Children’s Literature Project ECCH 221/222

Children’s Literature ProjectECCH 221/222 Created by: Emily Serafini

Topic: The Rain Forest Grade: 4

Resource #1Scholastic's the magic school bus in the rain forestCole, J., Degen B., & Speirs, J (1998) Fiction Reading level of 3.5 Summary: Ms. Frizzle and her students ventured to a tropical rain forest in order to find out why Ms. Frizzle’s cocoa tree was not producing any cocoa beans. On their way to Ms. Frizzle’s cocoa tree, they learned all about the rain forest including plants and animals of this habitat. This book is very valuable because it provides side notes that give further information regarding rain forests while also emphasizing destruction by human beings.

This book would be easy for all fourth graders because new concepts about the rain forest introduced in the book are explained in the side notes. In addition, the text is age appropriate and reader friendly; thus, the students are able to comprehend new information about the rain forest more effectively. New York State Standards ELA Standard 1 ELA Standard 3 ELA Standard 4 SS Standard 3

Activity Pre-reading Build background knowledge about vocabulary terms regarding the rainforest K-W-L chart Reading Read-aloud to students Stop to point out new vocabulary discussed in pre-reading activity and facts provided in side notes Respond Allow students to express their opinions regarding destruction of rain forests by human beings Discuss ways in which we can help save these habitats

Application * Students collaborate an create a presentation explaining different ways that everyone can help save the rain forests * By completing the K-W-L chart and conducting further research as a class, (books, computer) students will explain why rain forest destruction must be put to an end * Students will describe negative effects that would occur if rainforests did not exist as well as positive benefits of rain forests to animals, plants, and humans * This class will present their project to the additional fourth grade classes in hopes of teaching others that they too can help save the rain forest

Sample Student Work Save the Rain Forest Rain forests are home to many plants and animals. When humans destroy the rain forest, these plants and animals cannot survive. Every year, an area of rainforest the size of New Jersey is cut down and destroyed by human beings Why are rain forests being destroyed? • Wood for building furniture, buildings, or making fires • Farming • Land How can I save the rain forests? • Recycle • Support groups that protect the rain forests and animals • Tell others about the danger of destroying rain forests • Do not waste water • Turn off lights when you are not using them

Resource #2Rainforest AnimalsSmith, K.B., & Bonforte, L. (2007) Non-fiction Reading level of 1+ Summary: This book explains the elements of rain forests and where they can be located. Students will learn about the diverse animals and plants that live in this habitat as well as the harmful effects of ongoing destruction by human beings. An attention-grabbing gatefold within this book provides an in-depth illustration of the rain forest community.

This book will give struggling readers an opportunity to learn about the rain forest while gaining confidence in their reading skills. All fourth graders will be able to successfully read this book. New York State Standards • ELA Standard 1 • ELA Standard 2 • ELA Standard 4 • SS Standard 3

Activity Pre-reading Build background knowledge asking students what they already know about rain forests Reading Students will then read the book independently Respond Students will participate in class discussion and tell what they learned about the rain forest from this book that they had not known before and found interesting

Application • Students will work in groups of no more than 4 • Each group will be given a world map • Students will use their copies of the book, the atlas, and the internet in order to figure out the location of various rain forests around the world • Students will highlight the rain forest location on the map and label it with its appropriate name (ex: Amazon Rain Forest) • Once groups have finished their research, the class will identify major regions in the world where rain forests are predominantly located • As a class, we will discuss why rain forests are located in these areas (weather conditions) in comparison to other regions in the world

Sample Student Work Rainforest of Southeast Asia Rainforests of Central America Congo River Basin Rainforest Amazon Rainforest Madagascar Rainforest

Resource #3In a tropical rainforestMoore, J. (2009) Poetry Reading level of 3 Summary: There are many different sounds and sights that an individual can experience while walking through a rain forest. This poem inquires readers to envision themselves walking through a rain forest. What types of sounds can you hear? Can you see through the layers of the trees? Do you see any animals?

Easy to read for all fourth graders with a few new words. • ELA Standard 1 • ELA Standard 2 • ELA Standard 4 • SS Standard 3 New York State Standards

Activity Pre-reading Background discussion on the different types of animals one may see or sounds one may hear in a rain forest Reading Read-aloud while a CD with rain forest sounds is playing in the background Respond Students will close their eyes and listen to the CD once again without listening to the poem Students will then express what they imagined while listening to the CD as if they were walking through a rain forest

Application • Students will be given a template similar to the poem (beginning and ending with “Imagine walking through a rainforest…) • While listening to CD with rain forest sounds for inspiration, students will write their own poem describing that they would see, hear, smell, and so on when walking through a rain forest • Students will practice the writing process including drafting, revising, editing, and publishing with teacher’s assistance as well as help by peers • Final product will display students’ poem written on the bottom of the page accompanied with an illustration of the rain forest on the top half of the page drawn by the student

Sample Student Work

Children’s Literature Project ECCH 221/222