jessica grandlinard- trade book table of...

Jessica Grandlinard- Trade Book Table of Contents

Multicultural Books

A Country Far Away Nigel Gray Illustration of Book

Faraway Home Jane Kurtz Postcard

Uncle Rain Cloud Tony Johnson Character Trait Identification

Sky Dogs Jane Yolen How-To Poster

The Shaman’s Apprentice Lynne Cherry and Mark J. Plotkin Alphabet Book

Fantasy Books

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Judi Barrett Record Weather

Greedy Apostrophe Jan Carr Sentence Making

The Runaway Dinner Allan Ahlberg Compare Fantasy & Reality

When Dinosaurs Came with Everything Elise Broach Dinosaur Poem

The Monster Who Ate My Peas Danny Schnitzlein Rhyming Word Identification

Historical Fiction Books

A Good Night For Freedom Barbara Olenyik Morrow Interactive Map

Henry’s Freedom Box Ellen Levine Analyze Songs

Redcoats and Petticoats Katherine Kirkpatrick Interview

Nim and the War Effort Milly Lee Good Citizens Skit

The Day Gogo Went to Vote Elinor Batezat Sisulu Mock Election

Realistic Fiction Books

Storm in the Night Mary Stolz Make Your Own Flashlight

Sunshine Home Eve Bunting Cards for Nursing Home Residents

My Secret Bully Trudy Ludwig Friendly Letter

Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen DyAnn Disalvo-Ryan Canned Food Drive

Fly Away Home Eve Bunting Writing Reaction

Nonfiction Books

You Can’t Taste a Pickle With Your Ear Harriet Ziefert Five Sense Game

The Moon Book Gail Gibbons Moon Mobile

George Did It Suzanne Tripp Jurmain Money Counting

I See Myself Vicki Cobb Mirror Exploration

Weird Friends: Unlikely Allies Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey Symbiosis Report

Choice Books

Grandpa’s Teeth Rod Clement Egg & Cola Experiment

Mapping Penny’s World Loreen Leedy Map of the Community

Grandpa’s Corner Store DyAnne DiSlavo-Ryan Interdependence Net

Minnie’s Diner Dayle Ann Dodds Domino Multiplication

Diary of a Fly Doreen Cronin Animal Diary

Title of Book: A Country Far Away

Author: Nigel Gray

Copyright year: 1991

Genre: Multicultural

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: The two boys highlighted in this story are from completely different

countries. One boy lives in a rural African village, while the other boy lives in a Western city.

Even though they are miles apart, they experience many of the same things. They experience the

same things, but their lives are completely different. Parallel pictures tell the story of each boy,

highlighting the similarities and differences between two cultures.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of Activity: Activity taken from

http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-africa/ERIAST/INDEX~1.HTM

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 1.3.8-Human Systems: Compare cultural

similarities and differences, such as family traditions and customs, and the traditional

clothing and food of various ethnic and cultural groups.

Description of activity: After reading the story, have a class discussion over the

similarities and differences between the two boys. If necessary, the teacher should blow

up pictures from the story so the entire class can see. After the discussion, the teacher

should have students draw a picture that matches an event in the book. Along with the

picture, have students write 1-2 sentences about how the experience in their picture is

similar or different to life in Africa. When finished, let several students share and display

finished products somewhere in the classroom.

Title of book: Faraway Home

Author: Jane Kurtz



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: When Desta returns home from school one day, she discovers that her

father is going back to his native Ethopia to be with his ailing mother. Desta knows Ethopia is

http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/byrnes-africa/ERIAST/INDEX~1.HTM

far away, and she begins to worry about her father. To comfort Desta, her father tells her stories

about growing up in Ethopia. She discovers that her father’s experiences are very different from

her own. After hearing the stories, Desta realizes that her father misses Ethopia, and becomes

comforted by his stories.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: original idea

Indiana Academic Standard: English 3.5.5-Write for different purposes and to a specific

audience or person

Description of activity: Students will write a postcard to a child in Ethopia. In the

postcard, students should tell the child everything they have learned from reading

Faraway Home. Students should also share how life in America is similar and/or

different from life in Ethopia.

Title: Uncle Rain Cloud

Author: Tony Johnson



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Carlos is an immigrant student in Los Angeles who is learning English.

He is teased at school, and struggles to learn and read a new language. He is cared for by his

Uncle Tomas, who Carlos calls “Uncle Rain Cloud” because he is always angry. Uncle Tomas

tells Carlos several ancient Mexican folktales. After several struggles, Uncle Tomas admits to

Carlos that he wants to learn English. Carlos agrees to help Uncle Tomas learn English, as long

as Uncle Tomas will continue to teach him Mexican folktales, and their relationship becomes

stronger

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Activity found at http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-

resources/lesson-plans/bright-morning-exploring-character-59.html

Indiana Academic Standard: English 3.3.3- Determine what characters are like by what

they say or do and by how the author or illustrator portrays them.

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/bright-morning-exploring-character-59.html

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/bright-morning-exploring-character-59.html

Description of activity: As a class, brainstorm a list of character traits for Uncle Tomas.

Group students into 5-6 different groups, and narrow your list of character traits down to

the same number of groups. The teacher should give each group a different character

trait from the list. Have each group find specific examples of their character trait in the

story. These could be things Uncle Tomas has said or done. Multiple copies of the story,

or photocopies or the story are necessary for this activity.

Title: Sky Dogs

Author: Jane Yolen

Copyright Year: 1995

Genre: Multicultural/Native American

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: He-who-loves-horses, an elderly man from the Blackfeet tribe,

describes how he obtained his name. As a young boy, he was traveling with his tribe, when

several members of the tribe see horses, which they call “dogs” coming from the mountains. At

first, they are afraid, but the chief assures them that they are a gift from the Old Man, or God.

When the horses get close enough to the tribe members, they bravely venture out of their tipi.

He-who-loves-horses carefully approaches the horses, and eventually feeds and pets them. He

eventually learns how to utilize the horses, and is named He-who-loves-horses.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Activity found at http://www.eduplace.com/activity/howto.html

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 5.1.1-Ways of Life Before and After the

Arrival of Europeans to 1610. Identify and describe early cultures and settlements that

existed in North America prior to contact with Europeans

Description of activity: Break students into groups of 4-6. Give each group a specific

aspect of the Blackfeet Indian culture to research. Some suggested categories include

growing/gathering food, tools, weapons, shelter, and clothing. The teacher should

provide students with several different types of research, including the internet, books,

and encyclopedias. Students are required to use at least two different resources. After

students have completed their research, students should create a how-to poster to share

with the class.

http://www.eduplace.com/activity/howto.html

Title: The Shaman’s Apprentice

Authors: Lynne Cherry and Mark J. Plotkin


Genre: Multicultural/Indigenous Tribes

Number of pages: 36

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: In the Tirio Indian village, located deep in the Amazon rain forest, the

most valued and honored man in the tribe is the shaman, Nahtahlah. A young boy named

Kamanya dreams of becoming a shaman just like Nahtahlah. However, many people lose faith

in Nahtahlah when a strange illness that Nahtahlah cannot cure strikes the tribe. Then another

foreigner arrives, and teaches the tribe about the value of Nahtahlah. When Nahtahluh dies,

Kamanya becomes the new shaman, and fulfills his childhood dream.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Activity found at http://www.shopgpn.com/guides/rr/136.pdf

Indiana Academic Standard: English 4.4.5-Research Process and Technology: Quote or

paraphrase information sources, citing them appropriately

Description of activity: Create a classroom alphabet book of rainforest plants. Have

students do research on several different rainforest plants. Each book entry should

include a drawing of the plant, a short paragraph describing the plant, and a description of

how the plant is used. Citations should also be included.

Title: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Author: Judi Barrett


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: In the town of Chewandswallow, there are no grocery stores because it

rains, snows, and storms all of the food people need. Life is great until the weather takes a turn

for the worse. Suddenly, violent storm of food attacked Chewandswallow, and food portions

became extremely large. Finally, everyone abandoned Chewandswallow on a giant peanut butter

http://www.shopgpn.com/guides/rr/136.pdf

sandwich. The people of Chewandswallow finally reach another town, where they begin a new

life.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of idea: original idea

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 1.3.5- Physical Systems: Observe and record

the weather on a daily basis

Description of activity: Students will record the weather for one week. The teacher

should provide a weather journal and a temperature gauge inside the classroom. Each

day, have students record the temperature and the weather they observe.

Title: Greedy Apostrophe

Author: Jan Carr


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: All of the punctuation marks gather at Hiring Hall one morning, ready

to start a new job. The director of punctuation gives each punctuation mark a special job.

However, greedy apostrophe is determined to confuse readers. He makes his way into signs

where he does not belong. When he tries to confuse students at a school, the students are quick

to notice the mistakes, and try to catch Greedy Apostrophe. The students do not catch Greedy

Apostrophe, and he still continues to confuse people today.

ACTIVITY:


Indiana Academic Standard: English 4.6.5-Punctuation: Use parentheses to explain

something that is not considered of primary importance to the sentence, commas in direct

quotations (He said, "I'd be happy to go."), apostrophes to show possession (Jim's shoes,

the dog's food), and apostrophes in contractions (can't, didn't, won't).

Description of activity: Create a set of words that includes apostrophes. Make 7-10 sets,

and split students into equal groups. Have the students set the cards face down. Each

student will take a turn choosing a word. The student then has to create a sentence using

the word they have chosen.

Title: The Runaway Dinner

Author: Allan Ahlberg


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Banjo sits down to eat his dinner when suddenly, his food, plate,

table, chair, and silverware run away. Banjo follows the items to the park, where several of

the items are eaten, or used by people playing in the park. Finally, Banjo catches part of his

dinner, when his mother catches him and tells him not to eat it because it has been on the

ground. Banjo is frustrated because he is still hungry. Banjo returns home to eat dessert, and

the chase starts all over again.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of Activity: Activity found at

http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=fantasy+and+reality&media=lesson

Indiana Academic Standard: English 2.3.6- Recognize the difference between fantasy and

reality.

Description of activity: Summarize and type events that happen in the story and cut into

strips. Each student should have a copy of all of the strips. Give students a t-chart and

have the students write fantasy on one side and reality on the other side. Have students

categorize each event into fantasy or reality.

Title: When Dinosaurs Came with Everything

Author: Elise Broach


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: A little boy does not like to go on errands with his mother. Just

when he thinks that running errands cannot get any worse, he discovers that stores are giving

away free dinosaurs. The boy is extremely excited, but his mom is not very pleased. The

boy and his mom finally return home, where the dinosaurs are put in the backyard. Both the

http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=fantasy+and+reality&media=lesson

boy and the mother quickly discover that the dinosaurs can be very helpful, and begins to

enjoy the dinosaurs.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Idea for activity taken from

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/dinosaurs/

Indiana Academic Standard: English 2.5.4-Write rhymes and simple poems.

Description of activity: Students will create a poem about a day with a dinosaur. The

poem must include at least five lines, and use one instance of rhyme.

Title: The Monster Who Ate My Peas

Author: Danny Schnitzlein


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: A boy does not like to eat his peas. One day, a monster appears

and tells the boy he will eat his peas for him if he gives him a toy. The boy agrees, and each

time the monster comes back to eat his peas, the price escalates. Finally, the monster

demands the boy’s dog. The boy decides that he could not part with his dog, and tries the

peas. After eating the peas, he discovers that peas are not so bad after all, and he does not

need a monster to eat his food for him.

ACTIVITY:


Indiana Academic Standard: English 2.3.4-Identify the use of rhythm, rhyme, and

alliteration (using words with repeating consonant sounds) in poetry or fiction.

Description of activity: The teacher should locate rhyming lines in the story. The teacher

should then type each rhyming line, underlining the rhyming word. Each line should be

cut into small strips. Give each student a strip. Have students identify the word that is

underlined. Once all students know their underlined word, have students walk around the

room and find their rhyming match.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/dinosaurs/

Title: A Good Night for Freedom

Author: Barbara Olenyik Morrow


Genre: Historical Fiction

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS: Hallie, a young Quaker girl, discovers two runaway slaves in Levi Coffin’s

basement. Soon after she discovers the girls, two men come to Hallie’s house, and ask if she has

seen runaway slaves. Hallie does not know what to do because her father says it is not right to

help slaves. Hallie talks to the girls again, and begins to trust them. The two slaves leave the

Coffin house, and Hallie hopes that they will get to safety.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Activity found at

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/books/applications/imaps/maps/g5s_u6/index.html

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 3.3.1- The World in Spatial Terms: Use

labels and symbols to locate and identify physical and political features on maps and

globes. Label a map of the Midwest, identifying states, major rivers, lakes and the Great

Lakes.

Description of activity: Go to this website

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/books/applications/imaps/maps/g5s_u6/index.html

and have students explore the maps of the Underground Railroad. Students should

complete the three activities found on the website. Students should also identify the

major states involved in the Underground Railroad, as well as the major physical features

on the map.

Title: Henry’s Freedom Box

Author: Ellen Levine



Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Henry is a young slave who has been separated from his family. He

works in a tobacco factory, and eventually marries another slave. Henry and his wife have

several children, and both Henry and his wife are in high spirits. One day, his family is sold, and

enlists Dr. Smith, a white man, to help him escape. Henry builds a giant box, and mails himself

to Philadelphia, where he will be free. After a long journey, Henry arrives in Philadelphia, and is

greeted by several white men.

ACTIVITY:


Indiana Academic Standard: Music 4.9.1-Explore and perform music associated with

historical periods, events, and movements in Indiana such as music of specific American

Indian tribes, songs of the Civil War, or songs of the Underground Railroad.

Description of activity: Go to this website:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/slavery/experience/education/feature.html and choose several

songs to play. Let the students listen to each song. After each song, discuss possible

meanings of each songs.

Title: Redcoats and Petticoats

Author: Katherine Kirkpatrick



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: When the American Revolution arrives in Thomas’s village, his life

becomes drastically different. His church becomes a British fort and his family is forced to move

out of their home. His father is also arrested for being a “traitor”. Thomas’s mother begins to

wash and rewash handkerchiefs and petticoats and sends Thomas on peculiar and dangerous

errands. At first Thomas doesn't know what to make of his mother, but as he keeps his eyes and

ears open, he begins to suspect that things are not necessarily as they seem. Thomas eventually

discovers that his mother has been sending secret signs to George Washington and his army to

help them defeat the British.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Original Idea

Indiana Academic Standard: English 3.7.3 Answer questions completely and

appropriately.

Description of activity: With a partner, have students conduct mock interviews with the

characters. One student should be a character, and the other student should be the

interviewer. Give each student an opportunity play both roles.

Title: Nim and the War Effort

Author: Milly Lee



Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: In the spring of 1943, Nim’s school has a paper drive to help with the

war effort. Nim is determined to win, but so is Garland Stephenson. However, on the last day of

the contest, Nim’s grandfather forces her to go to Chinese school, which is held after regular

school. On the way to school, Nim discovers that Garland was cheating, and tries to stop him.

Nim eventually wins the contest, but has made her family look dishonorable. Despite feeling

dishonored, Nim’s family is still proud of her.

ACTIVITY:


http://www.wisconsinhumanities.org/downloads/Nim-War-Effort.pdf

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 3.2.6- Roles of Citizens: Explain the role

citizens have in making decisions and rules within the community, state and nation.

Description of Activity: Ask students to give some examples of a good citizen. Some

examples might include voting, volunteering, helping others, etc. Write each example on

the board. Divide students into small groups, and give each group one example. Have

each group create a skit defining and showing their example. Have each group present to

the entire class.

Title: The Day Gogo Went to Vote

Author: Elinor Batezat Sisulu



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Thembi and her grandmother are very close. One day, Thembi’s

parent come home and tells them that black South Africans will be allowed to vote for the first

time. Everyone is amazed when Gogo announced that she will vote, and brings Thembi with

her. On Election Day, Gogo waits in line, shows her identification, and casts her vote. After

voting, Gogo is very proud and photographed for the newspaper.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Original Activity

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 5.2.9- Roles of Citizens: Examine ways by

which citizens may effectively voice opinions, monitor government, and bring about

change in government including voting and participation in the election process.

Description of activity: Create a list of mock class rules. Tell the students they are going

to have the opportunity to vote on the new rules. Read each of the rules to the students.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each rule. After the discussion, hand each

student a piece of paper, and have student vote if they want the new rules. After the

voting, discuss the importance of voting, and if voting is an effective way for citizens to

participate in government.

Title: Storm in the Night

Author: Mary Stolz


Genre: Realistic Fiction

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Thomas and his grandfather are stuck in a house during a storm with no

electricity. To pass the time, the grandfather tells Thomas stories about when he was a child.

Grandfather tells Thomas about his animals and how he was scared of storms when he was a

child. As the grandfather is talking, Thomas notices that he can smell and hear better in the dark.

Eventually, the lights come back on, and Grandfather and Thomas turn the lights off and go to

bed.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of idea: Idea taken from

http://www.mercury.co.nz/education/education_projects_flashlight.asp

Indiana Academic Standard: Science 4.1.3- Construct a complete circuit through which

an electrical current can pass as evidenced by the lighting of a bulb or ringing of a bell

Description of activity: Gather a flashlight bulb, a D battery, and strips of aluminum foil

for each child. If that is not possible, try to get enough sets for children to complete the

activity in small groups of around 5. Demonstrate completing the circuit to the students

by folding the foil in half lengthwise, and attaching it to the battery and the bulb. Let

students explore other ways to complete the circuit.

Title: Sunshine Home

Author: Eve Bunting



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Timmie is a young boy who has not seen his grandmother since she

entered a nursing home after breaking her hip. One day, his family goes to visit her. At first,

Timmie is apprehensive, but he soon discovers that he grandma is still the same. When he goes

back inside to give his grandma a picture, Timmie finds her crying. He rushes back outside and

tells his parents that grandma is crying. All of the family vows to help bring grandma home.

ACTIVITY:


http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/readingliterature/genres/realistic/realistic_fiction

.pdf

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 2.2.4-Roles of Citizens: Describe how people

of different ages, cultural backgrounds and traditions contribute to the community and

how all citizens can respect these differences.

Description of activity: After reading Sunshine Home, students will create cards to give

local nursing home residents.

Title: My Secret Bully

Author: Trudy Ludwig



Number or pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Katie and Monica have been friends since Kindergarten. Most of the

time, Katie is very nice to Monica, but other times, Katie can be mean. Monica begins to feel

depressed, and does not understand why Katie can be so mean. Monica tells her mother, who

encourages her to stand up for herself. Monica gathers up enough courage to confront Katie, and

reclaims power over her bully.

ACTIVITY:

Origin or idea: Original idea

Indiana Academic Standard: English 2.5.3-Write a friendly letter complete with the date,

salutation (greeting, such as Dear Mr. Smith), body, closing, and signature.

Description of activity: The students will image they are Katie, and write a friendly letter

to Monica. The letter should include an apology, explanation, as well as all of the

components of a friendly letter.

Title: Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen

Author: DyAnn Disalvo-Ryan



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Every day, a young boy is picked up from school by Uncle Willie.

Uncle Willie works at a soup kitchen, and asks the young boy to come and help. At the soup

kitchen, the boy helps prepare and serve the food. As the people come in for food, the boy is

very curious about each person’s situation. After serving the meal, the boy helps clean up. The

boy feels very helpful after helping at the shelter, and wants to help the people at the soup

kitchen again.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: original activity

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 1.2.4- Roles of Citizens: Describe ways that

individual actions can contribute to the common good of the community.

Description of activity: After reading Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen, students will

launch a classroom canned food drive for a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

Title: Fly Away Home

Author: Eve Bunting



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: A boy named Andrew and his father live in an airport. They must

constantly move and look like travelers in order to avoid suspicion. Andrew’s father works

really hard to save money, and works on the weekends as a janitor. While his dad is gone,

Andrew plays with his friend Denny. Both of the boys are optimistic, and wish that they had a

permanent home. Whenever Andrew gets sad, he thinks of a bird, flying free in the sky.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of activity: Original Activity

Indiana Academic Standard: English 2.5.7 -Write responses to literature that:

o Demonstrates an understanding of what is read.

o Support statements with evidence from the text.

Description of activity: Have students write their reaction to Fly Away Home. In the

writing, have students give specific examples from the book.

Title: You Can’t Taste a Pickle With Your Ear

Author: Harriet Ziefert


Genre: Nonfiction

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: This book describes each of the five senses. Each short chapter begins

with a short explanation about each sense. Practical applications then to go into more detail about

each sense. Interesting facts about each sense are also included. After each sense is described,

questions are included that help children think about their senses.

ACTIVITY:


http://eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Health/Body_Systems_and_Senses/BSS0012.html

Indiana Academic Standard: 2.4.1 Identify parts of the human body that can be used as

tools, like hands for grasping and teeth for cutting and chewing.

Description of Activity: Create a cube which students can roll. On each side, draw or

attach an illustration that represents each of the 5 senses. Leave the extra square blank, or

write roll again. Each student will roll the cube and tell the class how they use that body

part or sense.

Title: The Moon Book

Author: Gail Gibbons


Genre: Nonfiction

Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: The Moon Book gives valuable information about the moon. Phases

of the moon, the moon’s role in high and low tide, and eclipses are all discussed. The history of

the moon and the history of the first Americans to step foot on the moon are also discussed.

Different equipment and methods of viewing the moon are discussed, as well as the distance and

composition of the moon. At the end of the book, students can learn more about legends,

milestones, and other facts about the moon.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of Activity: Activity found at http://www.ehow.com/way_5482039_phases-moon-

activities-kids.html

Indiana Academic Standard: Science 2.2.9-Investigate how the shape of the moon

changes from day to day in a repeating cycle that lasts about a month.

Description of Activity: Students will make a mobile depicting each of the phases of the

moon. Provide each student with a wooden dowel or hanger and cardstock or poster

board. Students should cut out the shapes of the moon from the cardstock or poster

board, then hole punch each moon and tie string to the dowel or hanger in order.

Students should label each phase for future reference.

Title: George Did It

Author: Suzanne Tripp Jurmain


Genre: Nonfiction/Biography

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: George Washington did not want to be the President of the United

States. However, so many people supported him, that he was finally convinced that he should

become President. During the election, he received the only votes. George was forced to move

away from his home, Mount Vernon, because the capital of the United States was New York.

On his way to New York, a trip that lasted eight days, many parties and celebrations were thrown

in his honor. George was nervous about being America’s first President, but he did a great job.

ACTIVITY:


http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/crossroads/sec3/k2/unit4/u4kinl1.htm

Indiana Academic Standard: Math 3.5.10 -Find the value of a collection of coins and

dollars. Write amounts less than a dollar using the ¢ symbol and write larger amounts in

decimal notation using the $ symbol.

Description of Activity: Discuss the ways we honor George Washington (money,

Washington monument, celebration of his birthday, etc.). Give students a collection of

fake quarters and dollar bills. Have the students make rubbings of Washington’s face

using a quarter. Have students count the money they have been given, and draw a

representation of the money on a sheet of paper. Beside the representation, students

should write the total amount of money using correct symbols. Students should repeat

the representation and counting activity at least five times, using different amounts of

money.

Title: I See Myself

Author: Vicki Cobb


Genre: Nonfiction

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Through the eyes of a young child, the topic of reflection is explored

and explained. This book explains that in order to see your reflection, you need a shiny object,

like a mirror. Light is also named as another important component of reflection. This book also

explains that light bounces off a mirror and reflects an image back. The light bounce is perfect

so light does not scatter.

ACTIVITY:


http://serc.carleton.edu/sp/mnstep/activities/20135.html

Indiana Academic Standard: Science 3.1.5 - Observe and describe how light is absorbed,

changes its direction, is reflected back and passes through objects. Observe and describe

that a shadow results when light cannot pass through an object.

Description of Activity: Students will complete several activities with mirrors.

o Students will write their names and hold them up to a mirror. Students will record

their observations and try to write their name so it can be read in the mirror.

o Students hold one mirror in front of their chins and a second mirror at arm's

length. Students record observations.

o Students place a small object between two mirrors which face one another.

Students move mirrors at different angles and distances to see multiple images.

Students record observations.

o Students trace patterns with their finger while looking at the reflection in the

mirror. Students record observations.

o After students are done making observations, turn off the lights and use a

flashlight to explore shadows. Explain that shadows are made when light cannot

pass through an object.

Title: Weird Friends: Unlikely Allies in the Animal Kingdom

Author: Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey


Genre: Nonfiction

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: This book gives children an introduction to symbiosis. Many

relationships between animals may seem strange, but they are actually beneficial to both animals.

In some relationships, some animals warn others of danger, some animals use others for

protection, and other animals give baths. Many of these relationship help animals survive. A

total of fourteen animals are described, and many exotic animals are also introduced.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of Activity: original idea

Indiana Academic Standard: English 4.4.4 Use logical organizational structures for

providing information in writing, such as chronological order, cause and effect, similarity

and difference, and posing and answering a question.

Description of Activity: After reading, watch the video over fish symbiosis found at

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/kids/animals-pets-kids/fish-kids/fish-

symbiosis-kids.html. After viewing the video, students will choose one symbiotic pair to

research out of a list the teacher provides. Students will write a report about the

relationship they have chosen, detailing how each animal benefits, and the causes and

effects of the relationship.

Title: Grandpa’s Teeth

Author: Rod Clement


Genre: Fiction

Number of Pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Grandpa wakes up one morning to find that his teeth, which are made

by the finest Swiss craftsman, are missing from his bedside table. As a result, Grandpa talks

funny and cannot eat. In an effort to find his missing teeth, Grandpa puts up wanted posters and

calls the police. Residents are forced to smile all the time, and anybody who does not smile is

questioned by the police. The town scares away all of the tourists and residents begin to

complain. Grandpa eventually gets a new set of teeth, and it is revealed that his dog was the one

who took the teeth.

ACTIVITY:


http://www.educationworld.com/a_books/sr_week04.shtml

Indiana Academic Standard: Health and Wellness 3.7.2-Identify a healthy practice to

maintain personal health and wellness.

Description of Activity: Pour dark cola into a glass big enough to hold an egg. Put a

hardboiled egg into the glass and let it sit overnight. The next day, take the egg out of the

cola, and use a toothbrush and toothpaste to help clean the egg. The teacher should

explain to students that the egg shell is like teeth, and brushing teeth is healthy practice

that will help them have healthy teeth.

Title: Mapping Penny’s World

Author: Loreen Leedy



Number of pages: 32

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Lisa is learning about maps in school. Lisa quickly learns all of the

components of a map, including a scale, symbols, keys, labels, and a compass rose. One day,

Lisa decides to make a map of her bedroom. After she makes a map of her bedroom, Lisa makes

a map of Penny’s adventures. In the map of Penny’s world, she includes places where she hides

toys, and direction to Penny’s favorite places. In the end, Lisa makes a map of a fictional trip

Penny takes around the world.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of Activity: Original activity

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 3.3.8- Human Systems: Construct maps and

graphs that show aspects of human/environmental interaction in the local community,

Indiana, and communities within the region.

Description of Activity: Students will construct their own map of the community. The

teacher should provide a model for students. The map needs to include all elements of a

map, including a scale, symbols, keys, labels, and a compass rose. After the map is

created, have students give examples of community interaction, including how the main

roads and businesses affect the community.

Title: Grandpa’s Corner Store

Author: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan



Number of Pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Lucy’s grandfather owns a small grocery store. When a large

supermarket is built down the road, Lucy is worried that her grandfather will have to sell his

store. A large hardware already drove out another small business, and many people think that

the small grocery store will be next. At school, Lucy and her classmates are making a map of the

community, and Lucy makes her grandpa’s store to put on the map. During the activity, Lucy

gets an idea, and recruits people from the community to come to the store. All of the support

from the community helps convince Lucy’s grandfather to keep the store open.

ACTIVITY:


http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=55

Indiana Academic Standard: Social Studies 3.4.4 - Define interdependence and give

examples of how people in the local community depend on each other for goods and

services.

Description of Activity: Explain that in Grandpa’s Corner Store, people were

interdependent, or relied on others for goods or services (For example, without Grandpa’s

store, people would not have gotten the food they needed). Create a list of several jobs,

write the job on a note card, and hand a note card to each student. Get a ball of yarn, and

hand to one student. Have the student explain why their job is interdependent. Have the

student pass the ball of yarn to another student, and continue the game until all students

have a piece of yarn. To represent how important one person is to the community,

remove one student from the circle. Have students brainstorm how that loss would affect

the community.

Title: Minnie’s Diner

Author: Dayle Ann Dodds


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Papa McFay orders his sons to complete chores around the farm.

While they are working, however, they smell from Minnie’s diner. One by one, each boy travels

to Minnie’s diner, twice as hungry as the brother before him. Papa McFay find that no work is

getting done, and travels to the diner himself. After smelling the delicious food, Papa McFay

decides he wants to have some food as well. After feeding everyone, Minnie is forced to close

her diner because she has no more food.

ACTIVITY:


http://www.multiplication.com/classroom_games.htm

Indiana Academic Standard: Math 3.2.2- Represent the concept of multiplication as

repeated addition

Description of Activity: Using dominoes doubles, the teacher will show students that

multiplication is repeated addition. First, the teacher will choose a double domino (such

as the double 1 domino), and show it to the class. The teacher then multiplies the

numbers together to get the answer. The teacher should also explain that the same

answer could be found by adding the two numbers. For example 5+5=2x5, and so on.

Once students fully understand, have students break into small groups to explore more

domino doubles. Have each student record each double they explore, and write the

answers to each double.

Title: Diary of a Fly

Author: Doreen Cronin


Genre: Fantasy

Number of pages: 40

SYNOPSIS OF STORY: Fly has gone from an egg, to a maggot, to a young fly. Fly is now

starting school, and wishes to be a superhero. At first, fly is nervous about starting school, but he

eventually begins to enjoy school. In his diary entries, fly talks about numerous things he has

done. Fly also gives some interesting facts about flies in his diary.

ACTIVITY:

Origin of Activity: original idea

Indiana Academic Standard: 3.5.2 Write descriptive pieces about people, places, things,

or experiences that:

o develop a unified main idea.

o use details to support the main idea.

Description of Activity: Each student will create a diary of an animal. Each student will

choose an animal, and create at least 7 journal entries. In the entries, students must

include important information about their animal, including the name of the animal,

where the animal lives, what the animal eats, and other important information.

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