Curated OER
When My Name Was Keoko
Students construct a book banquet to help us to recall and enjoy food eaten in Korea during the 1940's. The class is to read When My Name Was Keoko and then create a book banquet that the students invite their parents to. Students cook...
Curated OER
Maniac Magee Lesson Ideas
Here are ideas and activities to include in a "Maniac Magee" novel study.
National Endowment for the Humanities
A Wrinkle in Time: The Board Game
Tackle some big questions about A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle with a board game project. As learners brainstorm for and complete their board games, they consider what helps and hinders Meg on her journey and why she succeeds in...
Curated OER
About the Author: Kate DiCamillo
Young scholars examine the writing process of Kate DiCamillo, the author of "Because of Winn-Dixie." They read author's comments, watch a slideshow narrated by the author, complete a free-write activity, and discuss Kate DiCamillo's top...
Curated OER
Because of Winn-Dixie
Students make connections with the book Because of Winn-Dixie through writing. In this writing lesson, students pretend to be the main character and write a letter to her mother, using very descriptive language. Students also...
Curated OER
Enrichment Activities - "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH"
Fifth graders read the novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH." They discuss the various characters in the book, and the different types of conflict that take place within the book. They also research owls and rats to make comparisons...
McGraw Hill
Study Guide for A Wrinkle in Time
Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which would not be so confused if they had a study guide as great as this. Scholars increase their comprehension of A Wrinkle In Time through many supports such as guided questions, background...
Curated OER
Missing May
Learners listen to the first couple chapters in the book, Missing May by Cynthia Rylant and then sketch or write about a character or the setting, using words and phrases from the book as guides. They then discuss the chapters using the...
Curated OER
Begin Reading Seedfolks
Learners are introduced to the book Seedfolks and the concept of community. In this Seedfolks literature study lesson, the first in a unit, the teacher reads the first half of the book and students answer comprehension questions and...
Curated OER
Painter of the Caves
What a great lesson! Learners read a story called Painters of the Caves by Patricia Lauber which discusses Stone Age wall paintings in Avignon, France. There is a series of discussion questions, comprehension questions, and a graphic...
Curated OER
Julie of the Wolves
Have your class practice their comprehension skills using this resource. After reading Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, learners engage in cause and effect activities, identify story elements and figurative language, and...
Curated OER
Hope In The Hard Times - A Unit on the Great Depression
Learners examine the Great Depression through the analysis of the novel, 'Bud, Not Buddy.' They analyze photos from the National Archives website, complete a character analysis, and conduct research and summarize a topic from the Great...
Curated OER
The Star Fisher
What a terrific way to discuss racism in the 1920's. Learners read a story called The Star Fisher by Laurence Yep. It is about a Chinese American girl who experiences racism and prejudice after moving from Ohio to West Virginia....
McGraw Hill
Study Guide for Bridge to Terabithia
Bridge to Terabithia is a story about friendship that brings magic into ordinary life. Study guides may not be magical, but the guided questions, graphic organizers, extension activities, vocabulary, and discussion questions help...
Penguin Books
One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt - Teacher's Guide
Children in foster care face a lot of uncertainty in their lives. A guide for the novel One for the Murphys introduces a main character, Carley, who is thrust into the foster care system. Chapter-by-chapter questions cover key...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan on Korea
Middle schoolers participate in a lesson about ancient pottery making in Korea. The time of the research goes back to the 12th century. They read a story and study the attributes of characterization that the author uses.
Curated OER
Experiences and Experiments - There is a Difference
Sixth graders plan and conduct an experiment on food spoilage. They design the experiment, create a display, record and analyze data, and make inferences regarding the results of the experiment.
Curated OER
Explore Writing with Louis Sachar
Learners identify and interpret the author's writing process and how he came up with his idea for Holes. They experience a moderated chat with the author by participating or reading the transcript. Students also reflect on their own...
Curated OER
Let's Draw!
Learners practice their drawing skills using a variety of stories as sources for their inspiration. Crayons and pencils are utilized to model different line widths, textures, and shapes.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Appreciation of Literature Through Newbery Books
Students will select a Newbery Medal Award book to read. They will complete one of three projects to reflect understanding of the chosen book. Their projects will be presented to the class in an effort to entice other students to read...
American Library Association
American Library Association: Newbery Medal Home Page
This page is dedicated to winners of the Newbery Medal, an award named for an eighteenth-century British bookseller. Link is available for list of current winners and past winners.
Harold D. Underdown
Children's Book Awards/ Award Winning Children's Books
Site includes information about the Caldecott Medal, the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and other National Awards from 2002-current. Includes a page on each award, links to press releases, and...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Book Files: Out of the Dust
"Out of the Dust", a Newbery Award Winning, poetic book by Karen Hesse. The heroine, Billie Joe, faces issues of forgiveness and healing during the Dust Bowl. The story is set in Oklahoma, during the Great Depression. Make a smart choice...