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2013-2014 SHOW ME
ACTIVITY PACKET
A Pet for
Miss Wright
A Book for
Black-Eyed Susan
Judy Young
ILLUSTRATED BY Doris Ettlinger
Judy Young
Andrea Wesson
BY
BY
ILLUSTRATED BY
Charlie the
Ranch Dog
Princess Kim
and Too
Much Truth
Ree Drummond
ILLUSTRATED BY DIANE DEGROAT
BY
WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY
Maryann Cocca-­Leffler
The Day Dirk
Yeller Came
to Town
Three Hens and
a Peacock
Mary Casanova
ILLUSTRATED BY Ard Hoyt
BY
Lester L. Laminack
ILLUSTRATED BY Henry Cole
BY
Grandpa’s Tractor
WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY
Michael Garland
Painter and Ugly
WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED BY
Robert J. Blake
Peanut Butter and
Homework Sandwiches
Lisa Broadie Cook
ILLUSTRATED BY Jack E. Davis
BY
Willow and the
Snow Day Dance
BY
Denise Brennan-Nelson
ILLUSTRATED BY Cyd Moore
13
RECOMMENDED
READING FOR GRADES
MASLONLINE.ORG
-
Dear Colleague,
The Show Me Readers Award committee members are pleased to present
this packet of ideas to you. We hope the lesson suggestions, correlated
Common Core State Standards, book lists and websites will aid you in
preparing your presentation and lessons of the Show Me Readers Award
books for 2012-13.
Members of our committee worked diligently to design activities that you
could implement with minimal preparation. Time seems to be in short
supply for all media specialists and teachers. Please share these ideas with
the colleagues in your school.
We welcome your suggestions concerning this activity packet, or the
program, to promote the Show Me Readers Award. We strive to improve
our service to you in order to benefit our student readers throughout our
state.
Thank you for your continued support.
Karen Rumker
Karen Rumker
Vice Chair
Show Me Readers Award Committee
!
!
!
Readers Award
Committee
2013-2014
Chair
Teresa Campbell
Vineland Elementary, DeSoto
Past Chair
Andrea Schoo
Highcroft Ridge Elementary,
Chesterfield
Vice-Chair
Karen Rumker
Logan-Rogersville Primary School,
Rogersville
Secretary
Mindy Moats
Henderson Elementary, St. Charles
Member
Linda Pierce
Stony Point Elementary, Grain Valley
Member
Kara Elliot
Maple Grove Elementary, Warrensburg
Member
Tara Polston
Montgomery City Elementary,
Montgomery City
Member
Pat Williams
East Buchanan C-1 School District,
Gower
YSCOI Member
Michelle Akins
St. Louis County Library, St. Louis
Credits
Activities contributed through the collective genius of Show Me Readers Award
committee members.
Copyright
© Missouri Association of School Librarians (MASL) 2013. The Missouri Association of
School Librarians is happy to offer this activity packet as a catalyst for creative ideas.
Feel free to adapt it to suit your needs.
Inform ation
Additional information about the Show Me Readers Award may be found on the
Missouri Association of School Librarians’ website at
http://www.maslonline.org/?page=showme_readers!
A Book for Black-Eyed Susan
Written by Judy Young
Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger
Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2011
While traveling along the Oregon Trail, ten-year-old Cora and her newborn baby sister
suffer the loss of their mother and are separated, but Cora stitches a book to tell the
dark-eyed baby of their journey and family.
(From LOC Cataloging in Publication Data)
Communication Arts
! Students will pretend they are on a trip westward. They will write a letter to a
friend back home describing some of the things they see. (W 1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
! Students will bring in their favorite book from home and will write a summary of
the book. They will then share their summary with the rest of the class and
explain why they like the book. (SL 1.4, 2.4, 3.4) (SL 1.6, 2.6, 3.6) (W 1.1,
2.1, 3.1) (RL 1.2, 2.2, 3.2) (RL 1.3, 3.3) (Rl 2.1)
! Students will write and illustrate a story about a trip they have taken themselves.
It could be about a move, or a vacation, or even a trip to the store. They will
describe what the journey there was like. ie – mode of travel, length of time,
food, landscape, journey (SL 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) (W 1.3, 2.3,3.3) (W 1.8, 2.8, 3.8)
Mathematics
! Students will estimate the number of miles and how much time a trip from
Missouri to Oregon would take. They will then compare their estimates to the
actual average length of the trip for someone on the Oregon Trail, and someone
making the trip now. (2.MD.A.3) (2.MD.C.7.)
! Students will practice math skills (addition, subtraction, counting by 10s, etc.)
using flower and petal shapes. (1.OA.A.1) (1.OA.B.1) (1.OA.C.5) (2.OA.C.3.)
! Show students prices of items that would have been taken on the trip (flour,
sugar, coffee, etc.) and have them compare prices of those items to today’s
prices. (2.MD.C.8.)
Science
! Students will learn about the parts of a flower using the Black-Eyed Susan flower
as an example.
! Students will choose an animal from the story (hawk, coyote, buffalo, prairie
dog, etc.) and research them.
Social Studies
! Students will study a map of the Oregon Trail and learn about landmarks, plants
and animals that would have been seen along the way. They will add pictures of
these landmarks, plants, and animals to their maps in the appropriate areas.
! Students will compare their family to the family in the story. Do they live near
their relatives or far away from them? Do they help take care of younger
brothers and sisters?
! Students will make a covered wagon with a shoebox and tissue paper. They will
then cut out pictures from magazines of items they think would be needed on
the Oregon Trail and put these in their wagons. Then they would research what
people did take with them and see what items they had correct.
Fine Arts
! Students will use felt to create their own fabric books. They will glue small
pieces of felt to a larger square to make pictures. Three or four of these squares
will be attached to make them into a book.
! Students will each color squares of paper, making designs or pictures of things
that are important to them. The squares from all of the students will be
attached together to make one large quilt that will be displayed.
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Applegate, Katherine. The Buffalo Storm. Clarion Books. 2007.
! Friedman, Mel. The Oregon Trail. Children’s Press. 2010.
! Hallowell, George. Wagons Ho! Albert Whitman & Co. 2011.
! Hopkinson, Deborah. Apples to Oregon: being the (slightly) true narrative of
how a brave pioneer father brought apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and
cherries (and children) across the Plains. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
2004.
! Lowell, Susan. Elephant Quilt: Stitch by Stitch to California! Melanie Kroupa
Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2008.
! Morley, Jacqueline. You Wouldn’t Want to be an American Pioneer: A Wilderness
You’d Rather Not Tame. Franklin Watts. 2013.
! Todras, Ellen H. Wagon Trains and Settlers. Kingfisher. 2011.
! Van Leeuwen, Jean. Papa and the Pioneer Quilt. Dial Books for Young Readers.
2007.
Websites:
http://www.blm.gov/or/oregontrail/education-kids-trail.php
http://pbskids.org/wayback/goldrush/journey_oregon.html
http://www.oregontrailcenter.org/HistoricalTrails/ADayOnTheTrail.htm
http://www.ducksters.com/history/westward_expansion/oregon_trail.php
http://www.historyglobe.com/ot/otmap1.htm
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/books/applications/imaps/maps/g3_u3/index.html
http://www.oregontrail.com/hmh/site/oregontrail/ (Just for fun!)
Charlie the Ranch Dog
Written by Ree Drummond
Illustrated by Diane deGroat
Published by Harper Collins
Meet a Laid-Back Old-Timer with the Heart of a Hero! With warm and completely
adorable pictures that add a surprising touch of humor, this charming story features a
lovable Basset who takes readers on a tour of his home. Charlie lives on a ranch with
Suzie, an energetic Jack Russell terrier. Charlie is convinced he does a lot of work
around the place — fixing fences, rounding up cattle, working in the garden — but the
illustrations suggest that what Charlie really loves is eating bacon and lounging around.
It's Suzie who does most of the work, until the cows get into the garden and this old
dog shows everyone he just might be as important as he thinks he is. The delightful
pictures include a hidden chipmunk in every scene. Famed for her blog, The Pioneer
Woman, author Ree Drummond brings understated humor to her first picture book and
concludes the story with a special recipe.
Communication Arts
! Compare farm life to city life using a venn diagram. (RL.1.9, 2.9, 3.9)
! Charlie and Suzie are great friends. Write about a friend you have and why they
are special.(W.1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
! Write what might happen next if the story was to continue? (SL.3.1)
! Do a word building activity with the words RANCH, DOG, CHARLIE, and SUZIE.
Give students a sheet with the letters printed on it and have them cut them out
and see how many words they can make with the letters.
! Create a trailer for the book using Animoto. (SL.3.4, SL.3.5)
! Discuss point of view. Who is the narrator of this story? (RL.1.6)
! Discuss how the story would be different from another character’s perspective.
Rewrite the story from Suzie’s perspective. (RL.1.6, 2.6, 3.6)
! Find the pronouns used in the story. Match the pronouns with the corresponding
nouns.
! Use Ree Drummond’s blog post to study the steps in publishing a book.
(RL.1.10, 2.10, 3.10)
http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2011/04/twenty-steps-to-writing-a-childrensbook/
Mathematics
! Survey students and graph their favorite farm animal. (2.MD.D.10), (3.MD.B.3)
! Create a chart showing all the different chores done on the farm with their
correlated time (early, after breakfast, before lunch, etc.). Make an estimate as
to the actual time the chore would be done (5:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.,
etc.) (RL 1.1, 2.1, 3.1) (1.MD.3)
! Compare the time Charlie actually spends helping with chores to the time he
spends napping.
Science
! Choose a farm animal to research. (W.1.7,2.7, 3.7)
! Research Basset hound and Jack Russell terrier dog breeds. Create a Venn
diagram showing the difference between the two. (W.1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
! Make a list of all the animals in the book. Would these animals really live on a
ranch? What other animals might live on a ranch?
! How is a ranch different from a farm? (SL.1.1, 2.1, 3.1)
! In what season does the story take place? How would other seasons on a ranch
be different? What activities might take place in the Summer? Autumn?
Winter?
Social Studies
! Research the history of the county you live in. How has is changed through the
years.
! Discuss community helpers. What do farmers provide us? (SL.1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Discuss ways you help at home. (SL.1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Research the differences between ranch life and city life. (W.1.7,2.7, 3.7)
Write a story, told by Charlie, if he lived in the city.
! What role do dogs fulfill on a ranch?
! Discuss how Charlie and Suzie react differently to situations. Do people react
differently to situations? Discuss if it is okay to be different.
Fine Arts
! Puppy Love Craft Create a dog face using hearts.
! Go on a picture walk through the book and talk about the illustrations. Consider
how the illustrations add to the written story. (RL.1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
! Charlie seems to have a chipmunk for a friend. How many times does the
chipmunk appear in the story? Discuss whether a chipmunk and a dog would be
friends. (RL.1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Drummond, Ree. Charlie and the Christmas Kitty. Simon & Schuster. 2012.
! Drummond, Ree. Charlie Goes to School. Simon & Schuster. 2013.
! Robertus, Polly. The Dog Who Had Kittens. Holiday House. 1992.
! Casanova, Mary. Some Dog. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2007.
! Sherman, Caroline R. A Dog’s Life. Amazon Children’s Publishing. 2012
! Miller, Connie. Basset Hounds. Capstone. 2007.
Websites:
Author Ree Drummond:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/
Ree Drummond’s blog:
http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2011/04/twenty-steps-to-writing-a-childrens-book/
Hello Kids: Choosing a Pet
Charlie the Ranch Dog: Read Aloud by Ree Drummond
The Day Dirk Yeller Came to Town
Written by Mary Casanova
Illustrated by Ard Hoyt
Published by Farrar Stratus Giroux, 2011
When outlaw Dirk Yeller arrives in town looking for something to take away his catscratch fever, young Sam, who’s pa says he is “a world-o’-trouble and curious as a
tomcat,” knows just what this dangerous and jittery criminal needs to calm him down.
(From LOC Cataloging in Publication Data)
Communication Arts
! Identify metaphors and similes on a t-chart. (L3.3)
! Figurative language: Colloquialisms: Illustrate the students’ favorites. (L3.3)
! Tall Tales - Compare and contrast this story to other tall tales. (RL3.2)
! Read book reviews to your students. Have them create a book review. (W3.4)
Mathematics
! Using the illustrations on the wanted posters on the inside cover and page 4, tell
how much more the reward is for Blue Jay compared to Fat Gato, to Boney Bill,
etc. (MC2.OA.A.1)
! Look at the items shown in the illustrations of the general store and compare the
prices today to those of the 1800’s (MC2.MBT.A4)
! Have the students mosey over to the non-fiction section, find their favorite book
or section, write the call number on an index card and order the class’ cards
from least to greatest.
(MC2.NBT.A4)
Science
! Research Jumping Beans. What are they? What makes them jump? (W3.7)
! Research Rattle Snakes. Why do they rattle and what is the purpose of the
rattle? (W3.7)
! Research Cat Scratch Fever. What are the causes? Read the symptoms. Does
Dirk really have Cat Scratch Fever? (W3.8)
Social Studies
! Research a city of the Wild West such as the one in this story. Make a diorama of
this town. (W3.7)
! Research the invention and use of the telegraph. Create a timeline from
invention to absolution. (RI3.3)
Fine Arts
! As a group, retell the story by writing lyrics to the tune of “Clementine”. Perform
the song for another class group. (W3.6)
! Ard Hoyt has illustrated many of Mary Casanova’s books. Study the artwork
from these different books and discuss how his illustrations compliment the story
lines. (RI3.7)
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Casanova, Mary. Utterly Otterly Day. Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Readers. 2008.
! Casanova, Mary. Utterly Otterly Night. Simon & Schuster Books for Young
Readers. 2011.
! Casanova, Mary. One-Dog Canoe. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2003.
! Casanova, Mary. Some Dog! Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2007.
! Casanova, Mary. Some Cat! Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2012.
! Isaacs, Anne. Swamp Angel. Dutton. 1994.
! Kellogg, Steven. Pecos Bill: A Tall Tale. Morrow. 1986.
! Nolen, Jerdine. Thunder Rose. Harcourt. 2003.
Websites:
Mary Casanova:
http://www.marycasanova.com/pages/books/bk_utterlynight.html
Ard Hoyt:
http://www.ardhoytbooks.com/books.html#
Librarian’s Choice:
http://librarianschoices.blogspot.com/2012/02/day-dirk-yeller-came-to-town.html
Slide show of illustrations:
http://us.macmillan.com/thedaydirkyellercametotown/MaryCasanova
Kansas Read:
http://www.kansasread.org/bmjdirk.html
Food Prices of 1800’s:
http://www.foodtimeline.org/cummings.pdf
Grandpa’s Tractor
Written and Illustrated by Michael Garland
Published by Boyds Mills Press, Inc., 2011
Grandpa Joe brings his grandson Timmy back to the site of the family farm,
where the old house and a ramshackle barn with silo still stand. The visit
evokes many memories for Grandpa Joe, which he shares with Timmy; in
particular, his own father’s shiny red tractor that is now rusting in the
forgotten fields.
Communication Arts
! Write a letter to the author. If the students have been to a farm, they can write
about their experiences. (W1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
! Compare farm life to city life using a Venn diagram. (RL1.9, 2.9, 3.9)
! Have students write about why a tractor is important to a farm. (W1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
! Have students write about something their grandparent or an older person has
told them about, that has changed since they were a little child. (W1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
! Write what might happen next if the story was to continue. (S.3.1)
! Create a trailer for the book using Animoto. (SL3.4, SL3.5)
Mathematics
! Have students research why rear tires on tractors are larger than the front tires.
(MC2.MBT.A4)
! How much money would Grandpa Joe need to buy a tractor in 1930’s? How
much would one cost today? (MC2.MBT.A4)
! Survey students and graph their favorite tractor color. (2.MD.D.10), (3.MD.B.3)
Science
! Discuss what type of crops farmers would grow. (W1.7,2.7, 3.7)
! What type of farm animals would benefit from the farmer using a tractor and
why? (W1.7,2.7, 3.7)
! Talk about planting, plowing, combining, mowing, disking, mowing hay, and so
forth. All of these are various jobs that a tractor helps in doing on a farm.
(W1.7,2.7, 3.7)
! Choose a farm animal to research. (W1.7,2.7, 3.7)
Social Studies
! In the story, the farmer (during harvest time) placed the combined corn in the
silo. How are crops stored today? (i.e. hauled by various types of trucks to silos
or grain elevators or the crops are ground up into grains.) (SL1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Research the history of tractors. (SL1.1,2.1,3.1)
Fine Arts
! Draw a picture of a tractor and color according to a certain brand. (i.e. green
and yellow-John Deere, red – IH Farmall, etc.)
! Draw a picture of you on a farm tractor.
! “T” is for Tractor craft.
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/transportation/tractor-craft.asp
! Footprint Tractor. http://funhandprintart.blogspot.com/2009/08/farm-craftfootprint-tractor-thumbprint.html
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Addison, D.R. Tractors at Work. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. 2009.
! Archer, Mandy. Tractor Saves the Day. Childs World. 2009.
! Crow, Melinda Melton. Helpful Tractor. Stone Arch Books. 2012.
! Cowley, Joy. The Rusty, Trusty Tractor. Boyd House Press. 1999.
! Dobbins, Jan. Driving My Tractor. Barefoot Books. 2009.
! Farm Tractor. DK Publishing. 2003.
! Greenwell, Jessica. This is my Tractor.Usbourne Books. 2009.
! Gregory, Josh. Tractor. Cherry Lake Publishing. 2011.
! John Deere Tractor. DK Publishing. 2007.
! Long, Loren. Otis. Philomel Books. 2009.
! Love, Peter. Tractors: 100 years of innovation. Lorenz Books. 2000.
! Mayer, Mercer. Just Grandpa and Me. Random House. 1985.
! Nueser, Dena. Goodnight, Johnny Tractor. Running Press Kids. 2008.
! Ransom, Candice F. Tractor Day. Walker Publishing Company, Inc. 2007.
! Taylor, Thomas. Jack’s Tractor. Hodder Children’s Books. 2010.
! Williams, Michael. Power Tractors. Gareth Stevens Publishing. 2006.
Websites:
Author Michael Garland:
http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/16588/Michael_Garland/index.aspx
http://www.garlandpicturebooks.com/garlandpicturebooks.com/Home.html
Identifying parts of a tractor:
http://elkhartcounty4h.org/Exploring/ExploringTractor.pdf
John Deere Kids page:
http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/corporate/our_company/fans_visitors/kids/kid
s.page
Tractor history:
http://www.deere.com/wps/dcom/en_US/corporate/our_company/fans_visitors/tours_a
ttractions/historicalsite.page?
http://www.antiquefarming.com/history.html
Tractor games:
http://www.tractorgames.com/
http://tractor-games.org/
http://tractorgames.net/
Comparing:
http://www.ehow.com/info_12189232_teaching-activities-tractors-kindergarten.html
Math:
http://www.netplaces.com/kids-cars-trucks-puzzles-activities/constructionvehicles/tractor-pull.htm
Art:
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/potato_print_tractor.htm
Music:
http://www.kidslyrics.co.uk/acatalog/SSCD008_song_Activity.pdf
Painter and Ugly
Written and Illustrated by Robert J. Blake
Published by Philomel Books
Painter and Ugly, two sled dogs who are inseparable best friends, are put on different
teams for the Junior Iditarod, but they manage to find their way back to one another
for the big race.
(From LOC Cataloging in Publication Data)
Communication Arts
! Pretend you are a dog sled racer in the Junior Iditarod. Write a story about your
adventure. (W.2.7)
! This is a story of true friendship. What qualities do these dogs have that you
would want in a friend? (RL.2.2)
! Research Leonhard Seppala and Gunnar Kaasen. What part do they play in the
creation of this story? (RL.2.9)
! Compare and Contrast the books Togo, Swift and Painter and Ugly. Show your
comparisons on a Venn diagram. (RI.2.9)
Mathematics
! Alaska gets a lot of snow each year. Look up the snowfall amounts over the last
10 years and make a line graph to compare those amounts. (3.MD.B.3)
! What is the average age of the winner of the Junior Iditarod over the past 20
years? (3.MD.B.3)
! List the average speed of the winning dog sled team over the past 20 years from
greatest to least. (3.MD.B.3)
Science
! What rules and regulations must a musher follow in respect to their sled team?
(W.3.7)
! What is the typical height and weight for a sled dog? A musher? (W.3.7)
! Read the author’s note in the back of the book. Select the information that
could be proven or disproven scientifically. (W.3.8)
Social Studies
! Research the 1925 Serum Run. Write a paragraph that tells how the Serum Run
and the Iditarod is connected. (W.3.8)
! Who are Balto and Togo? In your opinion which dog was the hero? Defend your
choice. (W.3.1b) (RI.3.3)
! Draw a map to scale of the Junior Iditarod and the actual Iditarod Race.
Fine Arts
! Painter and Ugly got their names from an accident with a paint can. Draw a
picture that shows without words how your pet was named.
! Compare the artwork created by Robert J. Blake and Meghan McCarthy. Form
and share opinions of their style of artwork. (W.3.7)
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Blake, Robert J. Togo. Philomel Books. 2002.
! Blake, Robert J. Swift. Philomel Books. 2007.
! Blake, Robert J. Akiak. Puffin Books. 1997.
! McCarthy, Meghan. The Incredible Life of Balto. Alfred A. Knoph. 2011.
Websites:
Robert J. Blake:
http://robertjblake.com/
Junior Iditarod:
http://www.jriditarod.com/
Junior Iditarod Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Junior_Iditarod
Peanut Butter and Homework
Sandwiches
Written by Lisa Broadie Cook
Illustrated by Jack E. Davis
Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011
What do you do when the dog really does eat your homework!?
Communication Arts
! Discuss titles of books and how they relate or don’t relate to the story. (SL1.1,
2.1, 3.1)
! Discuss being responsible and being organized. Have students create a T chart.
On one side list Martin’s problems. On the other side list possible solutions.
(RL2.3, 3.3)
! Create and write a story about the best/worst substitute teacher experience.
(W1.2, 2.2, 3.2)
! Write an instructional paragraph on following directions for making a peanut
butter and jelly sandwich. (W1.3, 2.3, 3.3)
! Discuss sequence of events. Provide events of Martin’s week out of order and
have the students put them in order.(RL1.2, 2.2, 3.2)
! Do an author study and read other books by Lisa Broadie Cook (RL3.9)
Mathematics
! Days of the week. A week is seven days. Figure how many hours there are,
minutes… (1.MD.B.3, 2.MD.C.7, 3.MD.A.1)
! Recreate a timeline of Martin’s week. (1.MD.B.3, 2.MD.C.7, 3.MD.A.1)
! Write days of the week in order. (1.MD.B.3, 2.MD.C.7, 3.MD.A.1)
! Several illustrations have clocks in them. What time does each show and what
activity is Martin doing at that time? (RI1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
! Write activities of one of your days and the times each is done. (W1.2, 2.2, 3.2)
! Draw clocks with hands for the times of each of your activities. (1.MD.B.3,
2.MD.C.7, 3.MD.A.1)
Science
! Research tarantulas and create a book of tarantula facts. (W1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
! Compare and contrast tarantulas with insects using a venn diagram. (RL1.9,
2.10, 3.9)
! Using the illustrations in the book, determine what time of the year it is. Explain
your reasoning. (RI1.7, 2.7)
Social Studies
! Research and discuss mountain climbing. How’s it done? Dangers? etc. (SL1.1,
2.1, 3.1)
! Research where you might go mountain climbing in your area. (W1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
! Brainstorm ways of dealing with bullies like Samuel Hall. (SL1.3, 2.3. 3.3)
! Promote a bully-free environment by visiting Stop Bullying Now website or
NetzSmart.org.
http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/index.html
Fine Arts
! Create a diorama with character, setting, and plot. (RL1.7, 2.7)
! Have students draw a picture and write a sentence about them doing an activity
on a given day of the week. (SL1.5, 2.5)
! Create a tarantula out of clay and pipe cleaners.
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Allard, Harry Jr. Mrs. Nelson is Missing. Sandpiper. 2007.
! Berenstain, Stan. The Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game. Random House.
1997.
! Cole, Joanna. Bully Trouble.Random House Books. 1989.
! Cook, Julia. My Mouth is a Volcano. National Center for Youth Issues. 2006.
! Galan, Ana. Billy Bully. Cartwheel Books. 2009.
! Javernick, Ellen. What if Everybody Did That? Amazon Children’s Publishing.
2010.
! Lovell, Patty. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. Putnam Juvenile. 2001.
! Mayer, Mercer. I Just Forgot. Golden Press. 1999.
! Montgomery, Sy. The Tarantula Scientist. Sandpiper. 2007.
! Rubinstein, Gary. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. Sourcebooks
Jabberwocky. 2011.
! Sornson, Bob. The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up For Others.
Fern Press.2010.
! Thaler, Mike. Substitute Teacher from the Black Lagoon. Scholastic. 2009.
! Viorst, Judith. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Atheneum Books. 2009.
Websites:
Author Lisa Broadie Cook:
http://www.lisabroadiecook.com/author_website/Welcome.html
Writing Simple Directions complete lesson plans:
http://www.ware.k12.ga.us/Curriculum/resources/2/2nd%20Grade%20Writing/Section
%202%20Second%20Grade%20Simple%20Directions.pdf
You Tube videos about tarantulas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LmyyXcE6rw
Tarantula care video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE2a_uC3yS8
Tarantula craft:
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/tarantulas-lesson-plan/
Tarantula lessons:
http://www.kidzone.ws/lw/spiders/facts-tarantula.htm
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tsl/archives/05-1/lesson016.shtml
National Geographics:
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/tarantula/
Stop Bullying:
http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/index.html
Bullying prevention for kids:
http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/index.html
A Pet for Miss Wright
Written by Judy Young
Illustrated by Andrea Wesson
Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2011
A lonely writer searches for the perfect pet to keep her company in her solitary work.
(From LOC Cataloging in Publication Data)
Communication Arts
! Research the occupation of an author and the writing process. Record the steps
in the writing process. (RI 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) (RI 1.10, 2.10, 3.10) (W 1.7, 2.7, 3.7)
(W 1.8, 2.8, 3.8)
! Discuss unfamiliar words in the story. Use reading strategies to try and
determine their meaning. (L 1.4) Learn how to use a print and electronic
dictionary. Use the dictionary to define unfamiliar words in the story, such as:
adventure, exotic, imitate, goggly, hypnotized, revised. (L 2.4, 3.4)
! Create a chart showing each pet and the problem it caused. (RL 1.3, 2.3 3.3)
! Allow students who own pets to tell a story about their pet and a problem it
caused. (SL 1.4, 2.4, 3.4)
! Write a persuasive essay to parents asking for the perfect pet. (L 1.1, 2.1, 3.1)
(L 1.2, 2.2, 3.2) (W 1.1, 2.1, 3.1)
! Learn the purpose of a thesaurus. Use a thesaurus to rewrite the persuasive
essay using new words. (L 1.5, 2.5 3.5) (W 1.5, 2.5, 3.5)
Mathematics
! List and count the number of different pets Miss Wright took home in the story.
(K. CC.4-5)
! Research the cost of purchasing each of the pets in the story: mynah, monkey,
fish, hamster, cat and dog. (RI 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) (RI 1.10, 2.10, 3.10) Compare the
costs. (2OA.1)
! Using prices from a pet store estimate the cost of owning each of the pets for
one month. Include initial purchase of animal, food, collars, cages, cleaning
supplies, etc. Compare the costs. (1.MD.4) (3.MD.3-4)
Science
! Research each of the animals in the story. (RI 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) (RI 1.10, 2.10, 3.10)
Write about the animal. Include an introduction, five facts, and a summary. (W
1.2, 2.2, 3.2)
! Study scientific animal classes. (RI 1.5, 2.5, 3.5) (RI 1.10, 2.10, 3.10) Determine
the major physical characteristic of each animal. Discuss in which scientific
animal class each one would belong. (SL 1.1, 2.1, 3.1) (SL 1.5, 2.5, 3.5)
! Research the temperament of animals commonly purchased for pets. (RI 1.5,
2.5, 3.5) (RI 1.10, 2.10, 3.10) Discuss what type of animal would be best suited
for each student. (SL 1.1, 2.1, 3.1) (SL 1.5, 2.5, 3.5)
Social Studies
! Read “The First Dog” by Jan Brett. Discuss how pets are important to people
and the benefits they give people. (SL 1.1, 2.1, 3.1) Discuss how Miss Wright’s
dog benefited her.
! Make a chart of the different behaviors the dog used to express his reactions to
Miss Wright’s story:
“If the dog liked the story, he gave her a kiss.”
“If the dog thought it was sad, he buried his head in Miss Wright’s lap and
whined.”
“If the dog thought it was funny, he howled.”
Add other emotions with predictions of what the dog would do.
Add human responses to emotions on the chart.
(RL 1.2, 2.2, 3.2) (L 1.6, 2.6, 3.6) (SL 1.2, 2.2, 3.2)
Fine Arts
! Examine the illustrations in the story. Have the students retell the story while
looking at the illustrations. Discuss if the illustrations told all the details of the
story. (RL 1.7, 2.7, 3.7) (SL 1.5, 2.5, 3.5)
! Have students make pictures of the pet they own, or would like to own. Using
the iPad App “Book Creator”, create a story about the pet. (SL 1.5, 2.5, 3.5)
! Physically move around the room as each pet would move. (HPE4/NE1,NPE3)
! Write a song about Miss Wright and her pets.(MU3/FA1) Ideas:
Change “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” to “Young Miss Wright Had a Pet”
Change “The Wheels on the Bus” to “The Pets in the House”
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Berger, Melvin and Gilda. True or False? Pets. Scholastic. 2009.
! Bourgeois, Paulette. Franklin Wants a Pet. Scholastic. 1995.
! Brett, Jan. First Dog. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. 1988.
! Casanova, Mary. Some Dog. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. 2007.
! Dahl, Michael. Pets ABC. Capstone Press. 2005.
! Di Pucchio, Kelly. Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet. Dial Books for Young Readers.
2011.
! LaRochelle, David. The Best Pet of All. Puffin Books. 2009.
! Namm, Diane. Pick a Pet. Children’s Press. 2004.
! Palatini, Margie. The Perfect Pet. Harper Collins. 2009.
! Robertson, Fiona. Wanted, the Perfect Pet. G. P. Putnam’s Sons. 2010.
! Series: I Want a Pet. Capstone Press. 2012.
Websites:
Author Judy Young:
http://www.judyyoungpoetry.com/
Choosing the right pet:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/pets.html
http://www.aspca.org/adoption/adoption-tips/the-right-pet-for-you.aspx
Princess Kim and Too Much Truth
Written and Illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Published by Albert Whitman & Company, 2011
“Princess” Kim is always telling the truth and hurting others’ feelings. She learns that
there is a difference between being “honest” and “telling the truth”; and it is more
important to find and share “one single thing” she likes rather than dwelling on what
she doesn’t.
Communication Arts
! Discuss the four story elements: characters, setting, problem, solution. (RL1.3,
RL2.3, RL2.7)
! Discuss Princess Kim’s character development. (RL3.3)
! Predict what the story is about by reading the title and looking at the illustration
on the cover of the book. (RL2.7)
! Compare and contrast this story with “Princess Kim and the Lie That Grew!” also
by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. (RI1.3, RI1.9, RL2.9)
! Identify the purpose of the story. Discuss why the author wrote the story.
(RL2.6)
! Write a summary of the story using these key words: First, next, then, after
that, and in the end. (RL2.2, RL3.2)
! Create a trailer for the book using I-Movie or PuppetPals. (SL3.4, SL3.5)
Mathematics
! Count the number of people affected by Kim’s honesty. Graph the number of
boys and the number of girls. (MD.D.10)
! There were fourteen different characters in the story. What is the total number
of eyes? Hands? Feet? Create addition and subtraction problems using these
numbers. (OA.A.3, OA.B.5)
Science
! Research characteristics of frogs. (RI1.5, RI1.10, W1.8, RI2.5, RI2.10, RI3.5,
RI3.10)
! Research poodles and what poodles look like. (RI1.5, RI1.10, W1.8, RI2.5,
RI2.10, RI3.5, RI3.10)
! Research astronauts. (RI1.5, RI1.10, W1.8, RI2.5, RI2.10, RI3.5, RI3.10)
Social Studies
! Discuss honesty. (SL1.1, SL2.1, SL3.1)
! Write or say “one single thing” you like about the student sitting next to you.
(SL1.1, SL2.1, SL3.1)
! Write a letter to a relative and tell the person “one single thing” you like about
them. (SL1.1, SL2.1, SL3.1)
! Ask the students to select one “character” from the story and tell why they would
like to have them as their friend. (SL1.1, SL2.1, SL3.1)
! Discuss other moral teachings that could apply to this story. (SL1.1, SL2.1,
SL3.1)
Fine Arts
! Create a poetry painting. (L1.1, L1.2, L2.1, L2.2, L3.1, L3.2)
! Create self-portraits. Then pass the portraits around the class and have each
classmate write “one single thing” they like about the student in the self-portrait.
! Create ceramic beads and then string them to make a necklace.
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Cocca-Leffler, Maryann. Princess Kim and the Lie That Grew. Albert Whitman &
Co. 2009.
! Earnhardt, Donna. Being Frank. Flashlight Press. 2012.
! Hicks, Kelli. Honesty. Rourke Educational Media. 2013.
! Kaplan, Michael. Betty Bunny Didn’t Do It. Dial. 2013.
! Martineau, Susan. Being Honest. Smart Apple Media. 2012.
! Magoon, Scott. The Boy Who Cried Bigfoot! Paula Wiseman Books. 2012.
! McKissack, Pat. The Honest to Goodness Truth. Atheneum Books for Young
Readers. 2000.
! Sierra, Judy. Tell the Truth, B. B. Wolf. Alfred A. Knopf. 2010.
! Stevens, Janet. Jackalope. Harcourt. 2003.
Websites:
Princess Kim’s Kindness Activity:
www.albertwhitman.com/resources/BookResources/2/6/documents/kimtruthkindnessact
ivity1.pdf
Author Maryann Cocca-Leffler:
www.maryanncoccaleffler.com
Three Hens and a Peacock
Written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrated by Henry Cole
Published by Peachtree Publishers, 2011
When life on the Tucker farm is disrupted by the arrival of a peacock, whose shrieking
and strutting brings many welcome visitors, the hens complain that they are doing all
the work until the hound suggests they trade.
Communication Arts
! Compare farm life to city life using a Venn diagram. (RL1.9, 2.9, 3.9)
! Have students write letters persuading their parents to let them have a peacock
as a pet.
(W1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Predict what might be in the box on the last page. (SL1.1,2.1,3.1) Write what
might happen next if the story was to continue. (SL3.1)
! There are several examples of alliterations in the book (fancy feathers, peacock
perked, etc.).
Ask students to look for others or come up with some of their own. (L3.3)
Mathematics
! Survey students and graph their favorite farm animals. (2.MD.D.10), (3.MD.B.3)
! Using a gallon milk jug discuss other units of measure. (cup, pint, and quart)
(3.MD.A.3)
! Measure the length of a peacock feather. Compare its length to other bird
feathers. (2.MD.A.4), (3.MD.B.4)
Science
! Research peacocks. Would they make a good pet? (W1.7,2.7, 3.7)
! Make a diorama of a peacock’s habitat or draw a picture. Then write a
description of the habitat and include facts about peacocks. (W1.7,2.7, 3.7)
! Research chickens and ostriches (possible bird on the last page). (W1.7,2.7,3.7)
! Research other birds and have students draw a picture of their bird. Then
upload their pictures to Voicethread and let them share what they have written.
(W1.6,2.6,3.6)
Social Studies
! Locate on a world map where peacocks can be found in the wild. (RI2.7,3.7)
! Discuss community helpers. What do farmers provide us? (SL1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Discuss ways you help at home. (SL1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Using a United States map discuss the different types of crops grown on farms.
http://www.jobmonkey.com/farming/state-top-crops.html (SL1.1,2.1,3.1)
Fine Arts
! Round accordion fan peacock craft.
http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/2011/03/fan-peacock-craft-three-hensand.html
! Peacock crafts. http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/birds-peacocks.htm
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Arlon, Penelope. Farm. Scholastic. 2012.
! Friend, Catherine. The Perfect Nest. Candlewick Press. 2007.
! Hansen, Ann Larkin. Uncommon Farm Animals. ABDO. 1998.
! Helakoski, Leslie. Big Chickens Fly the Coop. Dutton Children’s Books. 2008.
! Pohl, Kathleen. Peacocks. Weekly Reader. 2008.
! Polacco, Patricia. Just Plain Fancy. Dragonfly Books. 1990.
! Spinelli, Eileen. Princess Pig. Alfred A. Knopf. 2009.
Websites:
http://www.lesterlaminack.com/
http://www.henrycole.net/main.php?link=home
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/peacock/?source=A-to-Z
http://kids.sandiegozoo.org/animals/birds/peacock#animals
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/kindergarten-art-lesson-plan
Willow and the Snow Day Dance
Written by Denise Brennan-Nelson
Illustrated by Cyd Moore
Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2011
When Willow’s family moves to a new house, she makes friends with all of the
neighbors, even unsmiling Mr. Larch. Through her letters, she invites each one
to participate in neighborhood projects and fun.
(From LOC Cataloging in Publication Data)
Communication Arts
! Write a letter to your neighbors requesting help with a neighborhood project.
(W1.2,2.2,3.2)
! Explain how the setting changes throughout the story. (RL1.3,2.3,3.3)
! What evidence shows that Mr. Larch is not a welcoming and friendly neighbor?
(W1.1,2.1,3.1)
! Compare and contrast Willow’s experiences throughout the story. (RL1.9,2.9,3.9)
Mathematics
! Estimate how many plants Willow grew in her garden, and then count them on
page 9. (MC3 MD.A.1)
! Graph your findings. (MC2 MD.D10)
! Identify all the shapes throughout the story. (MC1.G.A.2)
Science
! Research weather. (W1.7,2.7,3.7)
! Graph how many days it rained or snowed, in the past year. (MC2 MD.D10)
! Make a pretend market selling plants and vegetables. Record your money.
! Compare and contrast Willow’s garden in the different seasons. (RL1.9,2.9,3.9)
Social Studies
! Plan a neighborhood project that involves the entire family.
! Create a map of your neighborhood.
! Plant a neighborhood garden to share with all neighbors.
Fine Arts
! Make instructions for your own Snow Day Dance.
! Make snowflakes.
! Create your own yard art.
Suggested works to complement this book:
! Brennan-Nelson, Denise. Willow. Sleeping Bear Press. 2008.
! Gibbons, Gail. It’s Snowing. Holiday House. 2012.
! Kalz, Jill. No Snow for Christmas. Picture Window Books. 2009.
! Keats, Ezra Jack. The Snowy Day. Puffin. 1962.
! Laminack, Lester. Snow Day. Peachtree. 2007.
! Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley. Houghton Mifflin. 1998.
! Nielsen, Laura F. Mrs. Muddle’s Holidays. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2008.
! Stewart, Melissa. Under the Snow. Peachtree. 2009.
! Wright, Betty Ren. The Blizzard. Holiday House. 2003.
Websites:
Teacher’s Guide & Activities:
www.denisebrennannelson.com/denise/download/8/