Children’s Book Activity

Form into a group of three. Write and illustrate a story similar to Dr. Seuss’ “The Sneetches” to teach young children about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. You may divide work however you see fit, or you can give each person a role:

- Writer – makes the story (to make the best story possible, everyone should collaborate on it, but the writer should have the final say on the story)

- Scribe/Calligrapher – writes or types the story on the paper

- Illustrator – makes or finds pictures for the story

The book should look like a book! It should have page numbers, binding on one side, a front cover, etc. The book should have at least 10 pages to it. You may write messages of love and hope at the end of the book if you wish!

RUBRIC

Front Page – 10 points

· Title

· Picture

· Names of authors

Story – 40 points

· Graded on creativeness and effort

· Appeal to small children and whether or not it teaches children a lesson about prejudice

· 10 pages long

Scribing – 20 points

· Graded on neatness

· Visibility – printed as large as possible

Illustrations – 30 points

· Color

· Creativeness and effort

· Appeal to small children

· 10 pictures

If you would like, Mr. Baker can laminate the pictures of your book. Please let him know ASAP.

Why Are We Doing This???

Dear Ms. Kummerle and Mr. Baker,

I am the media specialist at Tyler Heights Elementary. Our school has mostly poor kids - over 80% receive free or reduced-price lunches - and over 60% of our students are English Language learners. The staff at our school is determined that our student become top achievers despite their challenges!

Last summer, another teacher and I started a "bookmocycle." Each Friday in July, we spent the day making stops in the community giving out 2 free books to each child we met. By the end of the month, we gave out over 1200 books.

We plan on running the bookmocycle again in July of 2011. We are also conducting book give-aways four times during the school year before each vacation so that students have books to read at home.

Do you think either of your groups at Old Mill might want to hold a book drive for us? It actually is a form of recycling. Students probably have lots of books at home that they have outgrown. It will help them clean out their bookshelves to make room for more books. Recently, several groups at South River High School joined together to collect 10 boxes of wonderful books.

I would be happy to pick up any books that you collect.  I'm sure you have a lot on your plate and your groups might be busy with many other projects. But if you can make time for us, we will really appreciate it!