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Journal > English Journal
Using Children's Literature to Spark Learning
by Diana Mitchell
Grades | 8 – 12 |
Type | Journal |
Published | February 1998 |
Publisher | ![]() |
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Description |
Presents two brief articles--the first discusses purposes for using children's picture books in a secondary classroom, activities for children's literature, and integrating children's books into the classroom curriculum; and the second discusses using folktales in the classroom to engage reluctant readers and writers, suggests ideas/topics for folktale writing projects, lists writing prompts, and recommends folktales.
Mitchell, Diana. "Using Children's Literature to Spark Learning." English Journal 87.2 (February 1998): 94-97.
Grades 3 – 6 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
American Folklore: A Jigsaw Character Study
Groups of students read and discuss American folklore stories, each group reading a different story. Using a jigsaw strategy, the groups compare character traits and main plot points of the stories. A diverse selection of American folk tales is used for this lesson, which is adaptable to any text set.
Grades 9 – 12 | Lesson Plan | Unit
Id, Ego, and Superego in Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat is used as a primer to teach students how to analyze a literary work using plot, theme, characterization, and psychoanalytical criticism.
Grades 9 – 12 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
From Dr. Seuss to Jonathan Swift: Exploring the History behind the Satire
Use Dr. Seuss's The Butter Battle Book as an accessible introduction to satire. Reading, discussing, and researching this picture book paves the way for a deeper understanding of Gulliver's Travels.
Grades 3 – 5 | Lesson Plan | Standard Lesson
Using Picture Books to Teach Characterization in Writing Workshop
Students explore character development through experiences with picture books. They learn about the connections between reading and writing and apply the information they learn to revisions of their own writing.