How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference- One Hen

Inventive, Educating, Honorable, Exemplary and Virtuous

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway and Illustrated by Eugene Fernandes

Published by Kids Can Press

Copyright 2008

2009 Children’s Choice Winner 

This book written by Katie Smith Milway and Ilustrated by Eugenie Fernandes takes place in Africa in a Ghana village. The main character Kojo cannot go to school because he cannot afford it after the death of his father. His mom takes out a loan and Kojo buys a chicken with the leftover coins. In this resourceful story readers follow along with Kojo and see how he is able to complete his education and then even creates a business when he gets older. This book will show readers that money is important in life as the economy continues to grow. The most interesting part of the story is that it is based on a true story and will help readers connect to the main character that struggles at first and then prevails.

Description: Non-Fiction, Diversity                   

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 810L

Electronic Resources:

One Hen Lesson Plan

This link provides a very interesting lesson plan activity to use in the classroom. The students will be able to review economic concepts that are featured in this book and they will also be able to identify the main characters and setting of the book by playing BINGO.

Kids Can Press

This link brings you to the publishing companies website. The website includes a brief description of the book, curriculum connections and reading level statistics.

One Hen

This is the official book website where you can learn the story, take a quiz and also play games. This is a fun interacting website that the children can view before or after reading the book.

Key Vocabulary: Scarcity, Entrepreneur, Natural Resources, Capital Resources, Loan, Microcredit, and International

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to help teach economic and financial terms.

2. Use this text to show that teamwork is important when accomplishing goals.

3. Use this text when doing a Social Studies lesson on the different cultures.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Before reading this book present the vocabulary words to the children on the board. Help define the unknown words as a group. This will help the students understand the words when they read the book.

During Reading- Have a popcorn discussion during reading to help students connect to the text and help them communicate with others what is happening so far in the book.

Post- Reading- Have the students research some different microlending organizations such as ACCION International, Food for Hungry, Habitat for Humanity ETC. This will help them learn about what different things each of these organizations do.

Writing Activity- Have the children write to an organization in North America that donate money to village banks. Have them explain if they had a lot of money what they would do to help and why they chose to help this organization.

Milway, Katie Smith, and Eugenie Fernandes. One hen: how one small loan made a big difference. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2008. Print.

Heart and Soul- The Story of America and African Americans

Hope, Courage, Inspiration, Struggles and Freedom

Heart and Soul The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson

Published by Balzer + Bray

Copyright 2011

Coretta Scott King Book Award 2012

“Nelson effectively captures the roles of ordinary people in landmark events (“We called ourselves the Freedom Riders”) while presenting famous leaders who changed the world, from Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks to Langston Hughes, Louis Armstrong, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and, finally, President Barack Obama” – BookList

This book written by Kadir Nelson provides a great overview of American and African-American history from the Revolutionary War era to the present. The story is told from the viewpoint of an elderly lady who shares her life story along with other major historical events. This is an excellent book for children because of the historical content they cover such as slavery, black innovation and the revolution. The book also provides unique paintings of African Americans known and unknown, whenever you turn the page. When children read this book they will learn about all of the African Americans who struggled and those who made achievements that helped define our country today.

Description: Non-Fiction, History                      

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 1050L

Electronic Resources:

Meet the Author

This is the author Kadir Nelson personal website. The website includes a biography about the author, drawings from the author and photos and videos featuring the author.

Lesson Plans

This website is great for teachers to use because it provides a summary of the book and provides classroom activities that go along with the book.

African American History Month

This is an excellent website for teachers that provides ready to use lesson plans, student activities, guides and research aids to use in the classroom.

Key Vocabulary: Martyrs, Hightailed, Battalions, Boll Weevils, Immigrants, Prairies, and Confederacy

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text when discussing important events that lead up to the Civil War.

2. Use this text to teach students the importance of the arts to African Americans in the twentieth century.

3. Use this text when introducing discrimination and the ways people discriminate against others.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Provide the students with an Anticipation Guide that includes interesting facts that the students will learn when reading the text. Include examples that are presented in the text and also reverse the truth of some statements to make the children use their common sense skills.

During Reading- Have students participate in small group discussions.  Some suggested discussion questions include,

1. Are you familiar with any of these African American figures discussed in the book?

2. How do you feel about the discrimination during those times?

3. What are some historical events you have or haven’t heard of before being introduced to this book?

Post- Reading- Have the students get into groups and have them summarizing the text together. The students will understand more when they discuss with others. This book has a lot of information and facts that might get forgotten by the students if they don’t discuss what they have read.

Writing Activity- Have the students research an African American and write a biography on the person. Have them include details about their life and what types of prejudice they experienced and how they overcame the struggles in their life.

Nelson, Kadir. Heart and soul: the story of America and African Americans. New York: Balzer + Bray, 2011. Print.

Rosa

Determined, Unique, Confident, Sufficient and Loyal

Rosa by Nikki Giovanni and Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Published by Henry Holt and Company

Copyright 2005

2006 Caldecott Honor Book for Illustration

2006 Coretta Scott King Award Winner

“I am steeped in humble appreciation and gratitude to the men and woman, both seen and unseen, involved in the civil rights movement. We are all indebted to Mrs. Rosa Parks and her dear friend Johnnie Carr, as well as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and many others, for their amazing strength and push for change. – B.C.

     In this courageous story about Rosa Parks, a famous woman in American history, readers will learn how this woman stood up for her rights and not just for herself but also for all blacks that were treated so badly. On December 1, 1955, after getting on a bus to go home she refused to give up her seat to a white man because she felt that segregation was wrong. That day she decided that she wanted to change how things were and was determined to change history. So she refused to move and was arrested. Her friends all made signs to boycott buses and to walk. Almost a year later, she succeeded with her dream and the Supreme Court ruled that segregation on the buses was illegal. This is an inspiring story to show students that if you stand up for what you believe in you can make a difference.

Description: Non-Fiction, Biography, and Diversity     

Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 900L

Electronic Resources:

Reading Rockets

This link provides a video interview with the author Nikki Giovanni. The site also includes a biography and a list of the children’s books she has written.

Rosa Parks Website

This is the official website for Rosa Parks and includes a full biography and programs you can become involved in. It engages youth to partake in hands-on experiences and daily living skills.

Key Vocabulary: Pleasantries, Bellowed, Righteousness, Inherently, Furtively, Undermine, and Neutral

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text for a social studies lesson during Black History month and have children read biographies on important figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.

2. Use this text when teaching students about the Civil Rights Movement.

3. Use this text when doing a lesson on historical woman and men who were courageous.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- 

After telling the students the book you are reading aloud then give them a few minutes for prequestions. This will activate the children’s prior knowledge on Rosa Parks and help the teacher determine how much the students already know.

During Reading- 

While reading the text, pause for a few seconds after showing the illustrations and have the children pick out three pictures and jot down what comes to their mind when they first saw the picture.

Post- Reading- Have the students participate in a class discussion. Have a few topics already brainstormed. Such as,

-       Why do you think Rosa decided to make a difference that day?

-       Name something you could do today to stand up for what you believe in?

-       If you had the chance would you voice your opinion like Martin Luther King Jr. did?

Writing Activity- 

Have each student write a story about a time when they stood up for themselves or another person. Make sure they include many details and what they particular did and how it made them feel. 

Giovanni, Nikki, and Bryan Collier. Rosa. New York: Henry Holt, 2005. Print.

Amelia Lost

Enlightening, Revealing, Daring, Willful and Inspirational

Amelia Lost- The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming

Published by Schwartz & Wade Books

Copyright 2011

“There are many fascinating tidbits here… Enlightening through and through.” –The Washington Post

     In this inspirational, nonfiction novel about Amelia Earhart written by Candace Fleming, readers are introduced to Amelia’s extraordinary life. The book features her childhood life and up until her last flight. The story is filled with exciting pictures, maps, and notes written by Amelia herself. The story lets readers learn about the most famous female pilot of all time. She set out to always do the impossible until the day she disappeared. Readers will continue to be interested all the way throughout this novel, as they follow the coast guards in the Pacific Ocean, and their search for Amelia.

Description: Non-Fiction, Biography                

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 930L, Ages 8-12

Electronic Resources:

 Candace Fleming

This link provides the Authors website that includes reviews, awards and a summary of this book. You can also learn about the author Candace Fleming. It also provides a whole curriculum guide when teaching this book that is very useful. It includes vocabulary words and how to connect this book to each subject.

Amelia Earhart

This link is the official website for Amelia Earhart. It provides a biography, quotes, photos and much more information for students and teachers to get to know Amelia Earhart.

Timeline

This link is a full timeline of Amelia’s life up until her disappearance. This is a helpful site if you are using timelines in class.

Key Vocabulary: Peril, Haphazard, Hoopla, Aviatrix, Tarmac, Unwieldy

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text for a Language Arts lesson and have the students choose their favorite quote and write why they find is inspirational and interesting.

2. Use this text for a Science lesson and have children explore the Pacific Ocean where Amelia disappeared.

3. Use this text to help children create their own biographies. This book will be a good example of what type of information to add to a biography. Then have the students create their own using a timeline.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- 

Have students complete the K and W sections of a KWL chart to activate prior knowledge. They will first only fill in the know and what they want to learn more about.

During Reading- 

While reading the text, pause after each chapter and have students write down facts they find most interesting. This will help the students stay connected to the text since this book holds a lot of information and facts.

Post- Reading- Have the students now complete the L section in the KWL. Then as a group go around the room and have students share an important fact they’ve learned about Amelia Earhart.

Writing Activity- 

Have students write their own biographies by using this book to help guide them. They should include facts about their birth, family and they can also bring in pictures to include in their biographies.

Fleming, Candace. Amelia lost: the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2011. Print.

Holes

Engaging, Stimulating, Compelling, Serious and Funny

Holes by Louis Sachar

Published by Frances Foster Books Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Copyright 1998

1999 Newbery Medal

“A smart jigsaw puzzle of a novel, tough, truehearted and ultimately tender” –New York Times

    This story written by Louis Sachar, helps readers connect with the main character Stanley Yelnats who feels he has no friends and his life is cursed. Children can relate with the feeling of being left out at sometime in their life. Stanley Yelnats is forced to dig holes at Camp Green Lake detention center for stealing a pair of sneakers. While at Camp Green Lake he discovers news friends, dangers and also secrets from his families past. Camp Green Lake has been dried out for over a hundred years and for punishment the campers have all dig one hole a day. In this funny and emotional story we learn how Stanley can grow up, face his punishment and in the end seek redemption.

Description: Realistic Fiction

Suggested Delivery: Independent Read

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 660L, Grade 5+

Electronic Resources:

Louis Sachar

This is the authors website which provides a summary of the book and a question and answer section where Louis Sachar answers questions about his book. It also provides facts about the book and the awards that the book has won.

SparkNotes

SparkNotes is a great site for students because it features information such as the plot overview, character list, themes, symbols and also a summary and analysis of each chapter. This would be very helpful for students who are doing a report on this book.

Holes Treasure Hunt

This is a fun exciting game where students can test their knowledge about the book Holes. To get farther in the game they will need to answer questions about the book to help guide them.

Key Vocabulary: Stifling, Desolate, Scarcity, Penetrating, Gurgling, Precipice

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Have the students reconstruct the plot by creating a timeline of events.

2. Use this text in Social Studies to show the importance of history in everyday life.

3. Use this text in reading and language arts by having the students write a short story on the benefits of friendship.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Before reading the text introduce the unfamiliar key words that need to be taught. This will help the students learn the new words and be able to comprehend the text when they read the story. Introduce the words by asking the students if they have an idea of what the word means and continue the lesson by defining the words on the board.

During Reading- Have the students all participate in a fishbowl discussion. This will help the students with their literal compression and they are also able to make text to text and text to self connections. Some suggested discussions questions are:

1. Why is the book called Holes?

2. How does digging Holes help Stanley survive?

3. Who are the important characters in the book?

4. Explain an example of irony that is portrayed in this book?

Post- Reading- Have the students view the film Holes and then as a group activity compare and contrast the film and book by using a Venn diagram. This will help students with their inferential comprehension by having them use reasoning and drawing the conclusions about the relationships between the film and movie.

Writing Activity- Have the students each pretend to be a camper at Camp Green Lake. Have them write home a letter to their parents. Make sure they answer questions such as,

1.    What you like and dislike about the camp

2.    The emotions you are feeling

3.    Anything you want to tell your family

Sachar, Louis. Holes. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998. Print.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Riveting, Absorbing, Funny, Emotional and Lively

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos

Published by Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Date

Copyright 1998

National Book Award Finalist

“The most absorbing novel for children I’ve read in a long time.” –Liz Rosenberg (The Boston Sunday Globe)

     Joey is not like all the other students at school, he has trouble paying attention during school and at home. This story shows how Joey struggles day to day and how he needs to learn to control his behavior and energetic mind if he wants to stay at his school.

Description: Realistic Fiction

Suggested Delivery: Small Group Read Aloud

Reading Level: Lexile Framework- 970L, Grade 5

Electronic Resources:

A Teaching Unit

This site provides lessons plans that will help students with their figurative language and irony skills.

A Discussion Guide for Parents and Teachers

This site provides a discussion guide for both parents and teachers that will help them learn about the book and what types of discussions they can have with the children because this book deals with some major issues such as ADHD. I think this site will be very useful to help the students get involved.

Short Answer Test Questions

This link has a variety of short answer test prompts that the students can answer individuality or within a group. This exercise will help the students make connections to the story.

Key Vocabulary: Wading, Obedience, Amish, Jabbed, Embroidered, Stethoscope

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to teach students more about Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

2. Use this text to give students knowledge of single-parent families.

3. Use this text to help students understand that in their classroom every child is different and that everyone should accept each other for who they are.

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- Before reading the story have the students read a short summary of the book and then have each student write down three questions they might want answered. This will help those students who might need more background information on ADHD. I think this is a good topic for a book because at some time or another most students will have to deal with special needs children in the classroom.

During Reading- Have each student take a piece of paper and fold it in two. Then have them jot down important quotes on one side and predictions they think might occur for each chapter on the other side. This will help the students stay connected to the text.

Post- Reading- Call on a few students to retell the story. This will help the students monitor how much they remember and how much they pay attention when the story is being read aloud.

Writing Activity- Have each student write in journal or on a piece of paper some details about a character in the story, where the setting takes place, and what the plot of the story is. 


Gantos, Jack. Joey Pigza swallowed the key. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1998. Print.

A Year Down Yonder

Humorous, Remarkable, Touching, Entertaining and Adventurous

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers

Copyright 2000

Winner of the 2001 Newbery Honor Medal

"A small masterpiece of storytelling.. the novel reveals a strong sense of place, a depth of characterization, and a rich sense of humor."  - The Horn Book

     In this novel written by Richard Peck, Alice was in for a surprise when she is forced to spend a whole year with her Grandma because of the Great Depression that has hit her family hard. She has to move to Chicago a hick town full of drama and an unfamiliar world. For this fifteen year old, she is now the new girl in town, at school and has to adapt to a whole different routine from the city where her parents lived. Her grandma who isn't the most popular lady around town teaches her how to survive in the country. Alice becomes a young adult and develops a strong bond with her grandma. This book is a touching story, with many entertaining adventures that will have readers on the edge of their seat wanting to know more.

Description: Children's Historical Fiction

Suggested Delivery: Small Group

Reading Level: Lexile Framework-610L, Grade 4

Electronic Resources:

Scholastic Study Guide:

This site provides a study guide that will assess the students reading comprehension, reading response, literary response and writing skills.

Literature Unit

This link provides different activities to provide to the students such as a daily journal worksheet, anthologies, word wall, and challenging vocabulary words.

Key Vocabulary: Scudding, Pleated, Cackle, Baling, Lolled, Meandering

Teaching Suggestions:

1. Use this text to explore how times were during the Great Depression.

2. Use this text to have students explore a time when they were put in new situation or place.

3. Use this text to discuss extended families

Comprehension Strategies:

Pre-reading- 

Have the students write their own journal entry about a time when they were in a new place or situation. Make sure they explain how they felt, what occurred, and have them use a lot of describing words.

During Reading- 

Have the students write down all the vocabulary words they might not understand and the words they have never heard of before. After reading the story choose a few of the harder vocabulary words to define for the class.

Post- Reading- 

Have the students participate in an open discussion to discuss the characters and plot of the story. Some example questions can include,

1. Did you like the book? If yes, why? If no, why not?

2. Did you find the characters to be believable?

3. What characters did you like the most?

Writing Activity- 

Have students write an persuasive essay explaining their favorite event that Mary Alice and Grandma Dowdel did together during that year. Students can get into small groups beforehand to discuss different events during the book to get their brains flowing. The students should include evidence from the text and details as to why this event was their favorite.

Peck, Richard. A year down yonder. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2000. Print.