Compare and contrast

After finishing Number the Stars we compared it to the picture book: Star of Fear, Star of Hope

Here is a anchor chart showing the ways these two stories are different as well as alike. The red stickies down the center of the poster have to do with the theme, the symbols, and the genre of each story. Both of theses stories were a big hit with my 5th graders. Christine

fiction vs. nonfiction: whats the difference?

Although I like to use my umbrellas for teaching genre (see previous post under genre)I like this lesson as well. I have the students make a list (or use a venn to compare and contrast) to give the elements of fiction and nonfiction. Christine

genre posters

 Here are pictures of the genre "umbrella"posters that I mentioned in a previous post. I got the idea from Nancy the Amazing. Christine

Mysteries from history

I really like this series by Jane Yolen. Each book is a different unsolved mystery from history. The text features she uses are really unique. This is a picture of the bulletin board I made after reading The Mary Celeste (my favorite of the 4) with my class.You can see she uses "stickies" to define words the kids might not know (in this book the words were about sailing). She has another box with background information for the reader. I haven't found a lot of picture books that are mysteries. This series inspired some of my readers to look for paperback mysteries. One thing the kids didn't really like was that these historical mysteries were never solved. At the end of the book,  the author encourages kids to use critical thinking skills to come to their own conclusions. Christine

companion books

Eve Bunting is one of my favorite authors. I love to read Train To Somewhere with my class. It is the story of an orphan who is sent on an "orphan train" trom NY to the Midwest in hopes of being adopted. The genre is historical fiction. Orphan trains did really exist in the U.S. in the early 1900's. I really enjoy combining fiction and nonfiction related to the same subject. The story Ophan Train Riders is the perfect companion piece. It is the true story of Lee Nailing, a child who travelled on the orphan trains. You feel like you are with Lee as he travels on his journey in hopes of finding a loving family. You can see from my poster the BIG Question that arises: Why were their so many orphans? Great opportunity for further research but the book does give you the reasons in a clear cut way. Christine

genre

The Trophies anthology has a variety of genres but its also important to have kids truly think about genre. I like this lesson: have them compare and contrast fiction and nonfiction using a venn. This really makes you think about the differences in new ways. I also have pictures of my "umbrella" posters (fiction, nonfiction and other) that I will post. I got these ideas from the great Nancy Doherty. She is the best! Christine