They then work in groups to create menus for five days of eating. Referring to supermarket ads in the newspaper, they attempt to incorporate economy into the choices they make. Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site may be widely recognized for its book reviews, but it also presents a listing of possible classroom activities for each of its selections. In her review of Fly Away Home , by Eve Bunting, Hurst includes some discussion topics, activity suggestions, and a list of related books. Designed for students in grades five and six, The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare is a literature lesson that incorporates art, drama, geography, history, math, reading, science, social studies, and writing.
Students create a story wheel that illustrates the characters, setting, and conflict in the book.
They also draw a map of the area described in the tale and write a play of a scene in one of its chapters. This lesson is one of many in the Collaborative Lesson Archive . With lesson ideas for literary pieces for all ages, the Random House Teacher's Resource Center is a must-see for any educator who teaches language arts. It even offers interviews with best-selling authors who share insights into their craft. The lesson ideas for William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet suggest that teachers allow students to compare the original play to a more modern screenplay.