bound and made into a "Classroom Book of Original Poems!"

Fall/Autumn 

2 Electronic Resources: 

Winter 

1. Poems For Kids: This link is very helpful to use when teaching children about the different types of poems there are. This website introduces the simplest of poems and provides examples for each. There are also additional resources after each example that provides more information about that particular type of poem. This resource is best to review prior to reading the text, but is helpful to review when students are asked to write their own poem.
2. Learning To Write Poetry: This tool is most helpful for teachers. It explains different methods of teaching poetry to students as well as how to teach students to write poetry. There are several other resources located at the bottom that offer further tips on teaching students how to write poems. This is especially great for those teachers who seem to be having difficulty in teaching this subject. Also, this website has a list of the different types of poems as well if students are searching for more examples. 

Hopkins, L.B. (2010) Sharing the seasons: a book of poems. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Far From Shore

Far From Shore: Chronicles of an Open Ocean Voyage

By: Sophie Webb

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011

Intriguing, Beautifully Illustrated, Educational, Nonfiction through Storytelling, Marine Biology

Awards:

• 2012 Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
• Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2012
• 2012 CCBS Choices

Summary: Written in diary-like entries, Sophie Webb, a field biologist and naturalist specializing in seabirds, documents her fourth month long trip in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean. In this part of the Pacific the ocean waters are very deep, making it difficult for scientists to learn about the creatures who inhabit this part of the ocean. But together with her fellow shipmates they do their very best to gather as much data as possible by counting and collecting samples. Long term field work is the only way to gain more knowledge about marine wildlife in the ETP so we can better protect them.

Reading Level: Lexile Framework, 1030L, Grades 5-8

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Key Vocabulary: biologist, naturalist, mammal, ecosystem, ecology, oceanography, latitude, longitude, habitat, purse-seining, overfishing, pollution, climate, transect, dorsal fin, odontocetes, species, equator, flying fish, beaked whale, sampling, invertebrates, cirrus, stratus, and cumulus clouds, biopsy, DNA, bioluminescence, echolocate, chlorophyll, keratin, fluke, plankton, salinity, scrimshaw

3 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text in a science unit about ocean wildlife. Teach students about the many different types of marine species there are. (Specifically in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean).
2. Use this text to teach students the high importance of maintaining a safe and clean ecosystem. Teach them ways in which they can help to improve our ecosystem and protect our oceans.
3. Use this text to help students to understand the jobs of scientists and how important they are to society. Through this text students can learn how lengthy and in depth research projects can be and how it is critical that we have people in our world who dedicate their lives to collecting scientific data.

A spinner dolphin

Before Reading: Prior to reading this text, it is extremely important to review and introduce some vocabulary used in the novel. There is a high likelihood that students do not know a significant amount of the vocabulary in this text. Don't feel the need to review the names of the marine animals, only vocabulary that is crucial to their understanding and comprehension of the text.

During Reading: While reading this text, either on large chart paper or the white board, keep a running tab of all of the animals that Sophie describes and illustrates in the text. Try your best to

A beaked whale

organize them into groups such as "Sea Birds," "Whales," "Dolphins," "Other fish," etc.  

After Reading: Student's will go back to that long list of animals compiled in their "During" activity and choose one marine bird or animal. Have them perform research on that particular bird or animal, along with any information they learned from the text. Along with a drawn illustration, ask students to share all that they have learned about their animal with their fellow classmates.

Writing Activity: In this nonfiction text, Sophie describes three major problems that are affecting our oceans and marine wildlife. Have students identify what these three issues are (Overfishing, Pollution and Climate Change). Once students have identified the three issues, allow them to read up on them. After the students have learned more about these issues, have them write a letter to Sophie telling her the different ways in which these problems can be solved and what they will do to contribute to the cause. 

2 Electronic Resources:

1. National Geographic: This is a link to the "Animal" section of the National Geographic website. Students can use this website as a source to further investigate the animal of their choosing in the "After Reading" Activity. There is a substantial amount of animals listed on this website along with information regarding each one. It's a simple website to navigate and a trusted website for accurate information.
   
2. WWF: The World Wildlife Fund is an organization dedicated to improve our planet's ecosystems and the wildlife living in those ecosystems. This link will take you directly to an article all about pollution in our oceans and how it is harmful to marine life. There are other tabs on the left handed side that explain several other problems that are occurring in our oceans whether they are natural or caused by humans. This will educate students further on the problems affecting our oceans and what they can do to help prevent it from getting any worse. Listed below is another source that discusses the same issues:
• Ocean Awareness

Webb, S. (2011). Far from shore: chronicles of an open ocean voyage. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Star in the Storm

Star in the Storm

By: Joan Hiatt Harlow

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2000

Courageous, Historical-Fiction, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Adventurous, Bravery, Heroism

Awards:

• The Michigan Reading Association 2002 Reader's Choice Award
• Spring 2000 Kids Pick of the Lists
• Disney Adventures Book Award, Best Adventure Book of 2000
• Henry Bergh Children's Book Award

Summary:
This book is about a dog name Sirius and his owner, 12 year old Maggie Wells. The story is set back in the year 1912, (only a few months after the Titanic tragedy) in a little village called Bonnie Bay located on the coast of Newfoundland.  Recently a law was passed that the only dogs families could own were sheepherding dogs. After discovering this, Maggie makes sure to hide Sirius where no one will be able to find him.
But when a boat crashes into an iceberg and it slowly begins to sink with all passengers on board, Maggie must make the toughest decision of her life. Does she risk Sirius' own life to help rescue all the stranded passengers on board? 

Reading Level: Lexile Framework, 600, Grades 4/5

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read

Key Vocabulary (by page number): pishogues (1), quidnunc (2), yean (9), shrill (11), crosscacklin' (14), constable (14), schooner (15), gunwale (19), brooch (28), pious (32), scrimshank (33), convulsion (36), expedition (47), tumultuous (53), gansey (65), arduous (69), binicky (85), tuckamore (91), conglomerate (95), gale (98), nor'easter (99), slicker (119), breeches buoy (121), bannikin (134), gommel (142)


3 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this novel in Language Arts and focus on recognizing central themes of the novel. Help students learn to identify themes within chapters and within the text as a whole.
2. Use this novel in Language Arts/Social Studies to teach students about the concept of heroism and what it means to be a hero.
3. Use this novel in Social Studies to further student's interest in the history of the Titanic. Have them share what they already know regarding the tragedy and ask them to perform further research about the event and any other similar tragedies that have occurred. 

Before Reading: Give students approximately 15-20 minutes to write a paragraph or two on someone who they consider to be courageous. It can be a family member, a friend, another adult, or someone they never even met. Use the following prompts to make them expand and give reasons of why they think this person is courageous: What makes this person courageous? What does he/she do or say that demonstrates courage? When is he/she most courageous? After allowing them time to write down their response, explain to them that they will be reading a book that demonstrates several courageous acts throughout. Discuss their short responses that they previously wrote to see what they perceive as courageous.

During Reading: While reading Star in the Storm, have students keep track of all of the courageous acts that are performed by the characters in the novel. Create individual charts for the students and have them write down the name of the character who performed the courageous act, briefly describe the event, and write down the page number.

After Reading: (Do not read the Afterward yet!) After completing the novel, allow for an open discussion between students and yourself. Provide questions that will prompt answers and keep students on track, but try to allow students to run the discussion themselves. For example: What did you like about the novel? What did you not like about the novel? Was it a realistic story? What parts of the story do you think were true? What did the author make up? Are there multiple heroic characters? What would you have done if you were in this situation? Which character can you relate most to? What other themes were present in this novel? Etc.

Proceed to read the Afterward following the discussion. Have students share their reactions upon reading it. 

Five ravens in flight

Writing Activity: In the novel they discuss a lot about superstitions, especially regarding ravens. Explain how this superstition played into the story and the importance of it. Did seeing these ravens affect her decision making? Did she act more cautious? Each time she saw a certain number of ravens... Did it come true? Why did the author include the idea of superstitions? 

2 Electronic Resources:

1. National Geographic: This link will take you to an educational page all about icebergs. National Geographic has infinite amount of resources regarding icebergs, Newfoundland and the Titanic. Kids should feel free after navigating to this page, to do further research if they still have questions. This article does a good job of explaining what icebergs are and how they form. There are also great photographs to show students what an iceberg looks like. The article also goes on to state that there have been drastic technological advances made to prevent tragedies such as the Titanic from happening again. 

   

   An iceberg - What it looks like above water & under water

2. News For Kids: This website is very child friendly and explains the tragedy of the Titanic in simpler terms. It explains that to this day we are still studying the tragedy to see what else we can learn as well as what we have already learned with the extra technology we have in this day and age. There are a handful of outside resources located at the bottom of the page for students to go to if they want to learn even more about the 1912 sinking of the Titanic. 

   
   

   The sinking of the Titanic
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Harlow, J.H. (2000) Star in the storm. New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies and Moths

By: Nic Bishop

Published by Scholastic, 2009

Captivating, Informational, Compare & Contrast, Visual, Circle of Life

Awards: 

• Booklist's 2009 Top Ten Sci-Tech Titles for Youth 
• Cybils Award Nominee, 2009
• Junior Library Guild Selection, 2009
• Booklist Editor's Choice, 2009
• School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2009
• Book Links Lasting Connections, 2009
• Chicago Public Library Best of Best List, 2009
• Capital Choice List, 2010
• Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award - Honor Book, Transitional Non-Fiction, 2010

Summary:

Butterflies and Moths is the third installment in Nic Bishop's series of nonfiction children's books. He once again combines his writing talent and photography talent to produce a fascinating book for elementary aged children. This text does a great job of explaining the life cycle of butterflies and moths as well as they many differences between them. He also goes on to explain the habitats of some butterflies and moths, as well as certain adaptations and predators they have. With crystal clear, breathtaking images, students are introduced to the wonder and beauty of these amazing insects.

Reading Level: Grades 3/4

Suggested Delivery: Read-Aloud

Key Vocabulary: tinsel, hue, wingspan, spin silk, glands, prolegs, molt, predators, pupa, cocoon, metamorphosis, scales, compound eyes, antennae, thorax, proboscis, nectar, fertilize

3 Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to teach students the life cycle of both butterflies and moths. Help them to understand the different stages that they must go through before reaching their adult form.
2. Use this text when teaching a science unit on insects. Have students compare and contrast butterflies and moths. Extend this by reading books about other insects and asking them to compare butterflies and moths to the them as well.
3. Use this text to monitor students understanding and comprehension of a nonfiction text. Ask them both literal and inferential questions to test both comprehensions.

Blue Morpho Butterfly

Before Reading: Prior to reading this text, activate the students' background knowledge. Ask students to share what they already know about butterflies and moths. List all that the students know on large chart paper or on the whiteboard. 

After this activity, show students the text that you will be reading them. Read the inside flap to them aloud. What new things do they think they will learn while reading this text? What are they hoping to learn from the text?

During Reading: Give each student a chart with these different categories listed for both butterflies and moths: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, Life Cycle, Adaptations, Predators (categories may be added). While the teacher reads the text out loud, ask students to gather information for each category and write it down in their chart.

Also, while reading, ask students to participate openly. Take a break after every page or so to allow students the opportunity to write down information in their charts as well as to ask any questions, especially regarding vocabulary. Take the time to discuss words that students do not recognize and help them to come to a reasonable definition. Keep a running tab of the vocabulary and create a list for students future reference.

After Reading: After reading, ask students if they have any remaining questions that they want answered about butterflies or moths. After all questions have been answered and any confusion clarified, students will be asked to expand their knowledge and gather further information about the habitat, diet, appearance, etc of a particular butterfly or moth. It can be a butterfly or moth that was listed in the book, or they can pick a new species entirely. After gathering as much research as possible about their butterfly or moth, have them share what they have learned with their classmates. Ask them to include a picture of their chosen insect as well.

Writing Activity: Students can either work individually or in pairs for this activity. Allow students to use their imagination and have them create their own adventurous story about either a butterfly or a moth. Have them describe "A day in the life of..." While they can be creative with this story, they must also take what they have learned from the text and apply it to their story. They must eat the proper food and live in the correct environment. Questions to help guide their reading will include: What do they eat? Where do they live? Make sure they are using information from the text as well as their own research to make it sound more realistic. However, allow room for some creativity, such as: Do they have friends? What do they do in their spare time?

2 Electronic Resources:

1. Butterflies & Moths: This link will bring you to a kid friendly website that has an abundance of printable worksheets for students. The worksheets that I found to be most helpful for teachers are the reading comprehension worksheets which can help students further understand the life cycle of butterflies and moths as well as the differences between butterflies and moths. Aside from comprehension worksheets, this website offers coloring pages, crossword puzzles, word searches, arts and crafts activities, and additional reading material about butterflies and moths.

   

   A Monarch Butterfly
   
   

2. Enchanted Learning: This website provides even MORE worksheets and printable activities for students. The information regarding butterflies and moths is broken down into a simple to navigate table of contents. All students would have to do is click on what it is they want to learn more about and they will be automatically taken to that information. One of the most helpful links on this site is the "Illustrated Butterfly Dictionary." There are over 300 entries about butterflies, moths and key terms.

   

   Luna Moth

Bishop, N. (2009) Butterflies and moths. New York: Scholastic Nonfiction