emilypalkovich

The Kissing Hand is an animal fantasy story by Audrey Penn with illustrations by Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak. The story is about a little raccoon names Chester that is afraid to go to school because he will miss his mother. Chester‘s mother then gives him a kiss on his hand and tells him that whenever he misses her, he can press that hand to his cheek and it will be like she is there to give him a kiss. This book would do best as a

emilypalkovich storytelling because it is cute and light-hearted. Some activities that go along with this book are linked here: https://www.kindergartenworks.com/kindergarten-teaching-ideas/kissing-hand-freeb.... A UDL principle for this book would be to provide options for language and symbols because the kiss on the hand symbolizes his mother and her love for him. An EL strategy for this book could be number 3: encourage self talk (positive thinking). 4y

emilypalkovich This book could be read on the first day of kindergarten since many students may be nervous and miss their parents. So it is important to encourage self talk and positive thinking. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding Encouraging self talk that is positive is extremely important! We saw a lovely storytelling of this book on Thursday. This belongs in the primary classroom and should be read aloud or even used as a storytelling during the first weeks of school. My own children created their own kissing hands that they kept on their desks at school! 4y

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emilypalkovich

Twilight | Stephanie Meyer

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer is a young adult modern fantasy story focused on the love between a vampire (Edward Cullen) and a human (Bella Swan). The two meet in high school when Bella moves from Phoenix, Arizona to Forks, Washington. They immediately catch each other‘s eyes and, although Edward tries to keep his distance from Bella, he can‘t. Edward ends up revealing his true identity to Bella which in turn wraps her up in a dangerous war against

emilypalkovich some not as pleasant vampires. This book would be best if used for independent reading because it is more for entertainment than educational purposes and can really get certain students intrigued to read more. A link with some activities students can do to ensure their understanding and to be more involved in the story is http://www.bookrags.com/lessonplan/twilight/funactivities.htmlhickleberrypunchfi.... A good UDL strategy for this book is 4y

emilypalkovich to provide options for sustaining effort and persistence because it is a longer book and even a series so students may need goals and objectives to help them get through it. An EL strategy that would be good for this book is number nine: teach notetaking strategies. To keep information in order in such a long book students may need to keep notes. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding While not for the elementary grades, so many teens have enjoyed this series and adults for that matter! If you ended up teaching in the high school with your reading endorsement, this would be an independent read that you certainly could discuss with your students. 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Snowy Day | Ezra Jack Keats

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a realistic fiction story that won a Caldecott Metal. This story is about a young boy named Peter that wakes up to find heavy snowfall. Excited to play, Peter goes outside in his red snow clothes. Although Peter is too young to play in a snowball fight, he finds his own fun in making snow angels and snowmen. This story would be great for an author study because there is so much to learn about Keats and how he

emilypalkovich came from nothing and became successful. A link to a website with more information about Keats is https://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/section/about-ezra/. A good UDL strategy for this story is to provide options for self regulation because promoting expectations will help students create a better author study. An EL strategy that would work well in pair with this is number 11: place language in meaningful context, because it would be used for an (edited) 4y

emilypalkovich author study. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding When you see stories that can be used in other content areas, use them! As soon as you see snow in the title, this would be an excellent science read aloud. We did this a few years ago with students from the creative school and bought the fake snow to use as a science experiment. Sadly children in Florida do not get to see snow often and in fact I did not see it until I was 30 years old! 4y

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emilypalkovich

If You Give A Mouse A Cookie: 2005 Wall Calendar | Laura Joffe Numeroff

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff with illustrations by Felicia Bond is a New York Times Best Seller about the course of events that follow if you give a mouse a cookie, starting with the mouse requesting milk for his cookie. This book would be great if it was used for storytelling because it is simple and fun. A website source that contains some activities related to this book is

emilypalkovich https://growingbookbybook.com/if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie-activities/. A UDL strategy that would work with this book would be to provide options for physical action. Since this book is aimed toward younger students, incorporating movement can help with focusing. An EL strategy for this book would be number 44: Focus on thinking skills by predicting, categorizing, classifying, observing and reporting. Students can predict what the mouse will want 4y

emilypalkovich next each time! #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding I don‘t think you saw it but one of your peers presented the if you give a dog a doughnut storytelling after class Thursday and it worked beautifully! Your resource shows how you can use this book in the classroom. Total physical response as an English learner and universal design principle aligns nicely with this teaching strategy. 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Rainbow Fish | Marcus Pfister

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is an animal fantasy picture book about a fish with beautiful scales. The other fish in the sea ask if they can have some of the beautiful scales, but the Rainbow Fish denies them. He finds himself lonely and without friends and decides to share his shimmering scales after all. The Rainbow Fish realizes friendship is more important than looks and is happier than he has ever been. This book would be great for a

emilypalkovich a read aloud in class because there are connections students should be able to make. For example they should be able to make connections to a time they shared or a time they felt lonely. A website with some great activities for this book is https://4kinderteachers.com/fun-really-fun-rainbow-fish-activities/. A great UDL strategy for this book would be to provide options for language and symbols since the scales are a symbolic gesture for not only 4y

emilypalkovich beauty, but sharing and friendship. An EL strategy that pairs with this book is number 36: ask numerous questions which require higher level thinking responses. This will encourage the EL student to understand the theme of the story. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding My youngest son‘s third grade teacher always uses this as a read aloud during the first week of school. Sharing and working well with others is a life skill that this book shares beautifully! Wouldn‘t it be fun to simply cut out some scales and give them to each student while you were reading… Interactive read aloud! 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Very Hungry Caterpillar | Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is an animal fantasy picture book about a small caterpillar that eats and eats and eats until he is finally full and no longer small. He then creates his cocoon and becomes a magnificent butterfly. This book would be great if used for a read aloud because students should be able to make connections to the caterpillars growth in not only size, but in life. A link with activities for this story is

emilypalkovich https://www.weareteachers.com/very-hungry-caterpillar-activities/. Since this book is aimed for young students, most of the activities are art related. A good UDL for this book is to provide options for language and symbols because the growth of the caterpillar symbolizes inevitable change. An EL strategy for this book could be number one: teach questioning for clarification, since this book is aimed at young children they need to start with the 4y

emilypalkovich basics of understanding which is questioning. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding I like that you were thinking about English learners and appropriate questioning. You are right that this could build confidence with basic yes no or either or questions! Be sure to add the universal design decimals as well. You do not get better than Eric Carle! Add his books to your classroom library. 4y

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emilypalkovich

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1) | J.K. Rowling

The first Harry Potter book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer‘s Stone by J.K. Rowling is a young adult modern fantasy novel that focuses on a young wizard named Harry Potter. After Harry‘s parents are killed by Lord Voldemort, he is forced to live with his cousins, the Dursley‘s, whom treat him poorly. Letters begin showing up nonstop for Harry about his admission into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and although Mr. Dursley

emilypalkovich tried to keep these letters from Harry he fails, and Hagrid takes Harry to Hogwarts. Once arriving at Hogwarts Harry and friends end up in the noble Gryffindor house and experience many adventures. This novel would be great for shared reading because it is more advanced and may require more teacher interaction than given in literature circles. A website with activities related to the book is https://bookunitsteacher.com/wp/?p=8272. This link 4y

emilypalkovich includes writing prompts as well. A UDL principle for this book could be providing options for executive function because it is a longer chapter book guiding appropriate goal setting and managing information is important. An EL strategy for this book is number 15 to reinforce the key ideas you present again and again. I chose this one because there are many topics and events going on which can lead to confusion if not reinforced. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding I am so excited that you read the first of seven! Having read them all, I highly recommend the series however you do need to be careful implementing them into the classroom. You may want to send a message to parents to be sure that everyone is on board (due to the sorcery/magic). My 10-year-old niece is currently reading this and has accepted my challenge of reading all seven. (edited) 4y

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emilypalkovich

African Cats: A Lion's Pride: A Disney Read-Along | Disney Book Group

African Cats: A Lion‘s Pride is a nonfiction book that focuses on a young lion cub named Mara and her daily life on the African plains. This book would be great if used as a partner reading because staying focused on nonfiction books can be difficult for students without help from peers. A website that has more information and videos in the book is https://nature.disney.com/african-cats. A great UDL principle for this book would be to provide

emilypalkovich options for recruiting interest since it is a nonfiction book and students may need help understanding the relevance and value of the story. An EL principle could be number 17: provide contextual support through audio visuals. The link has options for videos. #ucflae3424sp21 4y

DrSpalding One of your freebies! I like that you went straight to the Disney nature site. Wise choice. Nonfiction is extremely important due to the fact that 85% of what they read after elementary school will be nonfiction text. Nice job explaining how your English learner strategy aligns well with the resource provided. 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) | Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a science fiction novel set far in the future portraying that the world has turned into a horrifyingly dystopian nation. Katniss Everdeen is forced to volunteer herself and enter the annual “Hunger Games” when her younger sister Primrose is chosen. The Hunger Games are a fight to the death amongst children 12 to 18 that is meant to entertain the elite members of society. With only one winner meant to emerge,

emilypalkovich Katniss must bend the rules and remain brave to bring herself and friend Peeta Mellark home. This New York Times Best Seller would be best used for literature circles because it is a longer book with much action, adventure, and information to cover and remember. The following link breaks apart the readings evenly and offers activities for each section: https://www.rcsdk12.org/cms/lib04/NY01001156/Centricity/Domain/5616/Hunger%20Gam.... A UDL 4y

emilypalkovich strategy for this book could be to provide options for language and symbols because there are so many symbolic gestures in this story. An EL strategy would be number ten: teach think, pair, and share strategies in cooperative groups, since this books should be used in literature circle. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding Again, certainly not for the elementary grades however I am aware that some higher level elementary students have read this text. Your resource is excellent; chunking the reading into sections and providing helpful ideas to incorporate in the classroom! Some of my friends have told me that I remind them of Katniss… I take it as a huge compliment! I have read the entire series and I highly recommend them! I also think the movies are amazing. 4y

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emilypalkovich

Let's Go for a Drive! | Mo Willems

Let‘s Go for a Drive by Mo Willems is an animal fantasy story that was awarded with the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book award. The story is about a pig named Piggie and an elephant named Gerald that decide they want to go for a drive, but before they leave for their drive they want to gather a few things to bring. They need a map, sunglasses, and umbrellas and they sing together as they pack their things. They later realize they don‘t have a car,

emilypalkovich but Piggie thinks of an idea to save the day. This book would be great if used for storytelling because it is fun and simple. A website resource that contains a cute art activity to go a long with this book that will allow students to express themselves is https://i.pinimg.com/originals/52/39/78/52397850159894b2715f270218a6a432.jpg. A UDL principle for this story is providing options for expression and communication. The art project attached does 4y

emilypalkovich just that since it is puppet making. An EL principle for this is number 30: encourage the use of diagrams and drawings as aids to identify concepts. This is done through the project as well. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding I love the idea of integrating the arts! When you see this award you know it is appropriate for your emergent readers in your classroom. One of your peers posted about this book and added a resource related to geography and integrating the curriculum by reading this book aloud in a social studies lesson. 4y

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emilypalkovich

A Kick in the Head | Paul B. Janeczko

A Kick in the Head by Paul B. Janeczko with illustrations by Chris Raschka is a story of poetry. This book contains 29 different poems in different poetic forms such as sonnets, double dactyls and limericks. The poems are brought to life by Raschka‘s illustrations. This book would be great for storytelling since it is fun and light hearted. This website contains many activities for this book of poetry:

emilypalkovich https://bookshelfbriefs.wordpress.com/2018/04/21/a-kick-in-the-head/. A UDL principle for this story is providing options for language and symbols because poetry is full of confusing and less commonly used language, patterns, and critical feature. An EL strategy for this is number 14: simplify your speech by making it slower and redundant. This helps because poetry can be a little fast paced. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

DrSpalding When you think about poetry, think about some of the ways we discussed sharing poetry… Echo reading, individual poetry readings, partner reading and choral reading work really well. This book should be a mentor text for students to create their own poetry using the variety of poetry forms presented in this text. 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Nutcracker | E.T.A. Hoffman

This version of the classic story The Nutcracker is illustrated by Michael Weply and is full of pop up images. This dimensional storybook would serve well as a dramatic reenactment in the classroom since The Nutcracker is often performed through acting and ballet. A website resource that contains many activities and information for conducting this reenactment is https://klsriley.com/2012/01/28/nutcracker-lessons-for-elementary-music/.

emilypalkovich A UDL principle for this would be providing options for physical action since it is a ballet/play and the students can reenact it. An EL principle for this would be number five: teach technical vocabulary by supporting key concepts. This is useful because a lot of the words and concepts in The Nutcracker may be unknown to EL‘s. 4y

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DrSpalding I love pop up books! You presented a neat idea with a dramatic reenactment of this classic story. 4y

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emilypalkovich

Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin | Robert Byrd

Electric Ben by Robert Byrd is an Orbis Picture Honor biography book about Benjamin Franklin. The book teaches readers about the true renaissance an known as Ben Franklin and his many accomplishments such as framing the constitution or creating eye glasses! The book pulls the reader in through the fascinating facts and amazing art on each page. This book would be great if used for shared reading because there is so much information it would be

emilypalkovich helpful to discuss it all. A website source that contains multiple fun activities to do following this reading is https://teachbesideme.com/benjamin-franklin-lesson-ideas/. A UDL strategy for this book could be providing options for comprehension since a lot of information about Ben Franklin may require background knowledge. An EL strategy that pairs well with this book is number 42: have students arrange timelines and sequence important facts 4y

emilypalkovich and information. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

PatriciaS Thank you for this great review 👍 I will be adding to my list of science reads about Ben Franklin 😊 4y

DrSpalding Emily, I own this picture book biography. This book would work well in science and or social studies! Helpful resource. 4y

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emilypalkovich

Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cat | Sy Montgomery

Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa‘s Fastest Cats is a nonfiction book by Sy Montgomery with pictures by Nic Bishop. This Orbis Picture Recommended Book focuses on the dwindling population of the amazing cat. This book would be best used as partner reading since it is nonfiction, some students may have a harder time staying focused without the help of a peer. A website resource for assistance with an activity for the partner reading is

emilypalkovich http://symontgomery.com/class-activities/. This is the authors website and it includes activities for the book. A UDL strategy for this would be to provide options for recruiting interest because when reading a nonfiction book students tend to get disinterested more often. An EL strategy for this book would be number number 22: give enough time for EL‘s to respond to questions, meaning EL‘s may need more time to complete worksheets or answer 4y

emilypalkovich questions from peers or the teacher. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

PatriciaS Great review and presentation 👍😊 I love books 📚 that teach children about the animals that live in our world 🌍, I love animals 💞 and books win, win and your resources and activities for teaching vocabulary words and new and exciting science 👍 awesome pick. Adding to my list. thanks 😊 4y

DrSpalding Students tend to enjoy animal books. What decimal aligns with your universal design principle? 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Giver | Lois Lowry

This Giver by Lois Lowry is a Newberry Metal winning science fiction novel centered around a boy named Jonas living in an eerily utopian society. The society is stripped of pain and emotional depth by laying all of the world‘s past memories on just one person, the Receiver of Memory. Jonas is selected to become this person and struggles deeply with the newfound knowledge of pain and suffering that has occurred throughout existence. The Receiver

emilypalkovich of Memory prior to Jonas is the one enlightening him on the knowledge of the past and is consider “The Giver”. The Giver creates a plan to have Jonas escape the boundaries of this dystopian society which will return the memories to everyone. This book would be best used as a literature circle because it is longer, controversial, and full of on the edge of your seat type moments to stop at. A website resource for this would be 4y

emilypalkovich http://mrludwig.yolasite.com/resources/The%20Giver%20PDF%20Lit%20Circle.pdf. A UDL strategy for this novel would be providing options for self regulation because I believe this book had much to reflect on throughout it. An EL strategy for this book would be number 17: provide visual models. There is a movie that students can watch following reading the book to help with understanding the plot. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

emz711 One of my favs! 4y

DrSpalding This is a high-quality piece of science fiction. Your resource is a helpful one for book clubs. The movie that you mention is very well done and would be an excellent follow up to compare and contrast the book with the film. 4y

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emilypalkovich

On My Honor | Marion Dane Bauer

On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer is a Newberry Honor winning novel about a young boy, Joel, who learns through a devastating lesson that honesty is crucial. When Joel and his best friend Tony arrive at a large cliff, dare devil Tony suggests they climb it. Not wanting to be viewed as a “coward” Joel suggests they swim across a treacherous river instead, thinking it would be safer than the cliff climbing. Joel reaches the other side of the river

emilypalkovich only to see Tony has disappeared. Joel fails to find his friend in the rough waters and keeps the secret to himself until there is no other option but to tell the truth. This realistic fiction story would be best if used for dramatic reenactment because it would help get the message that the book is trying to teach across: the importance of honesty. A website resource for re-enacting this book would be 4y

emilypalkovich https://www.jstor.org/stable/20201167?seq=1#metadata_info_tab... because it describes how to motivate a dramatic story reenactment. A UDL principle for this could be to provide options for expression and communication since it is a more intense topic. A EL strategy that would be beneficial here is number nine: teach note-taking strategies because it is a longer book which requires full understanding and building off of previous information. 4y

emilypalkovich #ucflae3414sp21 4y

PatriciaS Great review 👍 thanks for this wonderful addition to teach children life lessons with great resource activities. Comprehension is gained through book clubs and literary circles discussion sessions questions and answers small groupings and independent reading assignments too. I will be adding this wonderful book to my list. 4y

DrSpalding When Tony disappears… Yikes! Students will not want you to stop reading. Yes this could be a dramatic reenactment however an after lunch or specials read aloud to discuss how important it is to follow rules, maybe even better. 4y

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emilypalkovich

The Relatives Came | Cynthia Rylant

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant with illustrations by Stephen Gammell is a realistic fiction story about a family that goes to visit their extended family during the summer. After driving many long hours from Virginia, the family arrives to embrace their relatives with warm hugs and they spend the entire summer together tending to the garden and being together.

emilypalkovich This Caldecott Honor awarded book would be great if used for independent reading (IR) in the classroom since it is about family and everyone may have personal thoughts on family time and visiting relatives. A website resource that would support independently reading this book would be https://www.ldatschool.ca/independent-reading/. A UDL strategy that would work well for this story is to provide options for perception because all families are 4y

emilypalkovich different and therefore all readers will have a different perspective on the meaning of family time. An EL strategy for this book could be number four, linking the lesson topic to students‘ prior knowledge. If EL‘s link ways they spend time with their relatives to the way the characters do in the story, they will have a better understanding of the meaning of family time. #ucflae3414sp21 4y

PatriciaS Great presentation ☺️ love it and your review has great resources for teaching this book 📖. Books 📚 on family teach great lessons in growth and understanding. Wonderful review and I will be adding it to my list. 4y

DrSpalding I can see why you may think this is realistic fiction but look at the front cover… Now what genre do you believe it to be? 4y

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emilypalkovich

Mouse Loves Love | Lauren Thompson

Mouse Loves Love is an animal fantasy picture book by Lauren Thompson with illustrations by Bucket Erdogan. This story is about a mouse that follows his sister around while she makes a Valentine card for him. Mouse secretly watches as his sister gathers ribbon, paper, lace, and other craft supplies and turns it all into a card for him. This book would be best used for storytelling followed by a small activity since it is aimed for young students.

emilypalkovich This link shows several different ways for students to make their own Valentine's Day card like Mouse's sister did: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/118125/simple-homemade-valentine/. An appropriate UDL guideline for this book is to provide Expression and Communication. This is important for young students and can be done through the activity. An EL strategy for this story would be number 44. focus on thinking skills; predict and observe. 4y

emilypalkovich This can be done by having students predict what Mouse's sister is doing with all the supplies she is gathering.
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DrSpalding Three of ten noted! Great pictures and excellent, comprehensive posts. You are using the rubric well! Keep going 4y

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emilypalkovich

Creepy Carrots!: with audio recording | Aaron Reynolds

Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds with illustrations by Peter Brown is a New York Times Best Seller animal fantasy story about a bunny named Jasper. Jasper loved eating the carrots that grew in Crackenhopper Field until one day he believed them to have started following him. I think this book would be great for a class read-aloud because it is suspenseful and can be told with a lot of enthusiasm.

emilypalkovich This link contains a great activity to use in the classroom during a read-aloud. The worksheet under “making predictions“ can evoke thought and ensure comprehension of the story by having students draw a picture about what might happen later in the story. https://deannajump.com/creepy-carrots-read-aloud-lessons/. A good UDL guideline for Creepy Carrots is Recruiting Interest. 4y

emilypalkovich Since it is aimed toward younger students, it becomes extra important to minimize distractions. An EL strategy for this book would be number 14: “simplify your speech”, since it would most likely be done as a read-aloud. This is a quick and easy way to strengthen EL understanding without making them feel called out in front of their peers. #ucflae3414sp21
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emilypalkovich

How I Became a Spy: A Mystery of WWII London | Deborah Hopkinson

How I Became a Spy by Deborah Hopkinson is a historical fiction novel for ages nine to twelve. This chapter-book was awarded the Sunshine State Young Readers Award which comes as no surprise because Hopkinson is an award-winning author. How I Became a Spy is no exception to Hopkinson's talent. The story focuses on a young boy (Bertie)

emilypalkovich in London, England during World War II and his adventures with a group of friends (an American named Eleanor and a Jewish refugee named David) when they discover a notebook dropped by a secret agent working against the Nazi force. The book brings fun to the dreary topic by incorporating ciphers to decode message the children find in the notebook. In my classroom I would use this book for a literature circle like we did in this class. I think this 4y

emilypalkovich reading strategy would work best for this book because it is a chapter book so students will need to bring it home, do some reading, and discuss it in class with their group on a schedule. A great discussion guide for historical fiction books is linked here: https://www.readinggroupguides.com/historical-fiction-discussion-questions. A UDL strategy for this book is self regulation. Since it is a chapter book, students will need assistance in 4y

emilypalkovich completing readings on a scheduled basis. Teachers should help students develop self-assessment and reflection to reach these goals. An EL strategy that should be used for this book is number 43. Have students underline or highlight key words or important facts. This would be useful because there are more advanced vocabulary terms and topics throughout this book that may require more research or questions from EL's.
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emilypalkovich #ucflae3414sp21 4y

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