Chasing Lincoln's Killer

Chasing Lincoln's Killer

By James L. Swanson

Genre: non-fiction

Grade: Seventh to ninth

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About The Author

Born on President Lincoln's birthday Swanson has a true love for our 16th president. Swanson attend the University of Chicago where he received degrees in history and then went to the University of California. Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, won the Edgar Award and is a New York Times bestseller. Click on the link to learn more! 

About The Book

After President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, Booth ran for 12 days. Booth thinking he was a hero for his actions was seen as a criminal, and will forever be known that way. The book is thrilling and suspenseful! Middle school students would greatly enjoy its energy! I know I couldn't put the book down. Being that the characters and events taking place in the book are all real, the  read becomes educational yet fulfilling to reader looking for action. It brings new life to a  non-fiction book. 

Lesson

Purpose: Students will be able to write a biography on a historical individual. Students will be able to define key parts in the book that are necessary to research/know when writing a biography. 

Pre-Assessment:  A short response test will be given. Who is president Lincoln? What did he do for our nation?  and why did it create so much controversy? What happened to him?

Lesson:  Before reading the book a biography will be explained, and all the necessary information that should be included. Make sure students are aware of the goal, being able to write their own biography.  Students will read the book, doing certain chapters everyday, class discussion and worksheets will follow up with the reading the next day. Be sure to point out key facts that should be mentioned in the biography, and having worksheets will help the students when they are writing their biographies. 

Post assessment: Another short response test will be given, asking students the same questions and the purpose of a biography. Student will also be asked what important information needs to be included in a biography. 

Elmer

Elmer

By David McKee

Genre: Fiction

Grade: pre-kindergarten to second

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About The Author

Mckee was born in South Devon, where he then went to Plymouth Art College. He got his start in college where he started selling his cartoons to news papers. McKee has illustrated many children's books along with creating his popular Elmer Series. Having his first book published in 1964, he is now one of the leading contemporary children's book creators. Click the link about to learn more and see some of McKee's works. 

About The Book

The book begins with a herd of elephants who are 'normal' looking! Except there is one elephant who stands out, and that is Elmer! Elmer is a patch work of colors, and keeps everyone happy and smiling. However, Elmer feels different because he is not like the rest, so he paints himself grey. Soon Elmer finds out that no one knows who he is, and that he is no longer a special individual. When it rains the paint watches off and happiness comes back to the herd of elephants as they laugh over Elmer scaring everyone. They day is remembered and celebrated, and all of the elephants pants themselves different colors. 

The book does a great job of showing readers that it is ok to be different. Being different is a good thing and is something to be celebrated. If we were all the same life would be rather boring. 

Lesson

Purpose: To teach Character education. Students will learn to except and respect everyones differences and explain why this is important. Students will also understand the purpose or moral of this story  and what that means. 

Pre-assessment: Discussion, ask questions such as, what does respect mean? Why is it important to be different? and why do we need to respectful others? Then ask student, what do I mean when I say the moral of this story is.....

Lesson:  After the book has been read a discussion needs to take place. Why do all the elephants like elmer, and how does he feel about being different? How do you know this?  Discuss what moral of the story means. Then ask students,  what is the moral of Elmer? When done have students turn to a partner and summarize what we just discussed. Then have students make their own Elmer, they paint it anyway they want. Once done put all of the Elmer's together and talk about why it is important to respect our differences. 

Post assessment: Students can fill out a short response about the  moral of the Elmer's story. 

Pirateria

Pirateria

By Calef Brown

Genre: Poetry

Grade: first to third

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About The Author

Brown currently lives in Los Angeles, California an is an amazing illustrator and writer. He has been an illustrator for the entertainment and music industry, and Editorial Illlustrator, is involved in character design, and much more! If you go on his web site (link above) you can view his art, and his books. Some of his works include: Hallowilloween: Nefarious Silliness, Soup for breakfast, and Flamingos on The Roof.

About The Book

Pirateria, is a fun and humors book! I feel in love with the  it immediately as it combines humor, creativity and poetry into one. The book has the ability to appeal to boys, given its contact about pirates. Boys are often the most difficult students to reach when introducing poetry, but this book it a great tool for introducing poetry! It makes poetry fun and engaging.  But this just isn't your normal pirate happenings...no this it the Pirate Emporium! Yes, even pirates have to shop for mustaches, eye patches and timers! 

Lesson

Purpose: To introduce students to poetry and to let students write their own poems.

Pre-assessemt: Discussion on what is poetry, then introduce the book and author. Giving students a picture walk will help in keeping them interested. 

Lesson: Once the book has been read to the class allow for groups to read the book. Then give students time to discuss what they read, by using appropriate questions to promote them. Be sure to bring attention to the format, and elements of the writing. Having a short part of the poem on a large piece of paper would be helpful.  Showing the students the characteristics of poetry is key. Mention that poetry can rhyme, but it doesn't always have too. Once this is done have the students choose a topic in which they would like to write a poem about. Have students write the poem then share it with the class. Because this is an introduction to poetry the next lessons to follow can be about more specific poems such as narrative, or haiku. 

Post assessment: Looking at student work and asking student what poetry is. Students should have more in-depth response about the characteristics of poetry. 

My Name is Not Isabella

Sorry, pictures are not uploading!

My Name is Not Isabella

By Jennifer Fosberry

Pictures by Mike Litwin

Genre: Fiction

Grade: first to third

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Also try, www.jfosberry.com/

About The Author

Born and raised in Upstate New York, she went on a sabbatical to Costa Rica, upon her return she started to read and write. Having  now published 4 books, she was raised by librarians, but got a degree in physics. Now that Fosberry is done with all the math and science she finds herself being creative by writing children's book. Click the links above to read more!

About The Book

Where to begin...I fell in love with this New York Time Best Seller! My Name is Not Isabella, is a fun imagination filled read! Isabella is young girl who seeks adventure and does so by chaining who she is. Her first adventure is being Sally, an astronaut! Her roles take on different characters, such as Rosa an activist on a bus, or Marie a scientist. The book brings, science, history, strength and learning together. Its readers get this feeling of empowerment, allowing themselves to dream big and to take on any role they to conquer! 

Lesson

Purpose: To understand what a fiction book is while taking part in creative writing!

Pre-assessment: Have fiction written on the board and ask student what is means when a is under the genre of fiction?  Be sure to mention that today we will be focusing on fiction and creating our own fictional story with creative writing.

Lesson: After reading the book talk about the term fiction again and ask students why this is a fiction book. The have a class discussion on the different roles that Isabelle played. Afterwards have students brainstorm different roles that they can play. Then hand out a web and and let the student pick a role. Then they need to decided on plot,  characters, what they will be doing..etc. Once this is done then students can write their own creative story, then read it to the class. After wards the class can over why everyones story was fictional.

Post assessment: Look at creative paper written, and the last discussion on fictional stories.

Stuck

Stuck

By Oliver Jeffers

Genre: Fiction

Grade: Pre-kindergartn to second

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About The Author

Jeffers makes art, as it is put in his biography ( Click link above). His art work is distinctive and well known, as it has been shown in many cities.  Having illustration clients such as, United Airline, Newsweek International and even Her Royal Majesty the Queen of England, Oliver a multi-talented individual who has also written some picture books! Some of these books include: This Moose Belongs to Me, Up and Down, and The Way Back Home. Click the link to see more of his books!

About The Book

Floyd is an extremely fun character who brings life and humor to this book! It begins when his kite gets stuck in the tree, and when he realizers he can not just pull the kite out he thinks of ways to get it out. He uses a ladder, his shoe, a cat, a ship, a bucket of paint, and more! Wouldn't you think the ladder should have worked? Well....no it doesn't, but that is because Floyd keeps throwing the stuff into the tree, getting more things stuck! Eventually  Floyd gets tired and goes to sleep, but the kite is still stuck, along with all the other things Floyd used!

Lesson

Purpose: To have perseverance to solve problems, and to brainstorm how to solve problems. (Character ed)

*The book can also be used for sequence

Pre-assessment: Show students the book, and title. Ask them what they think it will be about with a title like, Stuck. Then talk about what do we do if we have problem? 

Lesson: Read the book as a class, then talk about what Floyd's problem was. Make a chart with Floyd's problem in the middle then discuss what he did to help solve it. It is important to touch on the fact that while Floyd never truly solved his problem he remained calm and kept thinking of new ideas. However be sure to explain that if you keep doing the same thing over and over again and it does not work, what should you do? Brain storm other ideas!

Write out several problems on a piece of paper and place it in bin, then have students close their eyes pick a problem. Give students a web, have them write the problem in the center then brain storm ways in which they can solve the problem. Once done students can write make their own story.

Post assessment: In a discussion ask students, how do we handle difficult situations and what should we do or how should we act? Write down responses.

Land of the Pilgrims' Pride

Land of the Pilgrims' Pride

By Callista Gingrich 

Genre: Realistic  fiction

Grade: Kindergarten to second

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About The Author

Born in 1966, Gringrich is an artist and author, among many other things. Owning a film company, Gringrich Productions, she has done several documentaries. After reading her biography it is easy to see that she is an outstanding woman with many talents and a personality to match. She adores music, as she is was and is active in choir and playing instruments. Click on the link about to read more!

About The Book

Ellis is young elephant who wants to explore the history of how America began. As Ellis goes on his journey he visits the 13 original colonies and learns something special about each one. Packed with great information a reader can learn about our flag, the Pilgrims journey to America on the May Flower, and of course where it all started and the importance of each colony. I found the book to be a great read especially for younger readers. The character, Ellis, is appealing to young students and the illustrations are bright and inviting. 

Lesson

Purpose: Students will understand America's beginning history and how the colonies shaped our country. ( Can be used for Thanksgiving)

Pre-assessment: Informal questions on how the student think American started? Who were the people that arrived and what did they do?

Lesson: Students will be looking at an original map of America with the 13 colonies. They will label the map then color it in. Once done they will then have a coordination worksheet in which they write 2 facts about each colony. This can be done with partners. Once done the class will come together, and using cut outs of each colony a teacher will write facts within each colony. This can then be displayed in the classroom for a writing activity. 

Post assessment: Give student a test on the 13 colonies. Have them label a map, for higher grades allow facts to be given and or basic information such as where the pilgrims first settled. 

No Dogs Allowed!

No Dogs Allowed!

By Linda Ashman

Genre: Fiction

Grade: Pre-kindergarten to second

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About The Author

The youngest of four children, Linda, was born in Schenectady, New York, she grew up in Flemington,  New Jersey. Ahsman  earned a B.A in economics at Rutgers University then earned a Master's Degree at UCLA in Urban Planning. Before getting her Master's Degree she worked eight years as a real estate market analyst, afterwards she then worked for social and enviromental organizations.  To get more information on Linda Ashman, click the link above!

About The book

The book is set in Paris, and we are introduced to Alberto and his new restaurant! Alberto is having an early bird special and is looking for customers, however he only wants the "right" customer, and when customers start to arrive with pets he immediately takes action. When a dog owner appears he writes on the sign, no dogs allowed. But the all sorts of pet owners come and he forced to constantly change the sign, but eventually Alberto is left with no customers. Instead the customers are conversing all around him and enjoying the other spoils of the town.

The book is about a community and Alberto's ability to expect that community. With little no words, and cartoon formatted  illustration's, the pictures tell the story more than the words. This book can also be used for students with special needs, or lower reading leveled students. 

Lesson

Purpose: Students will fill in the blanks from the pictures that do no have words. Students will be able to decipher the pictures with appropriate text to follow. 

Pre-assessment: As a class model what you want having the students help you write about the picture. Ask students what story do you think this picture is telling us? And why do you think the author used this method?

Lesson: Make groups and pick the pages that each group will complete. When students are done there will be a full story with words that can be shared with the entire class. This will allow the students to take pride in their work. Students will be practicing using pictures as comprehension cues while also engaging in writing. Students should be focusing on proper grammar and spelling, as it is a book

Post assessment: Look at group work and take notes on individual participation. Should also be looking at grammar and spelling.

The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials

By Matt Doeden

Genre: non-fiction

Grade: third to fifth

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About The Author

With 138 published books, Doeden is a successful author. Writing non-fiction books, he is now a freelance writer, and was an editor on the Capstone Press for 7 years. Doeden admits that his work is all over the place, writing about genetics, geography, sports, cars, nutrtion, and more, click link above for more. He has also focused on emergent readers, and ESL students, and appears to be a man of many talents. 

About The Book

This a a you Choose Book, meaning that is an interactive history book for young readers. It has 3 story paths, 39 choices and 13 endings! Students can decide to be three different characters: 1. They can can defend themselves against charges of witch craft 2. Try keeping a family together after their mother has been put on trial 3. Or they can accuse someone of witch craft. Based in a colony out of Massachusetts in 1692 readers can get a real sense of the time period. Ever story path is real person trials and tribulations during the Salem Witch Trials.  I found the book to be a great alternative to "typical" chapter books, as it gives it reader power and engages them in the reading process. 

Lesson

purpose: To understand the Salem Witch Trials by actively taking part in a trial

Pre-assessment: Having a formal discussion of the Salem Witch Trials, attached to a corresponding worksheet looking at when, how, and why.

Lesson: Students will read the text ( a certain amount of them should read each path way). Then go over important factual information during the Salem Witch Trials. Once done students will put on their on trial. They will have a judge, spectators or family, the accusing party, and the individual(s) put on trial. The students story paths will effect what they do in the trial as to help with background knowledge. When this is done students will then write a paper on the reading and the trial comparing and contrasting the two and answering how they felt in the trail (putting themselves in their characters shoes). 

Post assessment: Taking student notes on the trial, looking at the paper, and giving a test. 

Thank you, Mr. Falker

Thank you, Mr. Falker

By Patricia Polacco

Genre:  Fiction (Autobiographical)

Grade: Kindergarten to fifth

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About The Author

Born in Lancing, Michigan, Polacco is an author with a purpose! Having Dyslexia herself, she needed a teacher to reach out to her, and got one, Mr. Falker.  She can still remember the first time that she was able to read. Being an artist first then a writer, she is a well known writer and award winning author. Click on the link above to learn more!

About The Book

The book begins with meeting Trisha. Trisha can paint and draw very well, but has trouble reading. Unfortunately, Trisha feels that she is dumb because she cant read very well and often felt different than the other students. She even gets bullied by a boy and begins to feel unsafe and sad. But she is saved, by Mr. Falker, who not only stops the bullying but also helps Trisha read and figures out that she is Dyslexic. 

The book is heart felt and just down right amazing. Upon reading the book I felt moved by the story yet over joyed by the success of Trisha. I recommend it for any classroom. 

Lesson

Purpose: To understand the authors purpose of the story. 

Pre-assessment: Discuss what authors purpose means!

Lesson: Inform students that an authors purpose is to either, persuade, entertain,  or to inform.  Discuss what each term means by creating a class chart! Then ask the students what they think the authors purpose is? Once they have decided that it is to inform, then have students write a short response as to why.

Post assessment: Looking at the short response and taking notes on the class discussion. 

To be a Slave

To be a Slave

By Julius Lester

Genre: Non-Fiction

Grade: sixth to eighth 

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About The Author

Lester has written adult and children's books, and was a professor at  the University of Massachusetts. He is also a winner of the Newberry Honor Book and has written 34 books and 200 essay's and reviews. Lester also has other hobbies such as, a photographer for the Civil Rights Movements, has recored two music albums, and has hosted radio shows. Click the link above for more information. 

About The Book

The book does an outstanding job of bringing the story of slavery to life. By using the testimonies of actual slaves, Lester gives the black perspective. Within some of testimonies  there is even the music that was song during labor. Through song slaves could make fun of the owners and keep a watch on the sun to get work done.

Lesson

Purpose: To know the history of slavery and what slaves has to endure.

Pre-assessment: Informal discussion about when slavery was, what they had to do, and how cruel their labor and owners were. 

Lesson: Students will read the text over a period of time, during which discussions and worksheets will be done.Then students will create a graphic organizer for an essay. Students will be answering the question, What was slavery? why did it exist? What did some of slaves have to endure? (giving at least 4 to 5 examples)

Post assessment: Discussion on slavery, looking at the packet of worksheets, and essay. 

Into the Sea

Into The Sea

By Brenda Z. Guiberson

Illustrated by Alix Berenzy

Genre: Fiction

Grade: second to fifth

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About The Author

For over fifteen years Guiberson has been writing and illustrating books. Growing up in eastern Washington she developed her love of animals and today greatly enjoys studying animals. Her love of animals and science comes through in her books and she gives her readers a great opportunity to learn.  Click on the above like to learn more!

About The Book

I choose another book about turtles because this book is more detailed then the previous one. The illustrations are inviting and colorful while being extremely informative and engaging. 

The book begins with a tiny sea turtle as it makes its journey to water. The readers then grow with the turtle as it encounters new situations and explores the ocean. Eventually the turtle becomes one of the largest creatures in sea, where it then procreates and re-starts the cycle. 

Lesson

Purpose: To understand the concept of an endangered species, and how are negligence effects the environment. (conservationism) 

Pre-assessment: A "test" asking what is an endangered species? and what can we do to help the environment?

Lesson: Explain what an endangered species is, and the story as an example. Make a web chart for the term endangered species and give different examples of animals. Then ask the students how they think we effect the turtles habitat? Ask students to turn to a partner and discuss, how can we help prevent this? 

Then allow the students to come up with a project in their own community to help the environment. 

Post assessment: The project and class discussions. 

The U.S Constitution and You

The U.S Constitution and You

By Syl Sobel, J.D.

Genre: Non-fiction

Grades: third to fifth

About The Author

Syl Sobel works for the Federal Judicial Center in Washington, D.C, where he is the Director of Publications & Media. From the research that I have done most of written works are limited to US Government. Some of his other works include, How the U.S Government Works, Presidential elections and Other Cool Facts, and The Bill of Right: Protecting Our Freedom Then and Now. 

Not much information but click and see, Click Here

About The Book

This is a great alternative to a text book! It simplifies the U.S Constitution! The different chapters include: The rules for the government, Three branches of Government, Checks and Balances, The People's Powers, and more! It has very few illustrations, but its simple illustrations are helpful and effective.  All of our students have to be educated about our government and this book does a great job of that. 

Lesson

Purpose: To understand the U.S Constitution and the branches of the government.

Pre-assessment: An informal questioning about their knowledge of the constitution and government. 

Lesson: Day 1- Chapters 1, 2 & 3

               Day 2- Chapters 4 & 5

               Day 3- Chapter 6,7 & 8

               Day 4- Chapter 8 and an activity

Students will have worksheets that coordinate with the reading alone with discussions. On the last day the students will create a class constitution. 

Post assessment: Use discussions about the readings, along with worksheets, and U.S Constitution. 

Press Here

Press Here

By Herve Tullet

Genre: Fiction

Grades: Pre-kindergarten to third

(May be appropriate for several age groups depending on disability) 

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About The Author

Born in 1958 in Normandy, Tullet made his first book in 1994, Comment Papa a rencontré Maman.   The book received recognition right away, and got the Prize for Non-Fiction. Many of his books are for early childhood, as they are not just reading books, but also books that are touch and feel based. He studied fine and decorative arts and in turn worked as an Art Director for 10 years. For more information click on the link above!

About The Book

Press Here, is a fun interactive book that gives directions to its readers! As a reader follows the words they change and alter the colors on the page creating a series of movements. Students can turn the lights on and off, put objects to the right side of the book or the left. The best part is that it keeps students moving activity while reading the book, students with ADHD could greatly benefit from a book like this. 

Lesson

Purpose: To help students with special needs in comprehension and sequence. 

Pre-assessment: Allow the students to read the book for the first time and view their interaction with it. 

Lesson: A major part of this lesson is just reading the book and completing the actions. Students may need help at first, several reads may need to be completed. Once the students have read the book then a simple work sheet for sequence can be used. Such as the first touch in the story was to _______, or after shaking the dots then I _______. Using fill in the blank or a word box would be extremely beneficial. 

Post-assessment:  After the second read, or several reads watch the students interaction with book. The assessment is the students ability to comprehend the actions written in the book, or the worksheet with sequence. 

Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out!

Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out!

By April Pulley Sayre

illustrated by Annie Patterson

Genre: 

Grades:1 to 3

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About The Author

April currently lives in South Bend, Indiana and is the author of over 50 books.  Growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, she spent time picking flowers and observing insects and birds. She attended Duke University where she studied biology and focused on primatology. The link above has more information! 

About The Book

Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out! begins on a beach in Florida when a mother turtle lays her eggs. Helping hands keep the eggs safe and two months later the eggs hatch. Once the baby turtle enters the ocean the reader then learns about all of dangers that a baby turtle encounters. Then eventually the baby turtle completes the cycle grow up and lays her own eggs. 

I already have a love for sea turtles, so the book was extremely easy for me to choose. The book also has beautiful illustrations and does a great job of educating its readers. The common words of, Turtle, Turtle, Watch out! is through out the book and makes it a great book for younger readers. The students can even read it out loud with the teacher! The book briefly describes the seven types of sea turtles in the back of the book while speaking about the helping hands that help save sea turtles. 

Lesson

Purpose: To teach students about sea turtles and the different types of sea turtles. To show students how to compare and contrast. 

Pre-assessment: Having student talk about sea turtles with a partner, then asking students what comparing and contrasting means. Student responses should written down.

Lesson: Go over characteristics of sea turtles. Such as they are air breathing reptiles, body characteristic, habitat they live in. Another class chart can be made and then students can go over the 7 different kinds of sea turtles as class, or students can do this in group work, where they create a graph (a graph could be made up ahead of time for the sake of time). Once done let them choose two sea turtles and compare and contrast the two.  Be sure to explain what comparing and contrasting mean, a venn diagram would be helpful.The students can then write a paper on it. Depending on the grade level students may need a demonstration of comparing and contrasting or writing as a class can also be a helpful tool for them. 

Post assessment: Looking at student work, the graph, and paper, while also taking into consideration students reposes during discussion. (notes should be taken)

Nightsong

Nightsong

By Ari Berk

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Illustrator: Loren Long

Grade: Second to third

Genre: Fiction

About The Author

Ari Berk is a man of many talents, not only is he an awards winning writer, but he is also a folklorist, an artist, and more! Click on the link above to see! Born in California, he currently lives Michigan where he is a father  to a son and a husband.  Nightsong, has been named one of amazon.com's Best Picture Books of 2012. His Berk's just released his first novel, Death Watch, which has great reviews to follow. 

About The Book

I chose this book because of its great illustrations and I was looking for another bat book, besides that of Stellaluna by, Janell Cannon (which is an outstanding childrens book).  I couldn't help but fall in love with book, everything about it sucked me in! As the book begins we are introduced to Chiro and his mother. As night begins to fall Chiro's mother releases him to have his first solo journey. Not being able to see Chiro uses his "good sense", and begins to sing. As Chiro sings the illustrations show how the singing lights the path for Chiro's journey (echolocation).  He comes across many obstacles in his path but finds his way to food and eventually back home to his cave. 

Lesson

Purpose: To understand echolocation. ( This book could be used for introduction to the bat unit, such as  micro vs. mega bat, bat characteristics, explaining how they are mammals)

Pre-assessment: Giving test to students about echolocation. Define echolocation, What animal uses echolocation? and how does it work?

Lesson: Before students read the book do a picture walk, and ask students why they think certain parts of picture a lit up?  Introduce the concept of echolocation. After book: Have discussion on the book, Why is Chiro scared? What does he do to solve his problem? What are some of the obstacles that Chiro faced?  Then explain echolocation again. 

Put students in a circle that has 4 clutters of students, ( just put large enough spaces in-between them) then blind fold a student and place them in the middle. If the blind folded student wants to eat he has to see the bugs, but does so by saying, bugs where are you? The students will then respond saying, Chiro we are over here. Once "Chiro" gets to the students the students will hand him a paper bug. Then let "Chiro" find another clutter of "bugs". This can be done with several students. But it shows students that sound can work to make pictures of where things are, and help bats navigate. 

Students can then write about what they did then relate it to what Chiro did in the book. 

Post-assessment: Look over writing but also give another test viewing if the students better understand echolocation. 

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato

By Lauren Child

About the Kate Greenaway Medal

Lauren Child!

Genre: Fiction

Grade: Pre-kindergaten to second

About The Author

Born in Wiltshire, she is an extremely talented writer and illustrator. Her illustrations are colorful and eye-catching! The illustrations can be like a collage, have photography in them, and even contain magazine clippings. Some of Child's works have won awards, such as, That Pesky Rat. Her book characters, Charile and Lola have even been made into an animated televisions series. 

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About The Book

We are introduced to Charlie's younger sister, Lola, who happens to also be a very picky eater. Charlie has the task of feeding his sister and thinks of some very inventive ways to persuade Lola into eating healthy food! Lola does not like carrots, peas, potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, apples, and yes you guessed it...TOMATOES! But Lola will be be eating carrots or peas, instead, she will be eating orange twig lets from Jupiter, and green drops from Greenland! And eventually Lola even eats a tomato, or as she calls it a Moonsquirter. 

Lesson

Purpose: To understand the difference between fruits and vegetables, and to promote healthy eating, while still focusing on literacy!

Pre-assessment- Use a brief "test", What are some healthy foods that you can eat? What is the difference between a vegetable and a fruit? 

Lesson: It is important to touch on the characteristics of the book, such as the format of the writing within the book. The way in which the words are written are just as important as the pictures. Some of the words are in wiggly lines, or in cabinets, or spaced out, and it is important to teach young children how to adapt to this and read it correctly. 

Teach the difference between a fruit and a vegtable! Creating a chart of differences and similarities would work, but also having real examples would be beneficial. If possible allowing the children to try it would be great ( watch food allergies). Once this has been done then bring out a tomato and let students try to guess if it is a fruit or vegetable! Reinforce this lesson by using a chart and having the students write the differences between fruits and vegetables , or use sentence cut outs for the younger students. Teachers could also use sort baskets, by having two baskets and having the students sort the fruit and vegetables! 

Post assessment- Once the students are done they can either take another test, or use the post test to ass more information or change their responses. Use another work sheet so that you can see the improvement. 

* Worksheets can be sent home with the family informing parents of healthy choices, and even chart that allows the student to log what they are eating! 

Germs Make Me Sick

Germs Make Me Sick!

By Melvin Berger

Illustrated by, Marylin Hafner

Grade: second to third

Genre: non- Fiction

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About the Author

Melvin Berger was born in Brooklyn, New York. Now living in East Hampton, New York, Berger has over 200 non-fiction science books, several of which are award winning. Berger does a phenomenal job in simplifying difficult science concepts to younger readers. Going to college for electrical engineering and music, he then recieved a Masters degree in music education. Melvin and his wife, Glida, collaborate for the Scholastic Question-And-Answer series.  Click on the link above for more information!

About The Book

What a great read for younger readers! The text can be read to the class, or read in small groups. Packed with information the lesson ideas are endless! The book combines literacy and science together, explaining the defenses the body has over our enviroment and the many germs that plague it. It also touches on the fact that not all germs are bad!  It talks about how bacteria multiply, white blood cells, antibodies, briefly touches on the circulatory system, and viruses. 

Lesson 

Purpose: What germs are, and how they effect our bodies (immune system) .

Pre-assessment:  Give a short "test" to view background knowledge. Making it multiple choice or short response. 

Lesson: After the students have read the book, they will  learn about the term immune system. Then begin the concept of germs and that there are 1000's of them that come in all shapes. This will be done in a class discussion then backed up with a worksheet where they draw some of the images in the books, they can also draw how the germs multiply over hours. Also, it is important to explain that our skin is our largest defense system against germs, but when our skin and tiny nose hairs don't work, then our bodies start to take action inside. Our bodies white blood cells and antibodies go after the germs.  Students can create there own blood stream by doing this: You will need get  a zip lock bag, gel, tape, and three different small objects (many of them). One will represent the red blood cells, white blood cells and antibodies. The gel will go in the bag, place several of the objects into the bag then tape shut. Students can then use it to write about our immune system. 

* This can also be shown by using the students as the red and white blood cells, and antibodies. Create signs or shirts representing each one and clear an open space in the classroom! Then let the students go to work as they visually and actively show what is happening! Then allow the students to write  there observations relating it the immune system.

Post assessment: Using written response look over students work, a test should be used as well.  

Wash Your Hands

 Wash Your Hands

By Tony Ross
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Grade: Pre-Kindergarten to first
Genre:Fiction

About The Author

Tony Ross has illustrated and written over fifty books. Born in London in 1938, his well known works have received several awards. Some of Ross's books include: 1986-I Want My Potty, 1991-A Fairy Tale, 2005- I Don't Want to Go to Bed. Click on the link above to see more of Tony Ross's works!

About The Book

The reader is introduced to young a girl, The Little Princess, who loves to get dirty. The Little Princess is soon bothered by her maid, the Queen, the cook, and the Kind to wash her hands, but The Little Princess does not understand why! Once her maid explains and gives a great example of the "dirties" The Little Princess begins to wash her hands! 

Wash Your Hands, is a simple read yet effective read. The book can be read with excitement and humor and capture a younger audience! The illustrations are bright and funny! The illustrations also help with comprehension and bring to life the idea of germs. 

Lesson

Purpose- To teach younger students about germs and importance of washing their hands. 

Pre- Assessment: Ask students why we wash out hands, and or what are germs and what can they do to us? Creating a chart of their responses have a quick discussion.

Lesson Idea: Use flour and place it in your hand, then "sneeze".  Allow the flour to disperse into the air, on desks, the floor etc. Then ask a student to come and shake your hand, or touch the desk. Engage the students and ask what just happened? You can also get several students put  washable paint in their hands and get several washable objects. Then let the students shake hands with each other and touch the objects. The students can observe the actions, discuss what was seen and draw pictures on a comic strip of what they saw, then each students can explain their comic strip and what they saw happening with the germs. 

* The book can also be used in student group readings. 

Assessment- Go back to the list and see what students can add to the list. Hopefully, there will be more detailed responses, and assessing their comic strip and explaination can be used.