To make this engaging organizer, have each student fold a sheet of construction paper in half lengthwise, use construction paper scraps to add truck details, and then cut the top flap into four equal sections. Next, guide the child to label the flaps as shown and then describe Leigh's feelings about each topic at the story's beginning. Then have the student open each flap, label the inside sections as shown, and describe Leigh's feelings at the end of the book. Have each child share their work and then post it on a board titled, "A Convoy of Character Analysis."

Sponsored by Penguin Group

Teacher's Guides and Activity Kits

Teach these books in your classroom! Each lesson plan is created by educators for educators and is ready for immediate classroom adoption with suggested assignments, writing prompts, extension activities, and more! All are aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Click here now to get these free resources.

Use the book If... by Sarah Perry to help students visualize cause and effect. The book includes 20 phrases that describe incredible ideas coupled with fantastic illustrations. In advance, choose three ideas from the book. Then introduce the book, read aloud one of the phrases you've chosen, and share its illustration. Next, challenge each child to imagine an effect that might take place if the phrase were real. Have the student jot the book's phrase on a copy of the organizer and then describe or illustrate an effect. Have students share their ideas with partners. Then read another phrase and repeat the process.

Sponsored by Studentreasures

FREE Publishing Program for Your School!

Do you want to create a fun learning experience for your students? Watch their faces light up when they find out they will become published authors! Publish by February 28, 2013, and your school could win a $1,000 grant!

Click here to request more information and two free hardbound sample books!

Before reading a historical fiction selection, lead each child to make predictions about the story on a copy of the cabin pattern. Then have the student complete the remaining sections as he reads. When the child finishes the story, he cuts the pattern as guided, cutting out and discarding the shaded section. Then he folds the pattern on the lines and tapes the top sections together to form a peaked-roof cabin. Each student displays his work on his desk or a class shelf.