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"Creepy Carrots" Book Companion Activities
This picture book companion is a perfect accompaniment to Aaron Reynolds’s book, Creepy Carrots. It’s the ideal interactive read-aloud for the days or weeks before Halloween or Easter, or for educating your students about acceptance, inclusiveness, kindness, and greed. Students will love the engaging and fun activities, and you will appreciate the time saved hunting for high-level resources to teach reading concepts that students frequently struggle with.
With 29 print-and-go reading activities to choose from, this resource is ideal for customizing learning to your student’s specific needs and academic ability. Students will investigate characters, identify story elements, identify the theme, sequence events from the story, explore and use new vocabulary, discover cause-and-effect relationships, explore plot elements, and much more! The activities provided are designed to enable students to apply higher-level thinking skills, to encourage students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and to challenge students to express their own thoughts and/or perspectives.
This Resource Includes:
See, Think, Wonder
Story Elements - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Jasper’s Problem & Solution
The Carrots Problem & Solution
Cause & Effect - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity (ANSWER KEY included)
Who is Jasper Rabbit?
Character Traits - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Carrots Creeping
Character Perspective
Character Development
Story Retell (ANSWER KEY included)
Sequencing
Plot Map (ANSWER KEY included)
Summarizing
Making Inferences
Making Connections
Sensory Details
Theme - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Thematic Statements
Reader Response Questions (ANSWER KEY included)
Vocabulary Matching Cards (COLOR & B&W)
Synonyms (ANSWER KEY included)
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle (ANSWER KEY included)
Creepy Carrot Creation
Wait… There’s More!
Book Review
Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant Book Companion Activities
This fall picture book companion is a perfect accompaniment to Cynthia Rylant’s book, Scarecrow. It’s the ideal interactive read-aloud for autumn or for educating your students about seasonal changes, appreciation, the wonders of nature, and personification. Students will love the engaging and fun activities, and you will appreciate the time saved hunting for high-level resources to teach reading concepts that students frequently struggle with.
With 37 print-and-go reading activities to choose from, this resource is ideal for customizing learning to your student’s specific needs and academic ability. Students will investigate characters, identify story elements, determine the theme, sequence events from the story, practice personification, explore and use new vocabulary, discover cause-and-effect relationships, explore plot elements, write poems, investigate imagery, and much more! The activities provided are designed to enable students to apply higher-level thinking skills, to encourage students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and to challenge students to express their own thoughts and/or perspectives.
This Resource Includes:
See, Think, Wonder
Story Elements
Cause & Effect (ANSWER KEY included)
Who is the Scarecrow?
Character Traits - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Character Perspective
Character Summary
Sequencing
Plot Map
Setting Influences the Plot
Summarizing
Making Inferences
Making Connections
Theme - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Thematic Statements
Visualizing
Symbolism
Sensory Details
Seasonal Imagery
Descriptive Language
Personification Practice (ANSWER KEY included)
Personification Poem Brainstorm
Personification Poem Template
Reader Response Questions (ANSWER KEY included)
Vocabulary Matching Cards
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle (ANSWER KEY included)
Vocabulary Word Search Puzzle (ANSWER KEY included)
Scarecrow ABCs
Scarecrow Selfie
Wait… There’s More!
Book Review
Design a Book Cover
"Bonaparte Falls Apart" Book Companion Activities
This picture book companion is a fantastic supplemental resource for interactive read-aloud lessons using the book Bonaparte Falls Apart, by Margery Cuyler. It’s the perfect read-aloud for the days or weeks leading up to Halloween or for teaching your students about friendship and kindness. Students will love the engaging and fun activities, and you will appreciate the time it saves you looking for high-level resources to teach reading concepts that students often struggle with.
With 26 print-and-go reading activities to select from, this resource is ideal for personalizing instruction based on your student’s needs and academic capabilities. Students will dig into characterization; identify story elements; determine the theme; sequence events from the story; gain and apply new vocabulary; find cause-and-effect relationships; practice elements of plot; and so much more! The included activities were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspective.
This Resource Includes:
See, Think, Wonder Pre-reading activity
Story Elements - 2 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Making Connections
Character Traits - 3 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Problem & Solution
Cause & Effect - 3 differentiated versions are included for this activity (ANSWER KEYS included)
Making Inferences
Theme - 3 differentiated versions are included for this activity
Thematic Statements
Retell the Story (ANSWER KEY included)
Sequencing
Plot Map (ANSWER KEY included)
Summarizing
Wait… There’s More!
A Bone-a-fide Book Review
Vocabulary Matching Cards
Sayings and Phrases Matching Cards (COLOR and B&W)
Silly Sayings (ANSWER KEY included)
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle (ANSWER KEY included)
Vocabulary Word Search Puzzle (ANSWER KEY included)
Bundle
Chasing Vermeer Novel Study BUNDLE
This BUNDLE has EVERYTHING you need to engage your class in an artistic, mathematical mystery. Students will learn about famous artists, respond to higher level questions, deepen their vocabulary knowledge, analyze elements of plot, characters, and author’s craft.
You save over 20% off the individual price of each product by purchasing this Chasing Vermeer Novel Study BUNDLE!
Activities included require students to identify and investigate literary elements (e.g. tone, mood, plot, setting, theme, point of view, conflict, etc.) as well as literary devices & techniques (e.g. flashbacks, foreshadowing, figurative language, imagery, etc.). Students will also make predictions, compare and contrast, summarize, look for patterns, analyze characters, make inferences, and much more! The activities in this novel study encourage students to critically engage with the text.
This Resource Includes:
Who Was Johannes Vermeer?
Reader Response Journal
Mystery Genre Resources
Quote Analysis with response questions
Elements of Plot
Character Analysis
Vocabulary Graphic Organizers
Task Cards
60 - Chapter task cards
16 - Dig in & Discuss task cards - for higher-level thinking
47 - BONUS task cards
Student recording Sheets
S.T.E.A.M. Based Activities
Crack Calder’s Code: (Includes Answer Key)
What Are Pentominoes?
Investigating Vermeer’s Artwork
Artist Study, Henri Matisse
Pixel Paintings
Bundle
Celebrating Women in the Arts Book Companion BUNDLE
Celebrate the lives of Raven Wilkinson, Mary Shelley, Ella Fitzgerald, Hedy Lamarr, and Teresa Carreño, who followed their dreams despite the world trying to hold them back. This BUNDLE includes 170 no-prep activities that are ideal for customizing learning to your student’s specific needs and academic abilities.
The included reading activities are best for students in 4th–6th grades and focus on applying crucial reading skills, digging deeper into the text, and critical thinking. Quick and easy setup, plus clear student directions, make these activities perfect for centers or substitute days, too!
You will get tons of print-and-go activities for each picture book, saving you valuable time you already don’t have to spare.
You save over 20% off the individual price of each product by purchasing this BUNDLE of 5 Women in the Arts picture book companions!
Students will…
dig into characterization
identify story elements
determine theme
sequence events
apply the elements of plot
discover cause & effect relationships
identify descriptive language
practice reading the text and illustrations
determine how the setting affects the plot and character development
determine meaning and illustrate figurative language
investigate and analyze symbolism within illustrations
practice personification
learn and apply new vocabulary
make predictions, inferences, and connections
respond to writing prompts
and so much more!
The included activities were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require them to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
"Bone Soup" Picture Book Companion Activities
This picture book companion is a fantastic supplemental resource for the book Bone Soup, by Cambria Evans, the perfect interactive read-aloud for the days or weeks leading up to Halloween. Students will love the engaging and fun activities, and you will appreciate the time it saves you looking for high-level activities to teach reading concepts that students often struggle with.
With 19 print-and-go reading exercises to select from, this resource is ideal for personalizing instruction based on your student’s needs and academic capabilities. Students will dig into characterization; identify story elements; determine the theme; sequence events from the story; determine the meaning of new vocabulary, practice reading text and illustrations to gain a better understanding, and so much more! The included activities were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspective.
This Resource Includes:
Story Elements – Students fill in the boxes with words and pictures to represent the story elements.
Retell the Story - BME – Students retell the beginning, middle, and end of the story with text and illustrations.
Sequencing - Students write a sentence and draw a picture to show the correct order of events in the story.
Plot Map - Students fill out the plot map with important events from the story.
Reader Response Questions – Students respond to short answer questions.
2 Characterization Graphic Organizers - Character Traits and Character Summary
Vocabulary Context Clues - Students use context clues to determine the meanings of words from the story.
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle - Students complete a crossword puzzle with words from the story.
Vocabulary Reading Text & Illustrations - Students examine illustrations from the story to define words.
Making Connections - Students choose an event from the story and make connections.
Cause & Effect - Students fill in the missing information with either the cause or the effect.
Sensory Details - Students choose an event from the story and describe it using all five senses.
Making Inferences - Students use clues and schema to make inferences.
Theme - Students answer the questions to determine the theme of the story.
Thematic Statements - Students choose one of the provided thematic statements that they believe fits the story best.
Trip to Town - Students recap Finnigin’s visit to the town with pictures and captions that include details from the story.
Wait… There’s More! – Students create two story pages highlighting the character’s future events and actions.
Text to Text - Students compare and contrast the story Bone Soup to the story, Stone Soup using a graphic organizer.
"Paletero Man" Book Companion Activities
Looking for a light-hearted and vibrant picture book to read aloud for Hispanic Heritage Month? Paletero Man, by Lucky Diaz, is just what you’re looking for. This is a delightful tall tale that celebrates Latino culture, summer in Los Angeles, and the effects of kindness on a community.
Students will: dig into characterization; write a book review; retell the story; identify story elements; compare and contrast the text to the author’s note; determine the theme; and more! The included activities were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
This Resource Includes:
Reader Response Questions (1 page) – short-answer response questions
Story Elements Graphic Organizer (1 page) – Students will fill in the boxes with words and pictures to represent the story elements.
Retell the Story - BME (1 page) – Students will retell the beginning, middle, and end of the story with text and illustrations.
Sequencing (1 page) - Students will write a sentence and draw a picture to show the correct order of events in the story.
Plot Map (1 page) - Students will fill out the plot map with important events from the story.
Making Connections (1 page) - Students will choose an event from the story and write it on the cart. Then, they will make connections to the event and describe it in the popsicles.
Text to Text (1 page) - Students will compare and contrast the Author’s note to the story using a graphic organizer.
Character Traits (1 page) - Students will choose the most important character trait that describes the characters in the story. Then, for each character, they will give 1-2 examples from the text that support the trait they chose.
Cause & Effect (1 page) - Students will fill in the missing information with either the cause or the effect.
Sensory Details (1 page) - Students will describe their favorite paleta or ice cream flavor using all five senses with sensory and figurative language.
Theme (1 page) - Students will answer the questions to determine the theme of the story and provide text evidence.
Making Inferences (1 page) - Students will use clues and schema to come up with 2 inferences they made from the text.
Vendor Cart Advertisement (1 page) - Students will come up with a product to sell at their vendor cart and create an advertisement to persuade customers to purchase their product.
Crossword Puzzle (1 page) – Students will complete a crossword puzzle by matching words from the story to their meanings.
Word Search (1 page) – Students will find the words hidden in the puzzle. Words can share letters and go in any direction.
Cool to Be Kind (1 page) - Students will brainstorm and then list the ways they can be kind towards someone at school.
Book Review (1 page) – Students will rate and write a review of the book.
ANSWER KEYS (4 pages)
"Octopus Stew" Book Companion Activities
Looking for a NEW, funny, and light-hearted picture book to read aloud for Hispanic Heritage Month? I’ve got you covered! Octopus Stew, by Eric Velasquez, is just what you’re looking for. Students will be hooked from page one. This is a delightful tall tale that celebrates Latino culture and an adventurous spirit.
Students will: write a story of their own as a comic; dig into characterization; write a book review; retell the story; identify story elements; compare and contrast the text to the author’s note; research sharks and octopuses, and more! The reader response questions lend themselves to in-depth class or peer discussions and were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
This Resource Includes:
Reader Response Questions (1 page) – short-answer response questions
Story Elements Graphic Organizer (1 page) – Students will fill in each box with words and pictures to represent each story element.
Character Traits Graphic Organizer (2 pages) - Students will analyze the boy and/or grandmother in the story by identifying their dialogue, thoughts, actions, and feelings.
Character Trait Showcase (1 page) - Students will choose the most important character trait that describes each of the characters in the story. Then, for each character, they will give 1-2 examples of why they picked that trait.
Character Summary (1 page) - Students will summarize a character of their choice, focusing on challenges, responses to challenges, flaws, positive characteristics, and completing a timeline of 5 events that showcase their character’s behavior.
Retell the Story - BME (1 page) – Students will retell the beginning, middle, and end of the story Octopus Stew with text and illustrations.
Create a Comic (1 pages) - Students will create or retell a favorite story as a comic, with speech bubbles, words, and illustrations.
Story vs Author’s Note (1 page) - Students will compare and contrast the author’s note to the story using a graphic organizer.
Book Review (1 page) – Students will rate and write a review for the book Octopus Stew.
My Family Memory (2 pages) – Students will choose a family memory or story and write it as a fantasy story with illustrations.
Long Research Project on Sharks or Octopuses (8 pages each) - Students will choose to research either sharks or octopuses. They will complete graphic organizers, answer questions, draw and label an illustration, record fun facts, define and illustrate new vocabulary, and complete a summary report.
One-Page Research Project on Sharks or Octopuses (1 page each) - Students will choose to research either sharks or octopuses. They will complete a one-page report with facts regarding their animal’s habitat, features, diet, movement, and interesting facts.
"My Papi Has a Motorcycle" Read Aloud Activities
Looking for a NEW, funny, and light-hearted picture book to read aloud for Hispanic Heritage Month? I’ve got you covered! My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero, is just what you’re looking for. This is a delightful tall tale that celebrates Latino culture, a vibrant and bustling immigrant community, and the bond and affection between a father and daughter.
Students will: dig into characterization; write a book review; retell the story; identify story elements; compare and contrast the text to the author’s note; find meaning and illustrate figurative language, and more! The reader response questions lend themselves to in-depth class or peer discussions and were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
This Resource Includes:
Reader Response Questions
Story Elements Graphic Organizer
Plot Map
Retell the Story - BME
Character Traits
Character Trait Showcase
Character Summary
Flying by Figurative Language
Sensory Details
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle
Text to Text
Brag Board
Map of My Community
Cruising My Community
Book Review
"Dreamers" Picture Book Companion Activities
Looking for a new picture book to read aloud for Hispanic Heritage Month? Look no further! Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales, is the perfect book. Students will be engaged from page one, learning all about her journey migrating to America.
Students will write, create a dream board, share their favorite book, learn and apply new vocabulary, investigate and analyze symbolism within the illustrations, dig into characterization, and compare and contrast the text to the author’s note. The reader response questions lend themselves to in-depth class or peer discussions and were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
This Resource Includes:
Dream Board (1 page) - Students will fill out a dream board that includes question prompts with text and illustrations.
Reader Response Questions (2 pages) – 11 short-answer questions
My Bag is Packed (1 page) – Students will draw 4 gifts that they would choose to bring if they were leaving their country and moving to a new one. Then, they explain why they chose to bring those particular gifts.
The Best Book (1 page) – Students will draw the cover of their favorite book and explain why it’s their favorite.
Wait… There’s More! (1 page) – Students will create another page for the end of the book that includes a few sentences and colorful illustrations similar to those used in the story.
Symbolism Activity (2 pages) – Students will analyze and identify various symbols and the use of symbolism in the book. This is a great activity to split the class into groups and have each group analyze a different symbol.
Vocabulary Presentation (8 pages) - Present these pages to the class to teach the vocabulary words that students might be unfamiliar with. A definition and an image are included.
Vocabulary Notes (4 pages) - Students can fill out these note pages as you show the vocabulary presentation.
Vocabulary Crossword Puzzle (1 page + Answer Key) – Students will complete a crossword puzzle by matching words pulled from the story to their definitions. Students can use their note pages to help them.
Characterization Graphic Organizers (3 pages)
Author’s Note (2 pages) – A printable version of the author’s note titled “My Story” that is found at the end of the book. Students can use this to read independently before completing the included graphic organizer.
Story vs Author’s Note (1 page) - Students will compare and contrast the Author’s note and the text using the graphic organizer.
"Funny Bones" Book Companion Activities
Looking for engaging and meaningful read-aloud activities for Hispanic Heritage Month or to celebrate Día de los Muertos? This picture book companion is just what you need! Included are 21 print-and-go reading activities that pair perfectly with the picture book Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh. The included reading activities are best for students in 3rd - 5th grades and focus on applying crucial reading skills, digging deeper into the text, and critical thinking. Quick and easy setup, plus clear student directions, make these activities perfect for centers or substitute days, too!
Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras is a fascinating biography that relates the pivotal moments of Lupe’s life and explains the different artistic processes he used. Not only is this a great read-aloud for National Hispanic Heritage Month or for Día de los Muertos, it is also a great option for classes studying political cartoons or art history.
Students will dig into characterization, identify story elements, determine the theme; sequence events from the story, determine how setting affects the plot and character development, write a literary calavera poem or short story, and so much more! The included activities were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
"Dancing Hands" Teresa Carreño Book Companion Activities
Make interactive read-alouds fun and meaningful with these engaging reading activities! This picture-book companion is great for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Included are 13 print-and-go reading activities that pair perfectly with the picture book Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played for President Lincoln, by Margarita Engle. The included activities focus on important reading skills, digging deeper into the text, and critical thinking. Quick and easy setup plus clear student directions make these activities perfect for centers or substitute days, too!
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played for President Lincoln is an inspirational story about one little girl’s journey to fame. This historical story reads like a beautiful poem. Author Margarita Engle’s elaborate descriptions and rich metaphors transport the reader back in time. The vibrant and stunning illustrations also help draw the reader into Teresa’s life, her music, and the historical events of the time period.
**Students will: **
dig into characterization
write a book review
retell the story
identify story elements
practice reading the text and illustrations
determine the theme
identify descriptive language,
and more!
The included activities were designed to encourage students to use higher-level thinking skills, require students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and challenge them to provide their own opinions and/or perspectives.
Bundle
Women in STEM Book Companion Activities BUNDLE
Celebrate the lives of Jane Goodall, Joan Procter, Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr, and Raye Montague, who followed their dreams despite the world trying to hold them back. This BUNDLE includes over 240 no-prep activities that are ideal for customizing learning to your student’s specific needs and academic abilities.
The included reading activities are best for students in 4th–6th grades and focus on applying crucial reading skills, digging deeper into the text, and critical thinking. Quick and easy setup, plus clear student directions, make these activities perfect for centers or substitute days, too!
You will get TONS of print-and-go activities for each picture book, saving you the valuable time you already don’t have to spare.
You save over 20% off the individual price of each product by purchasing this BUNDLE of 5 Women in STEM picture book companions!
Students will…
dig into characterization
identify story elements
determine theme
sequence events
apply the elements of plot
discover cause & effect relationships
identify descriptive language
practice reading the text and illustrations
determine how the setting affects the plot and character development
determine meaning and illustrate figurative language
investigate and analyze symbolism within illustrations
practice personification
learn and apply new vocabulary
make predictions, inferences, and connections
respond to writing prompts
and so much more!*
Bundle
Black History Book Companion Activities BUNDLE
Looking for engaging and meaningful read-aloud activities to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., MLK Day, or Black History Month? This 4-Book BUNDLE of Interactive Read-Aloud Picture Book Companions is just what you need! You will get TONS of print-and-go activities for each picture book, saving you the valuable time you already don’t have to spare.
By purchasing this BUNDLE of all 4 Black History Month book companions, you are saving 20% off the individual price of each product!
This BUNDLE includes 125 no-prep activities. The included reading activities are best for students in 4th–6th grades and focus on applying crucial reading skills, digging deeper into the text, and critical thinking. Quick and easy setup, plus clear student directions, make these activities perfect for centers or substitute days, too!
Students will…
dig into characterization
identify story elements
determine theme
sequence events
apply the elements of plot
discover cause & effect relationships
identify descriptive language
practice reading the text and illustrations
determine how the setting affects the plot and character development
determine meaning and illustrate figurative language
investigate and analyze symbolism within the illustrations
practice personification
and so much more!
Bundle
Women in Black History Book Companion BUNDLE
Raye Montague, who followed their dreams despite the world trying to hold them back. This BUNDLE includes 170 no-prep activities that are ideal for customizing learning to your student’s specific needs and academic abilities.
The included reading activities are best for students in 4th–6th grades and focus on applying crucial reading skills, digging deeper into the text, and critical thinking. Quick and easy setup, plus clear student directions, make these activities perfect for centers or substitute days, too!
You will get TONS of print-and-go activities for each picture book, saving you the valuable time you already don’t have to spare.
You save over 20% off the individual price of each product by purchasing this BUNDLE of 4 Women in Black History book companions!
Students will…
dig into characterization
identify story elements
determine theme
sequence events
apply the elements of plot
discover cause & effect relationships
identify descriptive language
practice reading the text and illustrations
determine how the setting affects the plot and character development
determine meaning and illustrate figurative language
investigate and analyze symbolism within illustrations
practice personification
learn and apply new vocabulary
make predictions, inferences, and connections
respond to writing prompts
and so much more!
Theme & Author's Purpose Reading Task Cards
This task card set is ideal for reviewing and practicing specific reading comprehension skills. Included are 20 reading task cards that focus primarily on THEME and AUTHOR’S PURPOSE. These task cards vary in reading levels and difficulty and can be used in 3rd–6th grades. Both fiction and nonfiction texts are included.
Each card contains a short passage, a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and/or graphic organizers to fill in. Task cards are half a page and should be printed double-sided, with the passage on one side and the tasks (questions) on the back. Student response sheets are included if you don’t want students to write on the actual task cards.
This Resource Includes:
10 - Theme Task Cards
Theme Student Response Sheet (1 full sheet)
Theme Answer Key
10 - Author’s Purpose Task Cards
Author’s Purpose Student Response Sheet (1 full sheet)
Author’s Purpose Answer Key
Ways to use Task Cards:
Reviewing specific reading skills
Test prep
Small group instruction
Literacy centers / stations
Partner work
Intervention groups
Around the room activity where the students rotate around the room answering questions
Daily test prep review by projecting or printing one card a day
Bell ringers
Warm-up activity
Mini-lesson extension
Exit tickets
"The Girl With a Mind for Math" Book Companion
This picture book companion is a complete supplemental resource for Julia Finley Mosca’s book, The Girl With a Mind for Math: Raye Montague.
With 55 print-and-go reading activities to choose from, this resource is ideal for customizing learning to your student’s specific needs and academic ability.
Students will investigate context clues, identify story elements, determine the theme, conduct research, practice plotting story events, analyze characters, make predictions and connections, find meaning in figurative language, respond to writing prompts, and much more! The activities provided are designed to enable students to apply higher-level thinking skills, to encourage students to provide text evidence to support their thinking, and to challenge students to express their own thoughts and/or perspectives.
It’s the ideal interactive read-aloud for educating students about the engineer Raye Montague, pursuing a passion, demonstrating dedication, overcoming obstacles, and so much more! It’s a great addition to units on Women’s History Month, women in STEM, Black History Month, influential people in history, or biographies. Students will love the engaging and fun activities, and you will appreciate the time saved hunting for high-level resources to teach reading concepts that students frequently struggle with.
Chasing Vermeer Novel Study S.T.E.A.M. Activities
Influenced by the novel* Chasing Vermeer,* the S.T.E.A.M.-based activities included in this product focus on the content areas of math and art. Students will investigate Vermeer’s paintings, learn about pentominoes, complete a pentomino challenge, engage in an artist study, and mimic their style of art. Finally, students will integrate art and math using what they learned about pentominoes in combination with their knowledge regarding Vermeer’s artistic style to create a pixel art masterpiece.
This Resource Includes:
Math
Crack Calder’s Code: Uncover Calder’s code by studying the art and patterns in the odd numbered chapters of Chasing Vermeer. (Includes Answer Key)
What Are Pentominoes?: An explanation of what pentominoes are, a guided pentomino challenge, pentominoes that can be cut out, on cardstock, and used as manipulatives.
Art
Investigating Vermeer’s Artwork: Using Vermeer’s art, students will analyze, compare and contrast, and use art to inspire poetry.
Artist Study, Henri Matisse: Students will watch a video introducing the artist and his artistic style. Picture books are suggested for a read aloud to get to know more about the artist and their work. For the activity component, students will create a Matisse inspired paper collage to represent an idea from the novel, Chasing Vermeer.
Math & Art Combined
Pixel Paintings: Students will synthesize what they have learned about Vermeer, his artistic style, and artwork in combination with their knowledge about pentominoes, to create a pixelated replica of one of Vermeer’s famous paintings.
Bundle
A Night Divided Novel Study Activities BUNDLE
This Novel Study BUNDLE has everything you need to engage your class in a novel study of A Night Divided, by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Students will respond to higher-level short-answer questions, deepen their vocabulary knowledge, analyze quotes, symbolism, figurative language, and theme. The activities included in this product require students to investigate literary elements (e.g., tone, mood, plot, setting, theme, point of view, conflict, etc.) as well as literary devices & techniques (e.g., flashbacks, foreshadowing, figurative language, imagery, etc.). Students will also make predictions, compare and contrast, summarize, look for patterns, analyze characters, make inferences, and much more! The activities in this novel study encourage students to critically engage with the text. If you purchase this bundle, BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE BONUS FILE. It contains a digital student response journal with all the activities from every response combined.
You save over 20% off the individual price of each product by purchasing this A Night Divided Novel Study BUNDLE!
This resource includes both PDFs and Google Slides and Forms (digital) versions of the following activities:
Reader Response Questions: The reader response questions are divided up by chapters. Each chapter includes open-ended and short-answer comprehension questions with an answer key. This response packet can be used for whole group discussion / instruction, but it works great in literature circles, to hold group members accountable for reading and discussing the text. It can also be used as a homework assignment, for small group instruction, book clubs, etc.
Graphic Organizers: Character Analysis; Finding Figurative Language; Chain of Events; Problem & Solution; Visualization/Imagery
Vocabulary Study: This vocabulary study provides vocabulary activities and quizzes for words that appear in the novel.
Figurative Language Study: The figurative language study provides an abundance of figurative language examples from the novel that students can analyze. This resource includes figurative language posters (with definitions, why authors use them, examples, & non-examples) for simile, metaphor, personification, idiom, and hyperbole. Figurative language practice sheets are also included. Students read short passages from the novel that contain figurative language. Then, underline the figurative language used, determine the meaning, and explain why the author included it.
Theme Study: The theme study includes student handouts for 6 different themes from the novel. Each handout includes questions for students to answer that relate to the theme.
Chapter Quizzes: 5 multiple choice and short answer quizzes for the following sections; ch. 1 – 9, ch. 10 – 19; ch. 20 – 28, ch. 29 – 37, ch. 38 – 47. ANSWER KEYS are included.
Essay Questions & Writing Prompts: Includes 11 essay questions and 10 writing prompts.
Symbolism Analysis: Students will analyze and identify various symbols and the use of symbolism in the book. This is a great activity to split the class into groups and have each group analyze a different symbol.
Quote Analysis: Includes 5 activities and 60 quote cards.
S.T.E.A.M. Activities: Influenced by the novel, A Night Divided, the five S.T.E.A.M.-based activities included in this product focus on the content areas of math, science, engineering, and art. Students will learn about historical events such as the Space Race, the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, and the work of artist Keith Haring, who used artistic expression to advocate for social justice.
Chasing Vermeer Reader Response & Vocabulary Practice
As teachers, we want our students to engage with text in meaningful and purposeful ways, but we also need them to read independently to build up stamina. That’s where this Chasing Vermeer, novel unit, print and go reader response journal comes in handy!
This reader response journal is divided into sections by chapters. Each section includes vocabulary practice and short-answer comprehension questions. Not only can this literature response packet be used for whole-group discussion or instruction, but it also works great in literature circles to hold group members accountable for reading and discussing the text. It can also be used as a homework assignment, small group instruction, book clubs, etc.
This Resource Includes:
Teacher Information Sheet
Cover Sheet for Student Reader Response Journals
Pre-Reading Quote Analysis
Chapters 1 - 6: Vocabulary Practice
Chapters 1 - 6: Short Answer Comprehension Questions
Chapters 7 - 11: Vocabulary Practice
Chapters 7 - 11: Short Answer Comprehension Questions
Chapters 12 - 14: Vocabulary Practice
Chapters 12 - 14: Short Answer Comprehension Questions
Chapters 15 - 18: Vocabulary Practice
Chapters 15 - 18: Short Answer Comprehension Questions
Chapters 19 - 24: Vocabulary Practice
Chapters 19 - 24: Short Answer Comprehension Questions
Final Assessment: multiple choice and short answer
Answer Keys for ALL vocabulary, short answer chapter comprehension questions, and the final assessment