Teacher Guides to Primary Literature

Select one of the titles below to view easy-to-use supplemental material that will assist students in enjoying and understanding fine literature. Help your young students (grades K-4) learn to appreciate literature in the classroom, a skill that will help them throughout school and their personal lives. From cheeky instructional works such as The Truth About Poop, to undeniable classics, like Make Way for Ducklings, these book guides will be a great help to you and your students. The lesson plans, printables, and extension activities included in these literature guides will help you structure your classroom discussion. Fiction by Title A-H | I-M | N-S | T-Z Nonfiction | Poetry

Guides to Fiction A-H Activities for African Folk Tales Get the most out of reading African folk tales by using these worksheets. This is a great lesson plan to use during Black History Month and when studying African-American history. Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! Discussion Guide Address the issue of bullying with your students and encourage class discussion with the resources in this guide to Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back!. This printable packet includes an interview with the author, a post-reading activity, and discussion points to use before and while reading the book. This literature guide is an excellent resource for School Safety Month (October). Alice In Pastaland Discussion Guide Further connect math with literature through a board game, arts & crafts activities, and counting exercises in this printable discussion guide for the book Alice in Pastaland. The World of Amelia Bedelia Teaching Guide Have fun exploring the world of Amelia Bedelia with the resources in this printable teaching guide. In addition to learning about the authors, you'll find themes for discussion, character study ideas, book study ideas, language arts activities, and curriculum connections. American Revolution Books by Jean Fritz Activities, lessons, web resources, and references to teach Jean Fritz's American Revolution books. Among the Hidden Teacher's Guide Develop students' critical thinking skills with the discussion topics in this teacher's guide for Among the Hidden. Use the activities and research projects to compare the laws, government, and society in this work of fiction to real-world situations. Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One and Aunt Isabel Makes Trouble Create a memorable storytelling unit for your class with the help of this teacher's guide. Bad Day at Riverbend Teacher's Guide Your students will be delighted by the unique illustrations and storytelling in Chris Van Allsburg's Western, Bad Day at Riverbend. The printable teacher's guide to the book includes a plot summary, teaching ideas for language arts, reading and writing lessons, and discussion questions for a read-aloud with your class. The Bake Shop Ghost Teacher's Guide Extend students' enjoyment of The Bake Shop Ghost with fun cross-curricular activities for drama, art, music, and more! Use the questions provided in this teacher's guide to encourage class discussion about the book. Bartholomew and the Oobleck Dr. Seuss's Bartholomew and The Oobleck is a wonderful look at the perils of getting what you think you want, a great lesson for children to learn at an early age. Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi Use a teaching guide that includes vocabulary, chapter guides, and extension activities to be used while reading Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi by Phyllis Shalant. Because of Winn-Dixie Teacher's Guide Refer to the discussion questions in this printable literature guide before, during, and after reading Because of Winn-Dixie with your class. Explore the themes of the novel and extend students' understanding of the story through various cross-curricular activities. Ben's Dream Teacher's Guide Bring geography to life with this printable teacher's guide to Ben's Dream, a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. The reading and writing activities and lessons in this guide will help students develop literature and language arts skills, as they learn about landmarks around the world. Teacher's Guide to Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation Use this teacher's guide to Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation as you study civil rights during 1950s America. This literature guide includes discussion questions about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, segregation, Rosa Parks, the Jim Crow laws, and nonviolent resistance. It also describes creative-writing activities, music activities, and community activism ideas for your class. Candy Shop Discussion & Activity Guide After reading Candy Shop, use these questions and cross-curricular activities to encourage classroom discussion on racism, discrimination, and stereotyping. Cecil's Story Activities and resources to teach Cecil's Story, a Civil War book written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by Peter Catalanotto. A Chair for My Mother & A Chair for Always Classroom Guide This teacher's guide to A Chair for My Mother & A Chair for Always by Vera B. Williams will help you facilitate classroom discussion and extend students' enjoyment of these children's books through classroom activities. Themes for discussion include family, community, change, and birth. The Composer Is Dead Teacher's Guide Introduce children to classical music through the engaging and entertaining murder mystery The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket. This teacher's guide includes comprehension questions, a vocabulary list, lesson-planning resources, and extension activities to encourage an interest in musical instruments and composers. Cowboy Slim Activity Guide Numerous language arts activities on vocabulary, letter writing, poetry, and reading comprehension extend and enhance students' enjoyment of the book Cowboy Slim. This guide also includes biographies on the author and the illustrator. Crocodile Smile Teaching Ideas Extend children's enjoyment of the songs and illustrations in Crocodile Smile through these activities. Curious George Books & Activities Students will love these independent and cooperative learning activities, which feature Curious George, the man with the yellow hat, and other characters, places, events, and vocabulary from his adventures. Curious George's First Day of School Teacher's Guide Extend and enhance children's enjoyment of Curious George's First Day of School with the lesson planning resources in this printable teacher's guide. Activities include journaling, show-and-tell, interviews, and mapmaking. Dawdle Duckling Use this detailed teaching guide while reading Dawdle Duckling to your students. Desmond and the Naughtybugs Teacher's Guide Enhance students' enjoyment of the book Desmond and the Naughtybugs with the writing, reading, and art activities in this printable teacher's guide. Activities include a word search, a writing assignment, and much more! Drylongso In this story a family facing drought turns to a stranger, Drylongso, for help. Even Firefighters Hug Their Moms Enrichment activities and internet resources to enhance the teaching of Even Firefighters Hug Their Moms by Christine Kole MacLean. Feathers Reading Guide After reading Feathers with your class, use the questions in this reading guide to start a discussion about race, segregation, and the 1970s. Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey Enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance the teaching of the true story Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman, a retired boat that was called into service again on September 11, 2001. Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #1: The Mount Rushmore Calamity Teaching Guide Assess reading comprehension and promote discussion with the questions in this teaching guide to Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures #1: The Mount Rushmore Calamity by Jeff Brown. This printable also includes fun activities to extend children's enjoyment of the book. Follow the Moon Teaching Ideas Celebrate nature with these lesson-planning resources and activities for Follow the Moon book and CD. This printable includes activities about space science, life cycles, wild animals, music composition, geography, and letter writing. Fun with Fairy Tales: A Teacher's Guide Use this fun teacher's guide to explore fairy tales, including works by Hans Christian Andersen, modern versions of Brothers Grimm classics, and more! This packet includes reading comprehension questions and activities for Dear Tooth Fairy, Thumbelina, Bad Boys, Goldie and the Three Bears, Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter, Cinderella, and There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Boot. The Garden of Abdul Gasazi Teacher's Guide Discover the magic of Chris Van Allsburg's first children's book, The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. This printable teacher's guide includes a summary of the book, teaching ideas for language arts, discussion questions, and lesson planning resources for reading the book aloud with your class. Teacher's Guide to Jan Brett's Gingerbread Friends In Gingerbread Friends, Jan Brett's companion book to Gingerbread Baby, you'll find more irresistible images and fun adventures of the Gingerbread Baby. Confident and cocky, he happens upon a bakery, where he tries to make friends with a sugar cookie girl. She just stares and doesn't say a word, like all the other sweet treats he tries to meet. Discouraged, the Gingerbread Baby runs home – chased by a long line of hungry creatures – where he is surprised by enough gingerbread friends to fill a giant fold-out page! This printable guide allows you to teach this cute children's story in your classroom, utilizing skills from across the curriculum. Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message Enrichment activities, web resources, and literature tie-ins related to Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message. This literature guide is a great resource for your Thanksgiving lessons. God's Dream Story-Hour Kit Open classroom discussion and help children recognize the broader meaning of God's Dream, written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams, and LeUyen Pham, with this story-hour kit for the book. This printable includes discussion questions and an art activity to supplement the story. Goldilocks and the Three Hares Share a book guide that includes activities and discussion questions that can be successfully integrated into a cross-curriculum program. Guess How Much I Love You & I Love My Little Storybook Teacher's Guide Delight young children with the resources in this printable teacher's guide to Guess How Much I Love You and I Love My Little Storybook. This literature guide includes a maze, a matching game, coloring pages, and plenty of activity ideas to extend students' enjoyment of the books. Henry & Mudge Series Teaching Guide Utilize the resources in this teacher's guide to extend students' enjoyment of books in the Henry and Mudge series. This printable packet includes discussion questions, activities, projects, and research ideas for several books in the series. Guides to Fiction I-M I Have Heard of a Land Teacher's Guide Use the resources in this literature guide to I Have Heard of a Land to develop reading skills and strategies and examine themes in the novel. This guide also includes cross-curricular activities and questions for group discussion. Children will learn about African-American pioneers and the Oklahoma Land Runs of the late 1880s. If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Laura Joffe Numeroff's humorous book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie tells the story of a demanding mouse and the child who deals with him. This lesson includes activities and resources to go with the book. If You Take a Mouse to School Teacher's Guide Easily adapt If You Take a Mouse to School to classroom lesson plans with this teacher's guide to the book by Laura Numeroff. This literature guide includes pre-reading activities, classroom management suggestions, and curriculum connections for math, art, science, and language arts. This is a perfect resource for back to school. In the Land of Words Poetry Discussion Use these questions to guide discussion about the poem In the Land of Words by Eloise Greenfield. The Jolly Postman Enrichment activities and internet resources to enhance teaching The Jolly Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Judy Blume's Fudge Series Teacher's Guide This printable teacher's guide will help you discover how the books in Judy Blume's Fudge series connect to your core curriculum. Resources include discussion questions, projects, and activities such as map reading, letter writing, and painting. A Teacher's Guide to the Judy Moody Series Bring the adventures of Judy Moody into your classroom through the cross-curricular activities in this printable packet. Writing assignments, poster projects, research topics, and a character web are some of the great resources included in this teacher's guide to the series. Judy Moody Goes to College Teachers' Guide Get students excited about math and reading with the fun lesson plans in this teacher's guide to Judy Moody Goes to College. Games, projects, and graphing activities related to the story will help your students develop a positive attitude about math. Jumanji Teacher's Guide Children of all ages will be delighted by the illustrations and dialogue in Chris Van Allsburg's Jumanji. This teacher's guide includes fun writing activities, reading and writing lessons, and guided questions for reading the book aloud with your class. Just a Dream Teacher's Guide Encourage students to respect the environment with the lesson planning resources in this teacher's guide for Just a Dream. This printable guide includes a summary of the book, teaching ideas, an upper-grade reading lesson, and a lower-grade writing lesson, to help develop students' literature and language arts skills. Katie Kazoo Classroom Crew Guide Extend children's enjoyment of the Katie Kazoo Switcheroo series into all areas of your curriculum with the discussion questions, classroom activities, and lesson plans in this printable literature guide. This packet includes icebreakers, a reading log, an author interview, bookmarks, service project ideas, and more! The Katie Kazoo Switcheroo Series Use these activity kits to extend your class reading of the Katie Kazoo Switcheroo series. The Keeping Quilt The Keeping Quilt is a multi-generational story that follows a beloved quilt from one family member to another. The resources and activities suggested here will help students to enjoy and learn from this story. This is a great resource to use during Women's History Month (March) and while studying immigration. Knick-Knack Paddywhack! Explore teaching activities to be used with Knick-Knack Paddywhack! The Lemonade War Teacher's Guide Encourage the development of students' entrepreneurial skills with the economics and math activities in this teacher's guide for The Lemonade War, a book about two siblings' business endeavors and relationship. Guide classroom discussion of the book with the questions provided in this packet. The Little Engine That Could Use this activity kit to extend your class reading of The Little Engine That Could, now freshly illustrated by Loren Long. Lon Po Po This is the Chinese version of the traditional story of Little Red Riding Hood. Three sisters, Shang, Tao, and Paotze, must defend themselves against a frightening wolf while their mother is away visiting their grandmother for her birthday. The Magician's Elephant Teachers' Guide Use the discussion questions in this guide to engage students in a conversation about Kate DiCamillo's The Magician's Elephant, a magical story about the impossible quests facing a little boy, an old musician, and a lost elephant. This literature guide also includes extension activities that will enliven children's imaginations and spark creativity. Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel Discussion Guide The questions and activities in this literature guide will help your class discuss friendship, homelessness, and what it means to be rich or poor as they read Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel and Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book, written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Study Guide to Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories Use this study guide to teach Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories by Aliki. This literature guide includes instruction and activities for before, during, and after students read the two-part picture book about a young immigrant girl becoming accustomed to life in America. Make Way for Ducklings Make Way for Ducklings is the ideal book to entertain and teach with. This lesson plan includes activities and resources to go with the book. Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride & Mercy Watson Fights Crime Teacher's Guide Help young children learn about safety issues by reading Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride and Mercy Watson Fights Crime. After reading these books with your students, use the discussion questions, art activities, and writing assignments in this literature guide to further their understanding of the stories. Mercy Watson to the Rescue Teacher's Guide Examine spelling, phonics, and figurative language with your students by using these lessons and activities for Mercy Watson to the Rescue. This printable teacher's guide includes arts & crafts projects, writing assignments, and many more extension ideas. The Mercy Watson Books Teachers' Guide Children love Katie DiCamillo's Mercy Watson series. Enrich their reading experience with the language arts lessons and safety awareness activities in this printable teacher's guide to the books. Use these resources to develop vocabulary, creative writing, debating skills, and more! Activities for the Miss Bindergarten's Kindergarten Series Enhance reading comprehension with a with a guide that provides classroom activities to be used with the Miss Bindergarten's Kindergarten Series. Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman Find enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance your teaching of Alan Schroeder's Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman. This is a great guide to use during your study of the American Civil War or Black History Month (February). The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Teacher's Guide This teacher's guide to The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is chock-full of discussion questions, lesson planning resources, projects, and research ideas that will help students examine the book's characters, events, and meaning. Miss Nelson is Missing Ideas and activities for reading Miss Nelson is Missing. The Mountain That Loved a Bird Activities and resources to teach The Mountain That Loved a Bird, written by Alice McLerran and illustrated by Eric Carle. Multiplying Menace Activity Guide Refer to this printable guide before, during, and after reading Multiplying Menace with your class. It includes discussion ideas, drawing activities, a journalism exercise, and more! Mr. Men & Little Miss Books Explore teaching activities to be used with Mr. Men & Little Miss Books by Roger Hargreaves. These books cover basic topics of life for young children and have engaging illustrations and messages. My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother Cover the topic of sibling rivalry with this book for younger readers, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick Teacher's Guide Spark students' imagination with the illustrations and mysterious captions in Chris Van Allsburg's The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Use the ideas and resources in this printable teacher's guide to develop your students' reading and writing skills. The guide includes a book summary, lesson plans for lower and upper grades, and questions to direct discussion as your class reads the book aloud. Guides to Fiction N-S The Napping House Extend reading comprehension with a by using a literature guide that has activities for The Napping House, by Audrey Wood. No English Teacher's Guide Introduce your students to Diane and Blanca, two second-grade girls who find a creative way to overcome a language barrier in the picture book, No English. Activities in the 22-page teacher's guide include reading comprehension questions, writing prompts, poems, puzzles, Spanish games, and social studies and science extensions. The printable guide also has lessons on friendship, tattling versus telling, and making newcomers feel welcome, which are useful for both classroom teachers and counselors. Classroom Activities for The North Star Supplement students' reading of The North Star, by Peter H. Reynolds, with fun classroom activities designed to encourage their creativity and critical thinking. This printable packet includes icebreakers for back to school, practice reading aloud, and discussion questions about the book. Orphan Boy This African legend tells the tale of an elderly Maasai man who gets help from an unlikely source -- Venus! Peace Begins With You Activities and resources to teach Peace Begins With You, written by Katherine Scholes. The Polar Express Teacher's Guide Extend and enhance students' enjoyment of Chris Van Allsburg's magical holiday classic The Polar Express with the reading activities and guided discussion questions in this teacher's guide. This printable also includes a summary of the book, ideas for a reading celebration, an upper-grade lesson on similes and metaphors, and a lower-grade lesson on timelines. Poodle and Hound Activity Guide Examine the nature of friendship with the activities in this guide to Poodle and Hound, written by Kathryn Lasky and illustrated by Mitch Vane. This packet includes pre- and post-reading questions, a printable coloring page, a word search, a writing prompt, and a biography about the author. These are perfect classroom resources for International Friendship Month (February). Priscilla and the Hollyhocks Activity & Discussion Guide Enrich students' understanding of Priscilla and the Hollyhocks with the cross-curricular activities and questions in this discussion guide. Use these resources with the book to teach students about slavery and westward expansion in America. The Race of Toad and Deer Enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance teaching The Race of Toad and Deer by Pat Mora. The Rainbow Tulip Use these lessons and activities with The Rainbow Tulip, by Pat Mora. Rapunzel Use a teaching guide that includes vocabulary words, discussion questions, and extension activities. Read All About It Teacher's Guide Promote literature and reading with these pre-reading exercises, classroom activities, and event ideas for Read All About It by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush. This literature guide also includes tips to motivate reluctant readers. Remembering Mrs. Rossi Teacher's Guide Deepen students' understanding of life, love, loss, and grief through the resources and activities in this printable teacher's guide to Remembering Mrs. Rossi. This literature guide includes a dictionary activity, open-response questions, writing assignments, teacher appreciation activities, and curriculum connections for art, math, and social studies. The Report Card Teacher's Guide Encourage elementary and intermediate students to think about educational issues with the discussion topics, activities, and projects in this teacher's guide for The Report Card. These resources will get students thinking about the meaning of intelligence, the emphasis on grades, and the significance of test scores. Rickshaw Girl Discussion & Activity Guide Extend and enhance students' enjoyment of Rickshaw Girl with this discussion and activity guide. Students interview classmates, create alpanas, write short stories, and more! Sarah Morton's Day, Samuel Eaton's Day, & Tapenum's Day Explore Colonial Times through literature and corresponding activities and lessons. Discover resources related to three books by Kate Waters that detail the lives of Pilgrim children during the 1620's in Massachusetts, when America was first being settled. These books provide a great background for teaching the history of Thanksgiving. Sarah, Plain and Tall Saga Teacher's Guide Teach students about life on the Great Plains in the early 1900s through literature. This teacher's guide to Sarah, Plain and Tall, Skylark, and Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan includes a pre-reading activity, cross-curricular activities, thematic connections, and information about the author. The Sea Chest The Sea Chest is a heartfelt story about a lonely young girl on an isolated Maine lighthouse island whose only wish comes true the day a leather sea chest washes ashore. Simeon's Gift Teacher's Guide Encourage creativity with the resources in this teacher's guide to Simeon's Gift by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton. This literature guide includes curriculum and thematic connections to enhance a lesson or unit about this book.

Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens Teacher's Guide Connect math and literature through supplementary activities for Sir Cumference and All the King's Tens, a fun book that will help children understand place value. This printable teacher's guide also includes a biography of the author, Cindy Neuschwander. Sketches from a Spy Tree Teacher's Guide Extend students' enjoyment of the book Sketches from a Spy Tree with the many language arts activities in this printable teacher's guide. Resources include questions to help you guide discussion and evaluate students' reading comprehension. You'll also find a character chart, poetry lessons, and projects to enhance students' reading experience. Smack Dab in the Middle Explore teaching activities to be used with Smack Dab in the Middle by Anita Riggio. Something for Nothing Teacher's Guide Refer to this teacher's guide before and after reading Something for Nothing with your class -- you'll find resources that will extend students' enjoyment of the book. The guide includes pre-reading questions, a comprehension guide, and several cross-curricular projects to enhance students' learning experience. Song and Dance Man Use a handy teacher guide to explore Song and Dance Man, a book that gives children a look at Vaudeville. Stellaluna Stellaluna is a baby bat who is separated from her mother at a young age. This lesson includes extension ideas and resources to go with the book. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid & Super-Galactic Jawbreaker Teacher's Guide Introduce your class to Stink Moody! After reading Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid and Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker, use the discussion questions, writing assignments, and cross-curricular activities in this printable teacher's guide to extend students' enjoyment. The Stranger Teacher's Guide Guide discussion of character development and explore the elements of a mystery with the lesson planning resources provided in this teacher's guide for The Stranger. Teaching ideas and reading and writing lessons will help deepen students' understanding of the story and improve their language arts skills. Subway Ride Activity Guide Encourage critical thinking by asking students questions before, during, and after reading Subway Ride, a book that takes children on a journey around the world. This teacher's guide includes discussion topics, a vocabulary list, and an activity that will help you teach students about diversity and community. The Sweetest Fig Teacher's Guide Explore fantasy, reality, and the power of dreams with The Sweetest Fig, a children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. This teacher's guide includes a summary of the book, teaching ideas, an upper-grade writing lesson, and a lower-grade reading lesson, to help develop students' literature and language arts skills. Guides to Fiction T-Z The Tale of Despereaux Teacher's Guide Deepen students' reading comprehension through the pre-reading questions, reading instruction, and connection activities in this literature guide for The Tale of Despereaux. This printable packet includes worksheets, a graphic organizer, and lesson planning resources for each section of the book. The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks A full list of activities, lessons, and resources for teaching Katherine Paterson's The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks, a Japanese folktale. The Teacher from the Black Lagoon Use these lessons and activities to supplement lessons centered around The Teacher from the Black Lagoon, a fun book by Mike Thaler. Jan Brett's Winter Books Four books by Jan Brett – Trouble with Trolls, The Night Before Christmas, Annie and the Wild Animals, and The Mitten – are featured with winter activities and resources. A Teacher's Guide to Books Written by Nancy Carlson Extend students' enjoyment of children's books by Nancy Carlson and enhance their understanding of the topics covered in each book with the activities and suggestions in this teacher's guide. Resources include ideas for the 100th day of school, grandparents' day, winter, and classroom management. A Teacher's Guide to the World of Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell Study important childhood themes of communication, self-awareness, self-control, self-esteem, imagination, feelings, family, and personal identity through this teacher's guide to books by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. Enhance classroom use of these books while teaching children about each theme through group discussion of ideas and hands-on activities. Teacher's Guide for Sid Fleischman Teach Sid Fleischman's The Whipping Boy, Jim Ugly, and Disappearing Act with this guide to his novels. This literature guide for teachers includes a pre-reading activity, interdisciplinary connections, thematic connections, and an interview with the author. The Weird World of Dan Gutman: A Teaching Guide Engage your students with reading by using this literature guide to incorporate Dan Gutman's My Weird School and My Weird School Daze series chapter books into your curriculum. Discussion questions for My Weird School #1: Miss Daisy Is Crazy! and My Weird School Daze #1: Mrs. Dole Is Out of Control will help you introduce each series. Use activities for math, science, language arts, and social studies to explore cross-curricular application of the books. The World of Kevin Henkes: A Picture Book Guide Develop children's interest in reading with picture books by Kevin Henkes. This guide includes lesson-planning resources, including discussion questions and activities for Kitten's First Full Moon, A Good Day, Chrysanthemum, Owen, Wemberly Worried, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Lilly's Big Day. You'll also find background information about the author and his love of picture books. Teacher's Guide to Cam Jansen Mysteries Teach students about the elements of a mystery and learn about the genre's history with this printable guide to Cam Jansen Mysteries by David A. Adler. You'll find plenty of discussion questions, fun teaching ideas, and handouts for books in the series, including a crossword, a word search, a creative writing exercise, and poetry activities. A Teaching Guide to the World of Ezra Jack Keats Explore the many multicultural children's books by Ezra Jack Keats with this printable teaching guide and activity suggestions. This packet includes an author biography, teaching strategies to guide reading, cross-curricular activities, games, and worksheets that complement the books by this Caldecott Medal-winner. A Teacher's Guide to the World of Keiko Kasza Take advantage of the many children's books by Keiko Kasza to develop elementary-school students' interest in reading. The annotated bibliography included in this printable teacher's guide will help you determine which books best suit your students. Connect the literature with math, science, social studies, and more by using the suggested cross-curricular activities in your classroom. Educator's Guide to the World of Patricia Polacco Patricia Polacco is a beloved, highly acclaimed author and illustrator of numerous books for children. Use this guide to launch an author study unit or focus on her books individually. The guide includes curriculum connections, discussion questions, and classroom activities. Teacher's Guide to the Works of Patricia Polacco Explore teaching activities to be used with Babushka Baba Yaga, Boat Ride with Lillian Two Blossom, Pink & Say, and Chicken Sunday. Teacher's Guide to the World of Jack Prelutsky Study the world of children's poet laureate Jack Prelutsky with this teacher's guide to 12 of his poetry collections. Each section offers engaging suggestions for before, during, and after reading, as well as a writing activity and other curricular activities. The guide also presents educator's tips for incorporating poetry into classroom life. The World of Shel Silverstein - A Guide for Teachers and Librarians Let this printable help you find online, classroom, or library resources for works by Shel Silverstein. This is an excellent resource for Shel Silverstein games, activities, event kits, and more for Poetry Month or anytime of year. Teammates A wealth of resources, lesson plans, and activities that can be used with the story Teammates by Peter Golenbock. Tess's Tree Literature Guide Read the sweet story of Tess's Tree, written by Jess M. Brallier and illustrated by award-winning artist Peter H. Reynolds. Then, complete the supplementary activities written specifically for the study of this book. Reading Guide for That Book Woman Enhance students' reading experience with this printable literature guide for That Book Woman, a novel that examines the life of Pack Horse Librarians. Children will learn more about these fascinating figures in American history through discussion questions and extension activities for the book. Tsunami! Discussion Guide Introduce children to Japanese art and traditional storytelling as they read Tsunami!, written by Kimiko Kajikawa and illustrated by Ed Young. Enrich children's understanding of the story through the lesson plans, discussion questions, and Japanese vocabulary review in this teacher's guide for the book. Tupelo Rides the Rails Teacher's Guide Engage students in the adventures of Tupelo, an abandoned dog who is searching for a new home. In addition to fun extension activities, this teacher's guide for Tupelo Rides the Rails includes questions and themes for classroom discussion. Educator's Guide to Twenty-Odd Ducks/Eats, Shoots & Leaves/The Girl's Like Spaghetti Enhance grammar lessons with activities to accompany Twenty-Odd Ducks, Eats, Shoots & Leaves, and The Girl's Like Spaghetti. This literature guide includes pre- and post-reading activities and cross-curricular lesson planning ideas to help students learn how punctuation placement can change the meaning of a sentence. Two Bad Ants Teacher's Guide Extend and enhance students' enjoyment of Two Bad Ants, Chris Van Allsburg's exciting insect adventure, with the teaching ideas and resources in this printable guide. Use the comprehension questions to direct classroom discussion, and use the writing and reading lessons to further students' understanding of the book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Enrichment activities and Web resources for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, plus a bibliography of Eric Carle's works. Vote! Discussion Guide The lesson planning resources in this discussion guide for Vote! will involve students of all ages in the electoral process. These activities are a great way for students to learn about their local, state, and Federal government while researching campaign issues, political parties, candidates, and voting methods. This is an excellent resource for learning about the presidential election. A Teacher's Guide for Vote! Extend and enhance students' enjoyment of the book Vote! with the activities in this printable teacher's guide. This packet includes discussion questions about the electoral process in the United States (including the presidential election), a word search with election vocabulary, and Internet resources for additional information on this topic. The Wall: Literature Guide for Teachers The Wall is the story, told from a young child's point of view, of a father and son who visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to find the name of the grandfather the boy never knew. This is an excellent book to discuss around Veterans Day or Memorial Day. When the Goblins Came Knocking Enrichment activities, web resources, and literature tie-ins related to When the Goblins Came Knocking. The Widow's Broom Teacher's Guide Capture your students' imagination with these reading and writing activities for Chris Van Allsburg's The Widow's Broom. This guide includes teaching ideas for language arts, discussion questions for reading the book aloud with your class, and lesson planning resources that are perfect for Halloween! The World of Rosemary Wells Discover great classroom activities to assist you while teaching these books. Worth Teacher's Guide Keep your students involved in reading with the projection and discussion questions in this teacher's guide for Worth. Cross-curricular projects will deepen students' understanding of the story as they learn more about the social conditions of the late nineteenth century. The Wreck of the Zephyr Teacher's Guide Consider the use of voice and the idea of ambiguity with your class as students read Chris Van Allsburg's The Wreck of the Zephyr. This printable teacher's guide includes a summary of the book, reading and writing ideas, discussion questions, and lesson planning resources for language arts. The Wretched Stone Teacher's Guide Share a story of adventure with your students. This printable teacher's guide for Chris Van Allsburg's The Wretched Stone includes a summary of the book and teaching ideas for history, social studies, and language arts. Use the lesson planning resources and guided discussion questions to develop students' literary skills and deepen their understanding of the story. The Z Was Zapped Teacher's Guide Review the alphabet and improve students' language arts skills with the lesson planning ideas in this printable teacher's guide for The Z Was Zapped by Chris Van Allsburg. Resources include a synopsis of the book, discussion questions, teaching ideas, and reading and writing lessons. Zathura Teacher's Guide Take a journey into outer space with your class by reading Zathura, an adventure story that blends fiction with science. This printable teacher's guide includes a synopsis of the book, discussion questions, and two lesson planning ideas. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Backyard Animal Show Teacher's Guide Extend students' enjoyment of Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Backyard Animal Show with the teaching resources and cross-curricular activities in this guide. This printable includes several discussion topics for each chapter, so you can monitor students' comprehension as they progress through the book. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: The Buried Bones Mystery Teacher's Guide Develop students' language arts skills while extending their enjoyment of Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: The Buried Bones Mystery. The discussion topics, research activities, and writing prompts in this teacher's guide will help you engage your students in the reading experience, while exploring the characters and elements of the story. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Lost in the Tunnel of Time Teacher's Guide Assess students' comprehension skills as they read Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Lost in the Tunnel of Time. This printable teacher's guide includes discussion questions for each chapter, as well as writing activities and research topics. Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Shadows of Caesar's Creek Teacher's Guide Activities in this teacher's guide for Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Shadows of Caesar's Creek include writing prompts, a vocabulary list, and research topics. This printable also includes discussion topics for each chapter in the book. Guides to Nonfiction After Gandhi Teacher's Guide Discuss the Indian Independence Movement and the challenging work of 15 activists with this literature guide for After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance. Research projects, cross-curricular activities, discussion questions, Internet resources, and reading comprehension checks are included in this printable guide for teachers. And Tango Makes Three Educator's Guide Promote discussion about the meaning of family with the resources in this educator's guide for And Tango Makes Three, a true story about a nontraditional family of penguins. This printable includes several research topics for studying zoo animals and learning more about penguins. Amelia to Zora Teacher Guide Deepen students' understanding of the stories in Amelia to Zora, about 26 women who changed the world, from Amelia Earhart to Zora Neale Hurston, with this printable teacher's guide. Activities include vocabulary building, comprehension questions, and discussion questions on women's history. Educator's Guide to Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope Study the life of Barack Obama with the resources in this literature guide to Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, a biography of the 44th President of the United States. This printable includes pre-reading questions, discussion topics, and cross-curricular projects to further young children's knowledge of this important political figure. The Boy Who Drew Birds Teacher's Guide Introduce students to ornithology and American wildlife through the discussion questions and cross-curricular activities in this printable teacher's guide for The Boy Who Drew Birds. Use these resources in conjunction with the book to examine the life of John James Audubon. Big Bang! Teacher Guide Connect science and language arts with questions, discussion ideas, and extension activities in this printable teacher's guide for the book Big Bang. Black History Month Classroom Kit Celebrate diversity and explore African-American history and culture through a variety of fiction and nonfiction children's books. This teacher's guide provides activities and curriculum connections for literature – perfect for Black History Month (February). The Day-Glo Brothers Literature Guide Children will enjoy reading The Day-Glo Brothers, a true story about Bob and Joe Switzer – two brothers who invented daylight-fluorescent colors. Use the pre-reading questions, post-reading questions, and extension activities in this literature guide to supplement the book. This guide also includes a biography of the author, Chris Barton. Don't Say Ain't Discussion Guide Promote thoughtful discussion on race, language, civil rights, and diversity with this printable discussion guide for Don't Say Ain't. It includes information on integration in the 1950s and questions to ask your students. Encyclopedia Prehistorica Teacher's Guide Full of exciting arts & crafts projects, games, writing prompts, and research ideas, this teacher's guide to the Encyclopedia Prehistorica books will extend students' enjoyment of Dinosaurs, Sharks and Other Sea Monsters, and Mega-Beasts. Faces of the Moon Teacher's Guide Enrich your science or space-science curriculum with this printable teacher's guide. This four-stage classroom unit for Faces of the Moon includes lesson plans and worksheets to help you illustrate lunar phases. Guide to the Symphonies Activities Creative writing, drawing, and listening extension activities for Anna Harwell Celenza's children's books on classical music will teach students about different musicians and their musical styles. Reading Guide for Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight Enrich your language arts or social studies unit with this reading guide for the biography Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight. The discussion questions and activities in this printable will introduce young children to the dreams and career goals of Hillary Clinton. Students will research the job of a U.S. senator, the life of a First Lady, women in politics, and much more. I'm Still Scared Teacher's Guide Help your students understand war and terrorism by using the activities and questions in this printable teacher's guide for I'm Still Scared, a biographical account of World War II. In addition to promoting discussion and critical thinking, the guide provides an author interview with Tomie dePaola, cross-curricular projects, and additional resources. Listening Is an Act of Love Teacher's Guide Celebrate communication skills with this teacher's guide to Lisa Winkler's Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project. Use the lesson planning resources in this printable to teach students of all ages about the power of storytelling and how to conduct successful interviews. Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President Mock Election Guide Engage students in government by holding a mock election in your classroom! After reading Margaret Chase Smith, use the research ideas, discussion questions, and activities in this guide to teach your class about U.S. political parties, presidential debates, political campaigns, and voting. Discussion Guide for The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World Author Nathaniel Philbrick evokes the drama of the voyage of the Mayflower, the emptiness of coastal Massachusetts that greeted the Pilgrims, and the friendship of the settlers with many powerful Native American leaders. But the promise of the First Thanksgiving was broken with the next generation of leaders when a horrifying conflict (King Philip's war) nearly wiped out the colonists and Natives alike. This discussion guide is a fantastic introduction to the beginning of American History, the tumultuous relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans, and to the meaning behind Thanksgiving. Reading Guide for My Dad, John McCain Discuss John McCain's time in the U.S. Navy and as a POW with the questions in this reading guide for the biography My Dad, John McCain. This printable also includes activities and suggests websites of interest to further students' knowledge of the U.S. senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate. Moja Means One: Swahili Counting Book This colorful picture book introduces children to Swahili and the continent of Africa. On This Spot: An Expedition Back Through Time Teacher's Guide to Classroom Activities Ponder changes in nature while exploring history with this teacher's guide to On This Spot: An Expedition Back Through Time by Susan E. Goodman. Ox, House, Stick: History of Our Alphabet Discussion Guide Examine the history of the Roman alphabet with the activities in this guide for Ox, House, Stick. Children will enjoy using pictures and symbols to create their own alphabet. Poke & Look Learning Books Find helpful suggestions for using these books to open doors to nonfiction subjects in a way that is both informative and fun. So You Want to Be President? Find ten tips for using So You Wanna Be President?, the 2001 Caldecott Medal winner, in your class. This is a fun book to study during the presidential election. The Truth About Poop Explore teaching activities to be used with The Truth About Poop by Susan E. Goodman. War Is... Discussion Guide Thought-provoking discussion questions for War Is... will help you begin or extend a classroom conversation about the nature of war. Guides to Poetry Discover Nursery Rhymes This assortment of activities will help your students to love nursery rhymes. Earthshake: Poems from the Ground Up Story Time Guide Plan a story time with the reading instruction and extension activities in this guide for Earthshake: Poems from the Ground Up by Lisa Westberg Peters. This lesson-planning resource incorporates poetry and geology with related activities for art, writing, and social studies. National Poetry Month Kit (Grades K-5) National Poetry Month is celebrated each year in April. Use this poetry kit – a collection of printable activities, lessons, even stickers! – to supplement your poetry month curriculum, perfect for elementary students. I Must Go Down to the Beach Again Discussion Guide Have fun teaching your students about poetry with questions, writing assignments, and drama activities that extend and enhance their enjoyment of the parodied poems in I Must Go Down to the Beach Again. Join Hands Discussion & Activity Guide Join Hands: The Ways We Celebrate Life incorporates language, photography, and poetry in a book about building communities. Bring your students together with the reader's theater, writing assignments, games, reading practice, and vocabulary exercises in this printable discussion and activity guide for the book. Love That Dog & Hate That Cat Teacher's Guide Integrate Sharon Creech's Love That Dog and Hate That Cat into your poetry unit with this teacher's guide. This packet includes tips for making poetry fun, ways to include poetry in your daily curriculum, poetry terms and concepts, book discussion questions, writing activities, and information about the author. Messing Around on the Monkey Bars Teacher's Guide Author Betsy Franco suggests ways to use Messing Around on the Monkey Bars and Other School Poems for Two Voices in your classroom. This teacher's guide includes tips about poetry writing, teaching children about personification, sound words, making lists, rhyming words, and acrostic poems. This is a great teaching resource for Poetry Month or anytime of year. One, Two, Buckle My Shoe: Music and Children's Literature Use children's literature to help teach music. Explore nursery rhymes with your students and make musical connections to books with these activities. Poetry Tips from Paul Janeczko This advice from Paul Janeczko will help you and your students read and write poetry. Use these tips about concrete poetry, poetic form, and reading poetry aloud to supplement A Foot in the Mouth, A Kick in the Head, and A Poke in the Eye. Well Versed: A Guide to Teaching Poetry Enhance understanding with a teaching guide that offers tried and true techniques for bringing poetry into the lives of young people.