The difference between an average and an unforgettable writing can lie in the author's word choice. The figurative language in Chapter 2 of Christopher Paul Curtis's Newbery Medal Winner, Bud, Not Buddy, is the focus of a series of...

Here’s a reading strategy that can be used with any text. Class members examine portions of a novel, and make predictions about the theme or subject matter of the book. Although designed for Christopher Paul Curtis’s Newbery Medal...

Young scholars explore types of awards for children's books. They design a new award. Students review books and select one to receive the newly designed award. Young scholars create a "medal" for the book jacket. They write an...

Students participate in the unit based on the Newbery Medal-winning novel by Louis Sachar and the Walt Disney Movie "Holes". They use the layered curriculum model of assessment and activities.

Students create a class book award. For this book award lesson, students review the book awards already created (Caldecott or Newbery) and look at books that have received these awards. They come up with their own award and nominate new...

Students examine the writing process of Kate DiCamillo, the author of "Because of Winn-Dixie." They read author's comments, watch a slideshow narrated by the author, complete a free-write activity, and discuss Kate DiCamillo's top five...

Students are introduced to the book Seedfolks and the concept of community. In this Seedfolks literature study lesson, the first in a unit, the teacher reads the first half of the book and students answer comprehension questions and...

Web English Teacher has put together a comprehensive resource filled with links to lesson plans, teaching guides and activities featuring the work of Jerry Spinelli.

Delve into this resource featuring links to biographical information, and lesson plans for some of Louis Sachar's work.