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Building a Matrix for Leo Lionni Books: An Author Study

In this author study, students listen to four books by author Leo Lionni over the course of four days. Each reading is followed by discussion focusing on literary elements and comparing characters and plots. After discussion, students participate in creating and organizing information on a large matrix which depicts the main elements of that day’s story. During the week, the matrix helps students review and retell each story and to compare details of two or more stories at a time. On the final day of this lesson, individual students choose any two books to compare using a Venn diagram.

In this unit students will develop several skills. They will respond orally in group discussion to a series of texts by an author. Students will collaborate on drawings depicting information about setting, character, and plot. They will identify patterns in setting, character, and plot. Skills of comparing the details of two stories will also be presented.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Student Objectives:

Students will:

respond orally in group discussion to a series of texts by an author
collaborate on drawings depicting information about setting, character, and plot
identify patterns in setting, character, and plot
compare the details of two stories of their choice

NCTE/IRA National Standards For The English Language Arts:

Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works.
Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. They draw on their prior experience, their interactions with other readers and writers, their knowledge of word meaning and of other texts, their word identification strategies, and their understanding of textual features (e.g., sound–letter correspondence, sentence structure, context, graphics).
Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and nonprint texts.
Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.

Lesson Variations

Extension suggestions:

Extensions:

Use the book list at Random House's Leo Lionni Author's Page. Have students use the pictures on the screen to find other Leo Lionni books in the classroom.
Gather more Leo Lionni books and encourage students to make more comparisons.
Read other children’s mouse stories on Random House's Leo Lionni Author's Page. Use these stories as inspiration to write stories using one of Leo Lionni’s characters.
Put the school of fish back together at the Swimmy interactive Website.
Make fish prints, and write your own fish story.
Make torn paper mice, and write your own mouse story.
Have each student choose a favorite book, and write a book review of the book with an illustration of his or her favorite part. If desired, use the Book Cover Creator to highlight the favorite part on a new book cover or dust jacket.
Prepare and make copies of literature response sheets headed with "My favorite Leo Lionni book is _______________ because ___________________." Have students write and draw about their favorite Leo Lionni book on the literature response sheet.

References

Contributors:

Julie Scudder

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation