A guide for using our resources

Children will relate real tips from authors of popular children’s books to their own life.

Vocabulary: authors, supplies, jot, sketches, inspired

ELA Focus: authors

Social Studies Focus: Read Across America Day

  1. Watch a Video:

    How to Be an Author

     

  2. Read the Issue:

    Who Made Up These Characters?

     

  3. Play a Game:
    Library Search and Find

    Skill: vocabulary

     

  4. Complete Skill Sheets 

    Reading Checkpoint

    Skill: reading comprehension

     

    Create a Character!

    Skill: character traits

     

    Write the Title

    Skill: long-vowel sounds

     

  5. Lesson Boosters 

  • Paired Text Suggestion: Books by authors and illustrators Melanie Watt, Tedd Arnold, Christian Robinson, Yuyi Morales, and Mo Willems

     

  • Phonics Focus: Long i vs. Short i

     

  • Hands-on Activity:

    Get Ready Checklist!

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RI.1.1 ask and answer questions; RI.1.4 determine meaning of words; RI.1.10 read informational texts; RF.1.2 vowels; W.1.8 gather information; SL.1.1 participate in collaborative conversations

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

Paired Text Suggestion

  • Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt
  • Super Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold
  • Last Stop of Market Street by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson
  • Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
  • Elephant and Piggie books by Mo Willems
 
  • Have these titles on hand for students to peruse before or after reading tips from the people behind these books!

Phonics Focus: Long i vs Short i

  • Have students break up into small groups. Assign each group an author’s section in the article to review. Students can hunt for words that have the long /i/ sound and words that have the short /i/ sound in their section.
  • After everyone has completed their search, review their fi ndings: Did anyone find a word that begins with the long /i/ sound? Did anyone fi nd a word that begins with the short /i/ sound? Did anyone fi nd a word that has both the long /i/ and short /i/ sound?

Hands-On Activity: Get Ready Checklist!

Skill: self-management

Materials: Get Ready Checklist! skill sheets, pencils, clipboards

  • Students will get ready to tackle a task in the classroom by analyzing their mindset and preparedness.
  • Before beginning a new writing activity (or another skill sheet), review the authors’ tips from the issue. Which tips will students keep in mind when they are working? Did any tips surprise them?
  • Provide each student with a Get Ready Checklist! skill sheet, a clipboard, and a pencil. Students can place their checklist in the clipboard. Review and discuss each section of the checklist as a group.
  • Have students share what they will tell themselves before beginning their work. They can choose one of the phrases in the first section. Next, ask students to think about what supplies are needed for their work. They can write down the necessary materials. Continue to discuss the last two sections of the checklist, allowing time for students to review tips from the issue, share ideas with the group, and fill out their checklist.
  • Once their checklist is filled out, have students quietly review each section to themselves and check them off before beginning their writing activity. Do they feel ready to begin?