What do a girl in foster care and a 91-year-old widow have in common? A crossword puzzle related to Orphan Train highlights some of the similarities the two characters share in the book. The puzzle pulls out key details from the novel to...

Students research how the Orphan Train was an example of philanthropy that was aimed at aiding homeless children. They determine how this philanthropic effort continues now by researching contemporary relief agencies. They participate in...

Students study the lives of homeless children who rode the Orphan Train by reading first person essays of the children's experiences. They examine what rights were denied to the homeless children during the late 1800's and decide whether...

Students use readings and discussion to investigate the 19th century practice of Orphan Trains - sending U.S. urban orphans from the East to the Midwest in hopes of procuring them a home. They focus on the concept of social trade-offs.

Students explore the components and meaning of philanthropy. In this community awareness lesson plan, students are able to identify and research agencies and organizations that provide services to children in need, compare and contrast...

In this word search puzzle activity, students locate and identify various vocabulary terms related to taking a train on trip somewhere. There are ten words located in the puzzle.

Students create an abc book, acrostic poem, diary, caricature, haiku, and more for the story A Family Apart. In this A Family Apart lesson plan, students also have vocabulary words to use.

Are you teaching a unit on the Wild West and need a good book suggestion that ties in? You've just found an extensive book list that includes titles for both juvenile and advanced readers. Each title is about some aspect of the Wild West...

Supplement your Maniac Magee lesson plans with a packet of student materials. Included here is a variety of questions about the text. Pupils complete multiple choice and short-answer questions and choose from a variety of extension...

There's no need to run around trying to plan a unit for the book Maniac Magee, the work has already been done for you. Through a series of whole class, small group, and independent lessons and activities, students practice...

Use this analysis of My Antonia to help inform your instruction and prepare your pupils for the project and enrichment ideas listed at the end of the resource. The analysis covers big questions related to the text, themes, plot elements,...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this Charles Loring Brace lesson, students research the man and his contributions so that they can determine whether he served his community as a philanthropist.

Pupils read a current events non-fiction article and answer vocabulary and comprehension questions about it. In this animal artists paint for fun lesson plan, students also work on dictionary skills, geography, and creative thinking by...

This site contains a review of the book "Train to Somewhere," as well as related books and other Internet sites.

Explore the life and work of the author Joan Lowery Nixon when you visit this site. This resource features several links to more information on this author and her work.