Children's Literature Lesson Plans, Authors Bedford - Borden

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett
Pre-reading and discussion questions, ideas for post-reading activities.

The Berenstain Bears
Lesson plans and activities to accompany several books from the Berenstain Bears series.

An interview with Holly Black
A series of 4 short videos in which the author discusses both the Spiderwick series and The Good Neighbors series.

Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi
Three activities: students write a field guide based on imaginary creatures; they determine the difference between real and imaginary creatures; and they decode anagrams. Includes printable handouts. Adobe Reader required; 10 pages.

A Character Life Box
Through research and study of Shakespearean England, student pairs get to know about the life of a character in the book Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood. Students collect props and clues to create a "life box" and a poem about their character. Using props adds a visual and physical dimension to their learning while using words engages mental facilities, making this a whole brain activity. Students must communicate their clues and interpret others clues to reveal character’s identities.

Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod by Robert J. Blake
Students note details as they read. Includes text-dependent questions, vocabulary words, a writing task, and additional learning activities. Word processor required for access.

Akiak: A Tale from the Iditarod by Robert J. Blake
This writing task includes prompt, graphic organizer, student handouts, and model essay. Emphasis is on providing evidence for an inference. 6 pages; word processor required.

The Littlest Matryoshka by Corinne Bliss
Summary, analysis, and 3 sets of discussion questions based on themes in the story.

Wolf! by Becky Bloom
Students note details as they read. Includes text-dependent questions, vocabulary words, a culminating task, and additional learning activities. Word processor required for access.

A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom
The author reads her book in a 3-minute video. Scroll down for background information and discussion questions.

Judy Blume
Ideas for teaching Freckle Juice and other works by Judy Blume.

Babu's Song by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen
This teacher's guide includes summary and background information, prereading questions, vocabulary, discussion questions, ideas for literature circles and reader response, writing activities, strategies for ESL and interdisciplinary connections.

The A+ Custodian by Louise Borden
This reading group guide includes discussion questions and ideas for postreading activities.

The Day Eddie Met the Author by Louise Borden
Students note details as they read. Includes text-dependent questions, vocabulary words, a culminating task, and additional learning activities. Word processor required for access.

Sleds on Boston Common by Louise Borden
Packet includes writing prompt, graphic organizer, student handout, and model essay. Emphasis is on providing evidence to support an inference. 7 pages; word processor required for access.