The Way to Start a Day by Byrd Baylor

The Way to Start a Day

Written by Byrd Baylor

Illustrated by Peter Parnall

Book Review

Language Arts

1. Discuss the meaning of freestyle prose and compare it to other types of poetry.

2. Vocabulary study including: east, chant, power, honor, dawn, temple, sway, sacred, pale, streak, offering, mysterious, exactly, float, salute, ceremony, shrines, mesa, magic

3. Have each child write about their start to a typical day using freestyle prose.

Social Studies

1. Individual or small group guided inquiry on a culture of their choice. This could include a presentation for the class.

2. Create a map that details all the cultures discussed in the book.  

Math

1. Calculate the distance from various places described in the book to other places discussed. For example: How many miles is it from Peru to Egypt?  From Peru to Mexico?  

This could lead to discussion about methods of travel and travel times.  For example:  How might one travel from Mexico to Egypt?  How long might those methods take?

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Green

Written and Illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Book Trailer, etc.

Language Arts

1.  Green's simplicity prompts higher level questioning:  

Why did the author write this book? 

Why did she choose the particular green subjects she chose?  

If you were to write a book about a specific color, what would it be? Why?  

What do you think prompted the author to choose the words she used?  

What other words could she have used?

2.  Guided inquiry based on book subjects.  Students can research forests, sea turtles, limes or green fruit/vegetables, jungles, caterpillars, etc.  This research can be done individually or with a partner or small group.  Students can follow up their research by creating a presentation for the class.

3. Students can create a color book of their own using their favorite color.  Encourage them to consider cut outs similar to those used in Green as they plan for their books.  This can be done in groups or individually.  Once their books have been published, arrange for your students to partner with another class or younger grade to share their work.  Finally, books can be added to the classroom library for all to share.

A Whole Nother Story As told by Dr. Cuthbert Soup

Wonderfully Illustrated by
Jeffrey Stewart Timmons

Book Review

Book Trailer

Language Arts

1. Create compilation of all students' favorite Dr. Soup quotes. This can be a video, PowerPoint, performance, paper slide video, or any other creative expression of the preferred literary lines.


2. Writing Topics:
- Where and when would you go if you could travel through space and time?
- What would you name yourself if you could pick any name? Why? Describe your reasoning for two more new names.
-Which was your favorite villan in the book? Why? 


3. Discuss in depth the importance of each bit of advice offered by Dr. Soup. I found the advice on tattoos and time travel particularly interesting.


4. Guided inquiry based on topics students wish to know more about. For instance, the Trojan Horse as referred to on page 145. Students can then share what they learned with each other.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip & Erin Stead

 First and foremost, relax and enjoy...

Social Studies/Skills:

• Discuss what it means to be a friend.
• Compare a friend with a good citizen.

Language Arts:

• Make a list of good friend characteristics.
• Write "Glad to have a friend like you" letters.
• Listen to and sing along with Marlo Thomas's "Glad to Have a Friend Like You" and all the other wonderful friendship tales found on the world's greatest CD for children - Free to Be...You and Me compiled by Marlo Thomas and her friends Alan Alda, Diana Ross, Mel Brooks and a host of other wonderful entertainers.  You can find it in my car or right here -> Free to Be... You & Me
• Write poems or songs about friendship
• Create friendship PowerPoints or Paper Slide Videos 

Links to Paper Slide Video Info:

Paper Slide Video about How to Make a Paper Slide Video

Sample How to Make a Paper Slide Video for Students

Student Made Science Paper Slide Video 


Another Good Example of a Student Made Paper Slide Video