EMERGENT READER ACTIVITIES FOR KINDERGARTEN AND …



Polar Bears - Children will use their knowledge of Dolch words and basic phonics skills to read about polar bears. Ideas are given for word hunts using word families, vowel sounds, etc. Children can color the polar bear picture after reading. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Yaks - Children will use their knowledge of Dolch words and basic phonics skills to read about yaks. Ideas are given for word hunts using word families and vowel sounds. Children can color the yak picture after reading. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Penguins - Children will use their knowledge of Dolch words and basic phonics skills to read about penguins. Children will find –in family words and make their own –in words. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Our Helper, the Sun! - Children will read a nonfiction article about the sun. They will illustrate their comprehension by making pictures of how the sun helps us. Suggestions are given for a phonics activity. The activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

The Water Cycle - Students will read an article about the components of the water cycle. The article contains Dolch words and age-appropriate phonics-based words. Children will color the diagram and explain each part of this cycle. The activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Animal Helpers - Students will read an article about pollinators. Guided reading questions are suggested. Students will color a picture of one animal pollinator “helper.” The activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, of the National Science Standards.

Keeping a Top Secret! - Children will read a nonfiction passage (written at the primer level) about the ivory-billed woodpecker. An ecological question is posed. A math story is given and children draw a picture to arrive at answers to this story problem. The activity correlates with NCTM’s Algebra and Communications Standards.

Hurricanes Are Big! - Emerging readers will use sentence patterns and high frequency words to develop a Concept of Word and add to sight vocabulary. Directions are given for highlighting these Dolch words. The activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Clouds – Children will use their emerging sight vocabulary and phonics skills to read about clouds and fog. Ideas for presenting sight vocabulary are included. Teachers are able to use portions of the text to check for Concept of Word. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Maggie at the Zoo! - Children will determine how many legs, tails, and ears on specified zoo animals. They will write these numerals on the activity page. Children may color each animal when finished. Extension ideas, integrating language arts and math, are given. The activity correlates with NCTM’s Algebra and Number and Operations Standards.

What is the Weather? - Children will use sight vocabulary to read a nonfiction selection of how weather affects their clothing and activities. They will demonstrate their understanding of this concept by drawing a picture of themselves on a rainy day and on a sunny day. The activity correlates with the National Geography Strand, Environment and Society: How Physical Systems Affect Human Systems.

Sunlight - Emergent readers will read a nonfiction selection about the ways the sun helps us. The selection uses Dolch words and repeated vocabulary to help with readability. Children follow-up the reading by drawing ways the sun helps the Earth. Ideas for sharing this work are given in the teacher letter. The activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Will You See the Winter Games? - High frequency words, repeated vocabulary, and short sentences make this article about the XX Winter Olympics an appropriate read for your kindergarteners and first graders. An illustration of a medal may be colored and suggestions for extensions are provided. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strands: Culture and Civic Ideals and Practices.

What Can You See in Turin? - Children will read a selection about Turin, Italy. The contrasts of this city are highlighted. Children color pictures showing these contrasts. Ideas for classroom use by various levels of emergent readers are presented. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strand, People Places, and Environment.

Ideas to Illuminate Italy - Children will read text containing high frequency words and repetitive sentence structure about Olympic athletes and gravity. They will demonstrate their comprehension by creating the illustrations for their own booklet. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.”

Count the Medals - Children will gain practice in chart reading and completing a chart by adding 3 numbers. Instructions encourage use of counters, if necessary. Reading is at an appropriate level for emerging readers. Suggestions are given for follow-up classroom activities. The activity correlates with NCTM’s Algebra and Data Analysis and Probability Standards.

Throw and Sweep - Children will read a short, nonfiction paragraph about the sport of curling. High frequency words and age-appropriate phonics-based words are used. Children exhibit their comprehension by completing sentences about the paragraph’s content. Several suggestions are given for developing higher level comprehension skills. Co-curricular math/language arts ideas are also provided. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

The Games Go On - Children will listen to the teacher read about the Paralympic Games and will then read about these Games using high-frequency words and a sentence patterning text. They will draw a picture to illustrate their comprehension. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.”

Hot Or Cold? - Children read about how climate affects clothing and housing choices. High frequency words and predictable sentence patterns allow emerging readers to independently read the selection. Children are asked to complete two sentences and draw a picture to illustrate their understanding of the article’s concepts. Other teaching suggestions are given. The activity correlates with the National Geography Strand, Environment and Society: How Physical Systems Affect Human Systems.

An Extra Special Egg - Children will read about ostrich eggs. They find out that one ostrich egg can feed ten people. They use this knowledge to understand the meaning behind skip counting by ten. The activity correlates with NCTM’s Algebra and Number and Operations Standards.

Trouble in Tuvalu! - Children will increase their vocabulary as they read about an island nation that is being submerged because of global climate change. High frequency words form the basis of the short article. More difficult vocabulary is reinforced using an activity. The activity correlates with the National Geography Strand, Environment and Society: How Physical Systems Affect Human Systems.

Great Big Numbers - Information about big numbers, including the term googol is presented using age-appropriate reading vocabulary. A chart is presented so children can write the number one googol. Follow-up place value activities are suggested. The activity correlates with the National Principles and Standards Number and Operations Strand: Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.

Hurry Maggie! - Children will read a short passage about Maggie swimming. They are asked to think about and list activities that could be accomplished in specific lengths of time. Ideas for further development of understanding time passage are presented for the teacher. This activity correlates with the Measurement Standard, “Understand Measurable Attributes of Objects and the Units, Systems, and Processes of Measurement” of the National Mathematics Standards.

It Is Hot! - Children will read about heat and personal safety on hot days. High frequency words are used and ideas for the teacher include how to develop a sight vocabulary and ideas for holding a science-based class discussion.

The activity correlates with both the Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards and with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

The Many Uses of Gourds - Children read about the many uses for gourds in different cultures. Follow-up ideas for social studies and writing are included. The Dear Letter contains a chart showing the components of writing. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strands: Culture and Civic Ideals and Practices.

Turkey Coins - Children will read a nonfiction article about wild turkeys. They design a coin using the turkey. Ideas are given for developing phonics skills and an art project is explained in the Dear Colleague Letter. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

I LOVE Cookies! - Children will draw a picture of themselves eating a sandwich cookie. Class results are plotted on a bar graph. Teacher ideas are given to allow for probability and problem solving concepts. This activity correlates with the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards.

Elephants Need Help! - Children use their growing sight vocabulary and emerging phonics skills to read how elephants help make money to provide for their needs. A picture is included to color. Ideas for understanding vocabulary are presented along with how to use picture cues. An activity is described to help strengthen young hand muscles. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).” It can also be used in conjunction with the money portion of the National Social Studies Standards Economics strand.

Big, Bigger, and Biggest! - Children read sentences about stars. Comparisons such as big, bigger ,and biggest are used. Stars are classified according to their color, size, and length of “life.” Follow-up activities include further ideas for comparative adjective understanding along with ideas for preparing children to both read and create their own science and math charts. This activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Tall Grass - Children read an article about sod houses and the tall grasses of the prairie. The text includes both high-frequency and decodable vocabulary. Ideas for social studies, language arts, and math extensions are given along with methods to build up hand muscles for improved handwriting. Children color a picture. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strand, People Places, and Environment.

Look at the Chart - Students will read level-appropriate text that introduces them to a chart of three presidents. They use place value to answer questions chronological order questions. The reading of charts and place value are out comes of this activity. Follow-up suggestions are given in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with NCTM’s National Principles and Standards Number and Operations Strand: Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.

Green Math - Children will read about shamrocks. They will complete a chart about shamrock leaves and use their knowledge to problem solve. Further suggestions for an integrated study are given in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the National Principles and Standards Number and Operations Strand: Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.

See the Light, Help the Earth - Children will read about greenhouse gases and a new kind of light bulb (fluorescent) designed to use less energy. The text contains high-frequency words so that readers at approximately a primer level will meet with success. The Dear Colleague letter contains suggestions to allow children to visualize the science concepts. This activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

A Special Poem – Your Haiku - Students will learn about the structure of the haiku form of poetry. The text is written using high-frequency vocabulary and level-appropriate phonics patterns. Ideas for teaching the lesson along with follow-up suggestions are included in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

9-1-1 Help Sea Turtles - Children will read nonfiction text about sea turtles and a hospital that helps these reptiles. Students are encouraged to create a Venn Diagram comparing human and animal hospitals. Several suggestions for meaningful social studies and math correlated activities are provided. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strand: Civic Ideals and Practices.

I’m Not Joking – It’s a Log Canoe! - Students will read level-appropriate facts about log canoes. They will use these facts to answer knock-knock jokes! Several ideas for follow-up using this strategy are highlighted in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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” and with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

Trees Help! - Children will read a short text about trees. Repeated high-frequency vocabulary is used. A drawing of a tree is included to color and room for children to draw themselves helping trees is given. The Dear Colleague letter contains suggestions for differentiating for beginning writing instruction and developing a Concept of Print. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Counting on Castles! - Children will read level-appropriate sentences about castles and count the features of the pictured castle. Meaningful counting along with numeral representation forms the basis for the activity and the ideas in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with NCTM’s Number and Operations Standard.

What is a Delta? - Children will read sentences about water flowing down a river. The text uses high-frequency sight vocabulary. Follow-up science, reading, and writing ideas are presented in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, of the National Science Standards.

Manners in China - Students will read a level-appropriate story about manners in China. A map of the country is provided for children to color. Suggestions for teaching vocabulary are included in the Dear Colleague letter and additional follow-up activities are presented.

Pika Who? - Children will read a level-appropriate text about pikas, a high-altitude animal that is negatively affected by global climate change. The Dear Colleague letter gives suggestions as to how to develop content area reading skills, even with young readers. A picture is provided for coloring. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, of the National Science Standards and the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Holiday Letters - Children will read a level-appropriate passage that explains how Mrs. Sarah Hale wrote letters to encourage the recognition of Thanksgiving as a holiday in the United States. Children are encouraged to think of a holiday they would like to see celebrated. They are asked to write a letter explaining their reasons of enacting such a holiday. This activity correlates with National Social Studies Strand: Culture and Civic Ideals and Practices.

Read and Write BIG Words! - Children will read level-appropriate sentences containing high-frequency words with prefixes. They will determine the meaning of each prefix based on the context. Several follow-up suggestions are given in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Polar Bears and Penguins - Children will read a level-appropriate text about polar bears and penguins. The fact these two polar animals are affected by global climate change and live on different poles is highlighted. The Dear Colleague letter gives suggestions as to how to use context clues. Follow-up activities are suggested. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science and Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science of the National Science Standards.

Many Names - Children will sort number cards that illustrate the concept of different ways to name numbers. Follow-up activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter. A template for further number sorting is provided. This activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Communication Strand of NCTM’s standards.

Smile – Now They Are Sentences! - Children will read phrases about teeth. They will turn these phrases into complete sentences. Suggestions for various follow-up writing activities are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

Smile and Save! - Children will read a level-appropriate nonfiction text about problems some experience in finding clean water. They are encouraged to make a list about ways they can help conserve this precious resource. Follow-up activities, including a poem with math connections are presented in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: People, Places and Environment and Production, Distribution, and Consumption.

Show Me the Number! - Children will read a level-appropriate passage containing high-frequency and decodable words about an insect. They will use the information in the text for a math-related follow-up activity. Several suggestions are included in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

A Smart Kid! - Children will read a level-appropriate text about a child inventor. The non-fiction text contains high-frequency and decodable vocabulary. As a follow-up, children are asked to design their own invention. The Dear Colleague letter contains ideas about parent volunteers. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Civic Ideals and Practices.

Ostrich Tails - Students will read a level-appropriate text with high-frequency and decodable vocabulary about ostrich tails. There is an illustration of an ostrich to color, and children are encouraged to draw a follow-up picture. Other ideas are provided in the Dear Colleague letter, including other fun facts about animal tails. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, of the National Science Standards.

Panda Olympics - Children will read a level-appropriate text about one of the symbols of the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, the panda. They are asked to consider what animal might best represent their abilities and ideas. Follow-up activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter.

Wetlands Menu Math - Students will use the information from an imaginary “Wetlands Menu” to answer questions about the food, which animals that inhabit wetlands may “order.” Simple addition is required to solve the problems. The activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards.

Summer Scrambler with Maggie - Children will visit Maggie’s website at . They explore the various components of this website as part of this electronic scavenger hunt. An intended outcome of this activity is that students will become familiar with the vast educational resources of this site, ranging from learning games to biological information to interactive multi-subject area devices.

All Around the World - Children will read a nonfiction text about the world’s deltas. Repetitive sentence structure is used to build sight vocabulary as are level-appropriate words. Several ideas for follow-up are presented in the Dear Colleague letter, including developing a child’s sense of self in the world. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strand, People Places, and Environment.

Working Hard…To Win! - Children will read a short non-fiction paragraph about an Olympic gold medalist. In addition to reading the text and coloring the accompanying picture, an idea is presented for a language arts/art extension. The Dear Colleague letter contains thoughts on posing questions for maximum thought and minimal classroom disruption. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

Election Math - Students will read a level-appropriate passage about the U.S. presidential electoral process. They will read a chart and answer questions based on this chart. Ideas for pre-teaching as well as follow-up and extension ideas are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. A companion activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The activity correlates with NCTM’s Algebra and Data Analysis and Probability Standards.

Make a Difference - Students will read a level-appropriate passage about Reth Chan Rattana, a woman who runs an educational foundation in Cambodia. They are encouraged to think and write about ways they will make a difference. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Camels - Children will read an article about camels that focuses on this animal’s unique adaptations to life in the desert. Children are asked to write a conclusion based on the facts in the text. A camel is provided for students to color. Suggestions for introducing the article, including using comprehension strategies such as making predictions are provided. Additionally, the Dear Colleague letter discusses a methodology to keep children on task as they write. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, of the National Science Standards.

Birds of Prey – Falcons! - Children read sentences about falcons. They use a word bank to fill in appropriate words. All text uses Dolch or level-appropriate words for emerging readers and writers. The sentences are presented in a four-square format so that children may cut out the boxes and arrange in a paragraph. Ideas about sentence sense and reasons why children may have difficulty developing this key concept are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Happy New Year! - Children will read short sentences describing various holiday food traditions around the world. As part of the activity, emerging readers are asked to complete a sentence about their own traditions. The Dear Colleague letter contains various suggestions for extending the discussion about traditions/holidays and an idea for a traditions class project. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Strands: Culture and Civic Ideals and Practices.

BIG Lakes! - Children will read a level-appropriate introductory text about three of the great lakes of the world. A chart showing these lakes is provided along with three questions about reading and interpreting this graph. The Dear Colleague letter offers suggestions regarding math vocabulary and geography follow-up activities. Ideas for a parent newsletter are also included. This activity correlates with the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards.

Wetlands Can Help Us! - Students will read a level-appropriate article about urban wetlands. Appropriate vocabulary and decodable words are presented as is a repeated sentence structure. A multiple-choice follow-up activity is included. Ideas for introducing the activity and presenting “bubble” tests are included in the Dear Colleague letter as are ideas regarding classroom management. This activity correlates with Standard 4: Places and Regions of the National Geographic Standards.

China - Children will read a level-appropriate short text about China and the Olympics. They imagine themselves watching an Olympic event and write about that experience. Other ideas for integrated lessons are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

Go Elephants Go! - Students will read a level-appropriate text about the migratory elephants of Mali. Two follow-up questions are asked. The Dear Colleague letter contains suggestions as to how to hold a more effective discussion in the early elementary classroom. The activity correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

Pen Pals: Project Knapsack - Children will read about Project Knapsack, a program which seeks to connect the world’s children through giving and a pen pal exchange. Follow-up activities include writing a letter along with ideas to integrate the arts into such an exchange.

A Picture Poem! - Level-appropriate directions are given for writing a concrete poem. Children are encouraged to write a list of descriptive words for an object and then are asked to place these words on an example drawing. The Dear Colleague letter contains ideas for children to write their own concrete poems. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels. It correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

Brown Bear – How Big Are You? - Students read about brown bears, and then use their knowledge to solve two math problems using the word twice. The Dear Colleague letter gives examples of how to creatively teach and support sight vocabulary. This activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

Antarctica: It Wins! - Children will read a level-appropriate passage about Antarctica. Follow-up activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter as are ideas for increasing sight vocabulary. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

Maggie’s Puzzle - Children will visit Maggie’s website at . They explore the various components of this website as part of this electronic scavenger hunt. An intended outcome of this activity is that students will become familiar with the vast educational resources of this site, ranging from learning games to biological information to interactive multi-subject area devices. Several ideas for thinking green are provided in the Dear Colleague section of this activity.

What Do Lungs Do/ What Do Trees Do? - Science-related content helps children understand the importance of lungs and the relationship between lungs and trees. Several ideas for presentation are given in the Dear Colleague letter including ways to correlate this activity with other science content along with thoughts for presenting new vocabulary. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science of the National Science Standards.

One Boy Helps - Children will read nonfiction text about a young boy who made a difference in his community. Writing about possible ways to take action in near-by places is suggested as a follow-up activity. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, of the National Science Standards.

Baby Pandas - Students will read a chart that explains panda growth and development facts. The chart is written using level-appropriate, high frequency vocabulary. A follow-up activity allows children to demonstrate their comprehension of the chart. Other activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter including a project to further develop fine motor skills. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, of the National Science Standards.

The Pine Mountain Beetle Puzzle - Children will read words about the pine mountain beetle. These words are presented on cards which children unscramble to form complete sentences. They write the new sentences. The Dear Colleague letter offers suggestions on differentiating for a variety of needs: concept of word, increasing sight vocabulary, and improving knowledge of language conventions. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standards, “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” and “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).”

Funny Ideas May Be Good Ideas - Students will read an article about ExxonMobil’s initiative to use algae as a biofuel. They are encouraged to consider how this unusual fuel would be distributed. The Dear Colleague letter addresses development of sight vocabulary and presents an idea for using poetry to integrate with science. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives of the National Science Standards.

Cutting Down! - Children will read a level-appropriate article about over-use of packaging material. They are asked to follow-up by making a list of items they believe are over packaged. Several ideas for math extension and further teaching are offered in the Dear Colleague letter such as measuring and estimating material needed to wrap gifts. Ideas for social studies follow0up are also included. This activity correlates with the Measurement Standard, “Understand Measurable Attributes of Objects and the Units, Systems, and Processes of Measurement” of the National Mathematics Standards.

Help the Sheep! - Children will read a level-appropriate article that describes how warmer weather can negatively impact sheep. Ideas for extension are offered in the Dear Colleague letter. There are companion intermediate and primary activities. All three correlate with Content Standard C, Life Science and Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science.

On and Under the Earth - Children will read a level-appropriate passage about earthquakes. A diagram shows the layers of the Earth using an apple as an example. They may color this picture and answer a question equating the apple with Earth’s layers. A companion primary and intermediate activity is also available. They correlate with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

A Hospital Ship Helps Haiti - Children will read a nonfiction text about the U.S.N.S. the Comfort whose medical staff is providing care to the earthquake victims of Haiti. Two multiple choice questions encourage children to consider the content of the article. Vocabulary is discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Spend Time on the Earth - Emerging readers will read how Kuma is celebrating Earth Day by making a school garden. Two story problems follow-up the level-appropriate text. This activity is available on the primary and intermediate levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

Making Dreams Come True - Children will read a level-appropriate passage about a woman who achieved her goal of becoming a pilot. “During” the reading of the content-area text, the students circle sentences and phrases that answer pre-reading questions. Several ideas for furthering comprehension, on all three levels, are offered in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and Individuals, Groups, and Institutions.

Forest Menu Math - Students will use the information from an imaginary “Forest Menu” to answer questions about the food, which animals that inhabit a pine forest may “order.” Simple addition is required to solve the problems. The activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards.

Big and Little Lakes - Children will read a level-appropriate passage about lakes. Repetitive sentence structure is used as are Dolch words. The Dear Colleague letter offers suggestion for increasing student sight vocabulary. Teacher literacy and art follow-up ideas are also offered. Companion intermediate and primary activities about Lake Champlain are available. This content of the passage and Dear Colleague letter correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, of the National Science Standards.

Scottish Know-How - Students will read a short passage and then will use the rime, ub, to make new words. Ideas for word family development are provided in the Dear Colleague letter as is a tip for establishing a positive classroom atmosphere. Companion primary and intermediate activities are available. All correlate with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.” The Emergent also correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

NASA - Using level-appropriate text, children will read about the “spin-offs” from NASA. As a follow-up, children are asked to write a thank you letter to NASA. Companion intermediate and primary WAPs are available. The activity correlates with Content Standard E, Science and Technology, and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, of the National Science Standards.

Green Spaces Are Good! - Students will read a short nonfiction text about the importance of green spaces. They will use vocabulary from the story to complete sentences. The sound of long e is highlighted using the morphemes, ee and ea. Companion primary and intermediate activities are available. This activity correlates with Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives of the National Science Standards.

Bats Are Helpers - Children will read a level-appropriate passage about unusual ways bats help people. One of these ways involves bats eating insects in the Library at Mafra. Children are given a follow-up question to encourage understanding of content in the subject areas. Companion intermediate and primary WAPs are available. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture, People, Places and Environment, and Individuals, Groups, and Institutions.

Homes CAN Talk! - Emerging readers read a level-appropriate passage about the clues old homes can give us about life long ago. Follow-up questions ask children to write about how their homes or possessions reflect their lives. Companion primary and intermediate activities are available. This activity correlates with the National Social Studies History Standard: Living and Working Together in Families and Communities, Now and Long Ago.

Snowflake Bentley - Children will read a level-appropriate article about Snowflake Wilson Bentley. A follow-up question asks them to ponder the importance of perseverance. They are asked to describe a time they “worked hard to do something.” Companion primary and intermediate levels are also available. The activities correlate with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

Fun With Stamps - Children will read a level-appropriate text about different stamps. Written with high-frequency vocabulary, both the nonfiction article and follow-up activity can be completed independently by emerging readers and writers. Companion intermediate and primary activities are also available. The WAP correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.”

Clothes and Clean Water - Children will read a level-appropriate text about Dr. Rita Colwell who found that folding a sari eight times reduces the cholera infection rates in communities that lack clean water. A follow-up activity requires children use the scientific facts to answer questions. The Dear Colleague offers additional follow-up activities, art ideas, and suggested children’s books. Companion primary and intermediate WAPs are available. These correlate with Content Standard G, History and Nature of Science, Science as a Human Endeavor of the National Science Standards.

Who Has Clean Water? - Children will read a level-appropriate article that highlights the idea that not all children have easy access to clean water. Follow-up questions ask children to consider their own use of water and how they might be better stewards of this necessary resource. The Dear Colleague letter provides teachers with ideas as to infusing water ideas into the required curriculum. Companion intermediate and primary activities are available. This activity, especially the critical thought question, correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

What Should You Eat? - Students will read about healthy foods. Students solve math addition problems based on healthy food choices. A critical problem solving serves as a discussion starter. The Dear Colleague letter offers ideas on helping children to memorize basic facts. Companion primary and intermediate activities are available. All correlate with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

Looking for Poems - Children will see a model of a Blackout poem, a type of visualization poetry originated by Austin Kleon. They will then use the text to create their own Blackout poem. The Dear Colleague letter discusses the use of this poetry to develop sight vocabulary. For students needing higher-level activities, companion primary and intermediate level versions are available. The activities correlate with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

Bees Help Farmers! - Students will read about a new way African farmers are using bees – to scare off elephants. Two math problems are presented. The Dear Colleague letter discusses the connection of math to other parts of the curriculum along with the necessity of considering academic language as we plan lessons. Primary and intermediate versions of this activity are available. All correlate with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

Finding Fun! - Children will complete a word search created from words found at . Several follow-up ideas are shared in the Dear Colleague letter. A companion primary/intermediate activity is also available for emerging readers needing more of a challenge.

What Is This? - Children will read a level-appropriate (especially for the beginning of the school year) passage about geysers. A simple question to help children imagine math comparisons is provided. The Dear Colleague letter contains a format for developing creativity and imagination using guided imagery. The activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

Termites Work Hard! - Beginning readers read a short nonfiction text using high-frequency words to help them understand the basics of a termite colony on the African savannah. Follow-up activities can be done on paper or using the Smart Board (ideas for this are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter). This WAP is available in the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels. It correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives of the National Science Standards.

Bats Are Helpers - Students will read how bats help humans. The Dear Colleague letter provides follow-up ideas and thoughts on the art of questioning in the classroom. Companion intermediate and primary level WAPs are available that discuss curriculum integration. One of the content areas the WAP correlates with is the National Social Studies Standard: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

A Very Big Animal! - Children will read several fascinating facts telling why a giraffe is an amazing and unusual animal. The Dear Colleague letter explains how to use these facts to encourage critical thought about adaptation and animal ecology. The activity is available on the intermediate, primary and emergent levels and correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science of the National Science Standards.

Walking For Water - Children will read a chart showing how many miles three women need to walk to find clean water. Simple single digit calculations are required to solve the easily decodable word problems. Ideas are presented to enhance math motivation in your classroom. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent reader levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

A Special Place In Africa - Children will learn how animals need the water of the Okavango Delta in Africa. A level-appropriate passage is provided for children to read along with suggestions for increasing social studies awareness and writing skills. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment.

See the City! See the Sea! - Children will read a level-appropriate text about Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Follow-up ideas for read-alouds and pictures are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. The WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels.

Miguel Helps the Park - A nonfiction article, written for emerging readers, introduces children to Miguel Savituma who is making new history in Angola by helping restore the Kissama National Park. As a follow-up, teachers are encouraged to have children write or draw “A Day in the Life of Miguel.” This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.”

We All Need Clean Water! - Children read a level-appropriate text about the problem of standing water as a breeding ground for disease. They are asked to complete a drawing to illustrate their comprehension of the text. Thoughts on getting children involved in action projects are shred in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment and with the National Geography Standards: Physical Systems and Environment and Society.

Where Is the Water? - Using level-appropriate vocabulary, children about two bodies of water that are disappearing. Literal questions are offered for the teacher to read as children find answers in the text and circle them. Children draw a picture to illustrate their critical thought about the article. The WAPs are available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels. This activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

A Drop of Water - Students will learn about the water cycle using a variety of sensory experiences. They will participate in the creation of a story, using a basic narrative provided for the teacher. Instructions are given for acting out the child-created story along with completing a diagram. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Finding Water - Children will read a level-appropriate text that explains the problems many people have in accessing clean water. A table is provided as are follow-up questions. Suggestions for helping young children learn and use tables are provided. Suggestions for water-related read-alouds are provided. The activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards.

Help the Earth! - Children will read a nonfiction passage about Earth Day. They learn how even small things can positively impact our planet. The role of earthworms is explained. A follow-up activity allows young readers to show their comprehension. Companion intermediate and primary level activities are available. The activity correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Walk in a Lava Tube! - Children will read about the lava tube in Volcano National Park. Using the information in the nonfiction text and the photograph, children explain why they would like to visit this lava tube. Ideas for using photographs in the classroom are shared in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment and Physical Systems and Environment and Society of the National Geography Standards.

“We All Live Downstream” - Emerging readers learn about the importance of checking the health of rivers and streams. Children are asked to write of their plans for helping clean waterflow on Planet Earth. The activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives, of the National Science Standards.

Stories From Pictures - Children will use a photograph to tell a story. Ideas for using art in classroom writing are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. Teachers are encouraged to develop the important media literacy lesson: How advertisers use pictures to appeal to us. An extension lesson is offered to help children use higher-order thinking skills to consider this use of pictures. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and is part of our Cultural Arts offerings.

A Car On Mars! - Students read a level-appropriate article about the Mars Curiosity. Creative thinking is highlighted. Ideas for classroom or small group science discussions along activities for developing literacy skills are offered. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives of the National Science Standards.

Wind and Rain = Big Storm! - Children will read a nonfiction paragraph about a derecho, a big rain and wind storm. Follow-up activities include development of Concept of Print and demonstration of comprehension. Several ideas for sight word development are shared. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Voting! - Children read a nonfiction passage about voting. Teachers are encouraged to use the material to develop fluency. A discussion of this skill is included in the Dear Colleague letter. Examining and counting words helps this activity to cross subject areas and illustrates numeracy concepts. This WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Power, Authority, and Governance and Civic Ideals and Practices.

The Mississippi River - Children will read a nonfiction selection about the Mississippi River. Both science and social studies concepts are included in the reading. Ideas for before, during, and after reading activities are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.”

Up, Up, and Away! - Students will read sentences describing the different layers of our atmosphere. Follow-up activities are explained. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels. This correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

The Clever Jackal - Children will listen as an adult reads the South African folktale, The Clever Jackal.” This provides not only a model of fluency but gives children an opportunity to form “mind pictures.” Pictures are drawn and shared as part of the activity follow-up. This WAP is available on the primary, intermediate, and emergent levels. The emergent version correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.” It also correlates with Common Core Reading Standard: with prompting and support, retell familiar stories, including key details.

Reindeer Math Facts - Children read a nonfiction passage about reindeer written at an appropriate level for emerging readers. A follow-up activity encourages children to use numbers from the passage in correct sentences. Ideas for making the numbers meaningful are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity has a companion intermediate and primary version and correlates the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards. Children learn to represent and interpret data, a component of Common Core Standards.

Flamingo Fun! - Children are provided an illustration of a flamingo along with a level-appropriate nonfiction passage about these birds. They answer math questions and are encouraged to model their understanding. Ideas for further learning about flamingoes are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards and with Operations and Algebraic Thinking in the Common Core Standards.

Dogs Help People - Students read a level-appropriate article about service dogs. A follow-up activity gives children practice in the multiple-choice bubble question format. The Dear Colleague letter provides additional facts about service dogs along with ideas for additional extension activities. The WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: People, Places and Environment.

Count Teeth - Children demonstrate basic understandings about math. Ideas for one-to-one correspondence and connecting numerals with number understandings are offered. The Dear Colleague letter lists teeth books along with ideas for classroom use. The activity has a companion intermediate and primary version and correlates the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards. Children learn to represent and interpret data, a component of Common Core Standards.

Firefighters! - Students will use a Word Bank of high-frequency words to complete sentences about a firefighter. Several ideas are provided for teachers to expand the WAP, including how to encourage children to reread and check their work. Hints about further development and practice of common vocabulary are suggested, as is an idea for helping children with pencil grip. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Culture and People, Places and Environment and Power, Authority, and Governance and Civic Ideals and Practices.

How Much? - This activity uses repetitive language to encourage emerging readers to solve math word problems. The Dear Colleague letter provides ideas for integrating financial literacy into the lesson. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards. It also is integrated with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking of the Common Core Standards.

Cameras Help Animals - Children read an article about the migrating elephants of Mali. They learn reasons these animals are special and why they are in danger along with methods being used to help local people protect these unique creatures. A word search is provided using vocabulary from the text. The Dear Colleague letter describes other follow-up activities. This WAP is available on the primary and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: People, Places and Environment.

Snake Math - Facts about various kinds of snakes and their habits are embedded into math word problems for children to solve. All text uses high-frequency vocabulary and basic addition and subtraction skills. Children demonstrate their math understanding along with developing a greater understanding of snakes. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand of NCTM’s National Standards. It also is integrated with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking Strand of the Common Core Standards.

Grizzly Bear Math - Emerging readers will read two facts about grizzly bears. They will use these facts to compose their own number sentences. The Dear Colleague letter includes a discussion about academic language and offers a memory game for end-of-year fun. This WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards along with Common Core Standards: Number and Operations in Base Ten.

What Is a Llama? - Children read a nonfiction poem about llamas. Words in the poem are high-frequency words or easily decodable vocabulary. Children are asked to circle words that describe real llamas. In addition, the facts in the poem can be used to contrast with the Little Llama in Anna Dewdney’s Llama Llama books. The Dear Colleague letter contains a discussion of phonemic awareness and word family lists. The activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Common Core Standards: Craft and Structure, Foundational Skills: Phonological Awareness and Phonics and Word Recognition along with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

Tell A Story - Children are provided with a level-appropriate passage about the legend of the creature that lives in Loch Ness. Ideas for using the passage to develop Concept of print and/or increase sight vocabulary are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. A follow-up art project to encourage creative thought is described. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: People, Places and Environment. It is also aligned with Print Concepts along with Key Ideas and Details of the Common Core Language Arts Standards.

What Is An Ocean? - Children read a level-appropriate passage about oceans. They count the pictures of ocean animals and write the number. The Dear Colleague letter suggests a number of ways to use the WAP: as a pre-assessment, for sight word development, and to encourage Concept of Print along with fluency. A class art project can be used to motivate reading in the classroom. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Numbers and Operations Strand of NCTM’s standards and the Counting and Cardinality Standard of Common Core.

The Moon Changes - Children read level-appropriate text that describes the full moon and the new moon. High-frequency words are used. Follow-up suggestions are provided to help children develop Concept of Word and Space Science understandings. Additionally, teachers may benefit from the discussion of helping children identify questions and statements. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards and with the “Vocabulary, Acquisition, and Use” strand of the ELA Common Core.

Frogs and Toads - Children read a level-appropriate informational passage comparing and contrasting frogs and toads. Follow-up ideas for creating a “living” Venn Diagram are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter as is a discussion of Close Reading Strategies. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.” It also is aligned with the “Key Ideas and Details” Domain of Language Arts Common Core.

Happy Birthday Maggie! - Children will visit Maggie’s website at . They explore the Games section of this website and use the information to complete sentences. An intended outcome of this activity is that students will become familiar with the vast educational resources of this site, ranging from learning games to biological information to interactive multi-subject area devices. Emergent readers are encouraged to make Maggie a birthday card as we celebrate our 500th activity packet!

I Am Thankful - Emergent readers and writers read two repetitive sentences about being thankful for Earth’s treasures. They then write their own sentence. A specific idea to align with the Writing Strands of Common Core is presented in the Dear Colleague letter. This WAP has a companion Primary and Intermediate version. The Emergent activity aligns with ELA Common Core: “Text Types and Purposes” and “Production and Distribution of Writing.”

People Go Places - Children read a level-appropriate information text about modes of transportation. They are asked to write how they move from place to place. Additional ideas for classroom use are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter including how to use this as a choral reading activity to improve fluency, sight word acquisition, and/or Concept of Print. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Human Systems, “Understand the characteristics, distribution, and migration of human populations on Earth's surface” goal of the National Social Studies Standards and with Reading: Key Ideas and Details and with Print Concepts, Phonics and Word Recognition, and Fluency of the Reading Foundational Skills of the ELA Common Core.

Polar Bear Math - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about polar bears and their habitat, the Arctic. They continue by completing a data sheet about polar bear characteristics. The Dear Colleague letter discusses various ways to use the activity, depending on level of student readers and mathematicians. Connections with science are explained. A bonus center activity illustrates the word origins of Arctic and Antarctic. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with NCTM’s Algebra and Data Analysis and Probability Standards. It is aligned with RI Key Ideas and Details of the ELA Common Core and with K.MD, Measurement and Data of the Mathematics Common Core.

Snow ~ Snow ~ Snow! - Student will read descriptions of various types of snow. This leads to vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency development. Several follow-up activities are suggested including observing snow, highlighting words, and creating a glossary of snow types. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels. It correlates with the IRA/NCTE Strand: 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). It also correlates with the Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Standard of Common Core ELA.

Wild Weather: Snow! - Children will read a level-appropriate text about snowfall in a certain area. They use numbers from a graphic organizer to complete a four-digit addition problem, using the ten facts. Ideas for extending the WAP are presented in the Dear Colleague Letter, as is a discussion of sensory integration along with ideas for better managing and differentiating for behavior needs. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels. It correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s goals and is aligned with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking Strand of Common Core.

What Can Wind Do? - Children read a nonfiction passage connecting science and the Olympic sport, skiing. They consider how wind impacts skiers. Words used include high-frequency words, decodable words, and vocabulary that can be determined using context clues. Follow-up suggestions include using the passage to improve fluency and demonstrating the science of the article using art. This WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Science as a Human Endeavor of the National Science Standards. It is aligned with Reading Standards: Informational Text and Foundational Skills of the ELA Common Core.

Glaciers! - Children read a level-appropriate informational passage about glaciers. Math word problems are posed. The Dear Colleague letter offers suggestions for motivation, follow-up, and extension of the activity. This WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels. It correlates with the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards and with the Cluster: Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of Common Core.

Soil - Students will read a level-appropriate informational text about soil. They demonstrate their comprehension by filling in the blank for two follow-up sentences. Ideas for integrating fluency, sight words, and art are described in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science of the National Science Standards. It is aligned with ELA Anchor Standard RI2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.

Is This Real? - Children will read 8 sentences about ostriches and their eggs. They will demonstrate their understanding of informational text versus fiction by circling the fictional sentences. Follow-up trade books are suggested to enhance the lesson. This activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).” It is aligned with Common Core ELA Anchor Standard RI4 CCR: Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

Rhino Numbers - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about rhinos. They use population figures to read big numbers. Follow-up activities include creating rhino habitat and reading/using other rhino data to demonstrate mathematical ability. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand of NCTM’s standards and Common Core Standards: “Counting and Cardinality.”

Can Water Hurt Shells? - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about the problem of ocean acidification. Follow-up paragraphs further explain the issues. Children are asked to circle the problems described in the text. A related science activity is described in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science and Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives of the National Science Standards. It is integrated with RI2CCR Anchor Standard: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize key supporting details and ideas.

Look For Mistakes! - Students will read three sentences about the branches of the government of the United States. They are asked to edit these sentences. Follow-up ideas and additional editing suggestions are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Common Core English Language Arts Standard: Language, “Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.” It also correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.”

The Pony Express - Children will read about the Pony Express. Using numbers in the text, they will write their own word problems. Ideas for multi-subject follow-up are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards. It also correlates with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking Strand of the Common Core Standards.

Trees Change! - Children read a level-appropriate text about how leaves change color. They draw two pictures: a tree in the summer and a tree in the fall. Follow-up activities described in the Dear Colleague letter include keeping track of sunlight hours and learning color words. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and is aligned with Content Standard C, Life Science of the National Science Standards and with the “Integration of Knowledge and Ideas” strand of the Reading Informational Text section of the ELA Common Core.

Songs About Flags - Children will read a text about their flag containing high-frequency words. They are asked to draw a picture of their flag. Several additional activities for sight word recognition, alphabetic principle, and Concept of Print are described in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Power, Authority, and Governance and Civic Ideals and Practices and with the “Integration of Knowledge and Ideas” strand of the Reading Informational Text section of the ELA Common Core.

Many People Help - Repetitive sentences with level-appropriate sight words encourage children to think about a healthy natural environment. The follow-up activity encourages them to draw their understanding of these features. Ideas for develop pre-reading skills are explained in the Dear Colleague letter. This WAP is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE National Standard: “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).” It also correlates with the ELA Common Core: “Print Concepts” and “Key Ideas and Details.”

Small Pumpkin – Big Pumpkin - Children read a level-appropriate text about pumpkins. Ideas for vocabulary development and math activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter. There are companion primary and intermediate versions of this WAP. The emergent level is aligned with the Measurement Strand of NCTM’s standards and is correlated with Counting and Cardinality and Measurement and Data of Common Core Standards.

Signs - Children read level-appropriate sentences about signs and view pictures showing a direction sign and a space signpost. They are asked to create their own sign. Ideas about using environmental print in the classroom along with an idea for a newsletter are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity has both a companion intermediate and primary version. It is part of our Cultural Arts offering.

Look In The Sky! - Students will read questions about precipitation. Ideas for developing literacy, especially components of Concept of Print are explained in the Dear Colleague letter. Children are asked to choose a form of precipitation and draw it falling from a cloud. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards. It is aligned with the Print Concepts Strand of Reading Foundational Skills of Common Core.

How Many Pumpkins? - Children color pumpkins according to verbal or written directions. Counting skills are developed and practiced along with either listening skills or sight word recognition. This activity is also available on the intermediate and primary levels. It correlates with the Number and Operations Strand of NCTM’s standards and Counting and Cardinality of the Common Core Math Standards.

What Do You See? - Children will read age-appropriate sentences that encourage them to use observation skills. A follow-up activity helps develop school readiness as children draw lines from land, sky, and water to things that can be found in these places. The activity is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).” It also correlates with components of the Common Core Standard, Reading: Informational Text.

Say Thank You! - Children read an age-appropriate text designed to help them think about all those to whom they should say thank you. The Dear Colleague letter presents opportunities for relating this with Veterans Day. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions and Power, Authority and with Governance Time, Continuity, and Change.

The Vicuna Is An Animal - Children develop literacy and science skills by participating in a class read-aloud about a South American animal, the vicuna. A follow-up activity introduces children to the idea that they are residents of Planet Earth. Ideas for development of an “Earth Address” are shared in the Dear Colleague letter as are ideas for further understanding of animal habitats. This activity correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science of the National Science Standards and with “Vocabulary Acquisition and Use” of the ELA Common Core.

Tell Me About Turkeys - Children will read facts about turkeys. They are asked to circle the words that mean more than one. Other literacy ideas are provided for those on different levels or who have different literacy needs. Several craft ideas are provided in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.” It is also aligned with the Common Core English Language Arts Standard: Language Conventions K.1.c – Form regular plural nouns.

Nests! - Children will read a poem about different types of nests. Stork and turkey nests are especially highlighted. Ideas about developing rhyming skills are shared in the Dear Colleague letter, as are ways to encourage the understanding of math vocabulary. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the process Strand of NCTM Standards: Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas along with the Measurement and Data Strand of Common Core. It also is aligned with the Phonological Strand of Common Core.

Different Weather - Children will read repetitive sentences about snow and rain. They will draw appropriate dress for these types of weather. Several follow-up activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards and is aligned on the emergent level with the Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas Strand of the ELA Common Core.

Sand Dollars - Students will answer a prediction question about a sand dollar. They will then read a level-appropriate informational text about this animal. Several extension activities are suggested. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).” It is aligned with Vocabulary Acquisition and Use along with the Key ideas and Details strands of the Common Core ELA Standards.

Evergreen Trees - Children will read a level-appropriate text about evergreen trees. They will learn that these trees have pinecones of various sizes. A follow-up activity asks them to demonstrate the concepts of small and big. Other ideas for measurement and estimation are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity correlates with the Measurement strand of NCTM’s standards. It is aligned with the Measurement and Data strand of Common Core.

Wheels - Children read a level-appropriate text about simple machines. Wheels are highlighted. They are asked to consider wheels in their lives and how they work. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Physical Science Strand of the National Science Standards and with the integration of Knowledge and Ideas Strand of the ELA Common Core.

Special Days - Children will read a repetitive text about different holidays celebrated around the world. They practice sequencing by drawing a picture and labeling it about a holiday they enjoy. Ideas for modeling sequencing are shared in the Dear Colleague letter and on . An easy assessment is explained. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).” It also correlates with the Common Core Standards, in Reading: Foundational Skills and Comprehension and Collaboration.

Alligators - Children read an informational text about alligators. A picture is provided for children to color and to use as a puzzle. Several follow-up ideas are included in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the Geometry Strand of NCTM’s standards and with the Geometry goals of Common Core.

Wool: From Sheep to Sweater - Children read a sequence informational text that tells how a sheep’s coat becomes a sweater. They answer a question about shearing sheep and draw a picture. Ideas are shared for using the high-frequency vocabulary and repetitive words. The activity has a companion intermediate and primary version that talks about use of raw materials in Colonial times. The emergent level aligns with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.” It correlates with the ELA Common Core Strand: Key ideas and Details.

Who Helps People? - Children read repetitive text about community helpers. A second page offers level-appropriate text about Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, an African American heart surgeon. Teachers can use this text in a variety of ways, as described in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAP is aligned with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).” It also correlates with the Phonics and Word Recognition and Key ideas and Details Strands of the ELA Common Core.

About Me! - Children will read about a biography. They share facts about themselves. The companion primary and intermediate version of this activity helps children learn more about Harriet Tubman in celebration of Black History Month. The activity is correlated with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.” It is aligned with Text Types and Purposes of the Common Core ELA Writing Standards.

Mount Rushmore - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about Mount Rushmore. Follow-up math problems are provided to help children think about representing numbers. A ten-frame is provided. Children are asked to consider other things that are as tall as the faces of the presidents on the monument. This activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels. The emergent WAP correlates with the Numbers and Operations Strand of NCTM’s standards and with Counting and Cardinality of Common Core.

Healthy Teeth - Children will respond to a question designed to activate their background knowledge about healthy teeth. A follow-up activity gives practice in understanding sentence structure and developing vocabulary. Children cut out word cards and put them together to form sentences about tooth care. This activity is available on the emergent primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Health Education Standards and with the Knowledge of Language and Vocabulary Acquisition and Use of Common Core ELA Strands.

Care For Oceans - Children will read a level-appropriate nonfiction text about Sylvia Earle. A follow-up activity asks them to restate facts from the passage. Ideas for further developmentally-appropriate activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity is available on the emergent, primary, and intermediate levels and correlates with Content Standard G, History and Nature of Science, Science as a Human Endeavor of the National Science Standards. It is also aligned with RI – Key Ideas and Details of Common Core.

Help Maggie Find Dude! - Children read several sentences containing words with inflectional endings: -s, -ed, and –ing. They circle these words to draw attention to the practice of covering up the ending to see the base words as a reading strategy. There are companion primary and intermediate activities that correlate with the Maggie online eco-adventure Lights, Camera, Action! The emergent level correlates with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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.” It is aligned with Reading: Foundational Skills of Common Core.

Watch the Time! - Children will do activities to show the meaning of the time word, seconds. They will also consider what can be done in a minute. Extension ideas are explained in the Dear Colleague letter, as is a fun and meaningful way to keep children occupied when technology is warming up. There are primary and intermediate companion levels of this emergent activity. It is correlated with the Measurement Strand of NCTM’s standards and aligns with the Counting and Cardinality of Common Core.

Eating Good Food! - Children are asked to think about their food choices. They are asked to draw or write about healthy foods and are asked to name a new healthy food they will try. The activity is designed to encourage classroom and home discussion about healthy food choices. Companion primary and intermediate activities are available. This WAP is correlated with Standard 1, “Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health” and Standard 7, “Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks” of the National Health Education Standards.

Umbrellas! - Children read a brief history about the umbrella. They are encouraged to think about the many kinds of umbrellas. A follow-up activity gives students the opportunity to design their own umbrella. This WAP is available on the intermediate, primary, and emergent levels and is part of our Cultural Arts offerings.

Layers of the Earth! - Children read a level-appropriate informational text about the three layers of Planet Earth. A diagram helps them to further understand the text. As a follow-up activity, children are asked to respond to yes or no questions using the information in the text. This can be used as a reading or listening activity. The WAP has companion intermediate and primary levels and is integrated with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science of the National Science Standards and is aligned with RI Key Ideas and Details and Craft and Structure of the ELA Common Core.

Helping On Earth Day - Children read level-appropriate sentences and questions about possible local examples of nature in the community. Children are asked to show by either writing or drawing how they can help their local area. This activity has a companion intermediate and primary version. It aligns with Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives of the National Science Standards and with Production and Distribution of Writing of the ELA Common Core.

Different Kinds of Energy - Children read level-appropriate informational text about alternative energy sources. Pictures and drawings aid children in understanding the ideas. Children draw their own picture to demonstrate their ideas. This activity has companion activities on the intermediate and primary levels. The activities correlate with Content Standard F, Science in Personal and Social Perspectives and Science as a Human Endeavor (Content Strand G) of the National Science Standards and are aligned with goals from “Reading Standards for Informational Text” of Common Core.

What Shape Am I? - Students will use a Word Bank to fill in conversation bubbles about 3 basic geometric shapes. Ideas to expand the activity at centers, as a class project, and as a speaking exercise are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAP correlates with the Geometry Strand of NCTM’s standards and is aligned with the Geometry Standard of Common Core.

A Cotton Plant Grows - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about how a seed grows into cotton. A follow-up activity focuses on the importance of graphic sources to comprehension. Students write a photo caption. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate versions. The lesson correlates with Content Standard C, Life Science, and Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards. It is aligned with “Craft and Structure” of the RI Strand of Common Core.

Do You See a Pattern? - Children are provided with patterns and they are asked to complete them. They draw their own pattern to share. Difficulties, which children may encounter with patterns, are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It is aligned with NCTM standard A1: Understand patterns, relations, and functions and correlates with Common Core Operations and Algebraic Thinking: Generate and Analyze Patterns.

Wants and Needs - Children learn to tell the difference between a need and a want. They circle items that are wants and explain items that are needs. A follow-up activity includes a hands-on collaborative exercise. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels and correlates with the National Social Studies Standard, Production, Distribution, and Consumption. The emergent reader activity aligns with Vocabulary Acquisition and Use of Common Core.

Real Or Made-Up? - Children read two selections about turtles. One is fiction while the other is nonfiction. They identify the specific characteristics of each piece of writing. Follow-up activities are presented in the Dear Colleague letter. This WAP is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAPs are aligned with the ILA/NCTE goal, “Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.” They also correlate with the Craft and Structure Strand of ELA Common Core.

From Big to Small: Libraries - Children read a level-appropriate informational text about libraries, with an emphasis on neighborhood “Little Libraries.” They design their own library for the neighborhood and consider books they would share. Summer activities are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAP correlates with “Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities” of the NCTE/IRA Standards and with the “Integration of ideas and Knowledge” Strand of Common Core.

Is Pluto a Planet? - Students read a level-appropriate informational article about the planet Pluto. They are introduced to the idea that even experts sometimes disagree. Four text dependent questions are asked. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with the Earth and Space Science Strand of the Next Generation Science Standards and with the Key Ideas and Details and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Strands of the ELA Common Core.

A Trip Through Space - Students read a level-appropriate informational article about the spacecraft, New Horizons. Teachers can model reading the first page to help develop Concept of Print or to increase sight vocabulary. The second page will help more advanced emerging readers answer text dependent questions. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with the Earth and Space Science Strand of the Next Generation Science Standards and with the Key Ideas and Details and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Strands of the ELA Common Core.

Bridge Building - Children read a level-appropriate informational text about the construction of suspension bridges in Peru. Follow-up questions help children show their comprehension by writing a word or sentence response. The Dear Colleague letter offers fine motor suggestions. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with the National Social Studies Standards: The History of Peoples of Many Cultures Around the World and with Common Core, ELA RI: Key Ideas and Details.

Fire Problems! - A level-appropriate text with repeated vocabulary and sentence structure provides information about firefighters for emerging readers. Basic math including counting, writing numerals, and addition problems integrate with the fire prevention text and Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels and correlates with the Number and Operations Standard in Common Core Math and with the Number and Operations Strand of NCTM’s National Standards.

What Do You Eat Brown Bear? - Children read a level-appropriate informational text about a brown bear’s eating habits. They draw pictures to answer two text dependent questions (TDQ), one literal and the other inferential. Strategies for teaching TDQ along with fiction/nonfiction contrasts are discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It aligns with the Key Ideas and Details of the ELA Common Core and with “From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes” of the Next Generation Science Standards.

People Study Bears - Children read a level-appropriate informational text about bear biologists. They circle facts from the text about what bear biologists do. The activity has companion primary and intermediate versions. It aligns with Key Ideas and Details - Reading Informational Text and with “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) of the ILA/NCTE Standards.

Dinosaurs Are Tall! - Children will read a level-appropriate text comparing the size of a T-Rex and Brachiosaurus to other things like houses and buses. They answer yes or no questions about which is taller. Several follow-up activities are suggested in the Dear Colleague letter. There are companion primary and intermediate versions of this WAP. It aligns with “Counting and Cardinality” of Common Core and with the Number and Operations Strand: Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems of NCTM Standards.

Scarecrows Long Ago and Today - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about the history of the scarecrow. This text can be used for close reading. They will answer 4 text dependent questions. Several follow-up ideas are included in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the intermediate and primary levels. It aligns with Key Ideas and Details of the ELA RI Common Core and with the Culture Strand of the National Social Studies Standards.

Picking Up Pawpaws - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about pawpaw trees. They will exhibit their understanding of key details from the text by writing a caption for the photo. This will also support the development of understanding text features. This activity has companion intermediate and primary versions. It is aligned with the ELA Common Core RI: Key Ideas and Details and with “Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: Animals, Plants, and Their Environment” of the Next Generation Science Standards.

An Old City, A New City - Children read a level-appropriate informational text describing the city of Madrid, Spain. They use the information in the text to answer literal and inferential text dependent questions. They recognize the importance of text features by studying a photograph and writing a caption for it. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels and aligns with Key Ideas and Details of the RI ELA Common Core and with the Culture Strand of the National Social Studies Standards.

Polly Cooper: An Oneida Woman Who Saved Washington’s Army

Children read an informational text about Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman who helped save George Washington’s army. They identify the –ed words in the text and use the context to ascertain the meaning of 3 vocabulary words. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The activity aligns with L, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use of the ELA Common Core and with Individual Development and Identity of the National Social Studies Standards.

Granada; A City in Spain - Children will read an informational text about the cultural richness of the Spanish city, Granada. They will answer test dependent questions including a higher-order thought question. This WAP is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It aligns with goals in the RI Standard of Common Core and with “Students read a wide range of print and non-print 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” of the ILA and NCTE Standards.

Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay - Children will read a level-appropriate text about pirates of the Chesapeake Bay. They are asked a critical level question as a follow-up and draw a picture to show their thinking. Text is provided for a teacher read-aloud and ideas are shared to supplement this. The activity is also available on the intermediate and primary levels and aligns with RI – Key Ideas and Details of Common Core and with the Time, Continuity, and Change Standard of the National Social Studies Standards.

A Yummy Holiday Cake - Children will read about the French holiday cake, the Yule Log. They will solve math word problems about baking these cakes. Emergent readers use simple repeated addition. There are companion intermediate and primary WAPs. This activity aligns with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking Strand of Common Core and with the Numbers and Operations along with the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s goals.

Weather Instruments! - Children will read about instruments used in the science of weather forecasting. As a follow-up, they read “quotes” about weather. They apply their knowledge of the weather instruments to determine which one should be used in the situation. The Dear Colleague letter provides ways to use this as a Smart Board activity. The WAP is also available on the intermediate and primary levels. It correlates with the Craft and Structure RI Strand (unknown vocabulary) of Common Core and with Content Standard D, Earth and Space Science, of the National Science Standards.

Shortcut Words - Children will read about the contractions you’re and it’s. Ideas are discussed for reinforcing the correct use of these words before the comparisons with your and its are presented. A companion intermediate and primary activity is available that highlights commonly confused words. This WAP aligns with Production and Distribution of Writing (Common Core ELA) and with the IRA/NCTE Standard, “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).”

It Smells! - Children read about the smelly durian, a fruit of Thailand. This information is sure to engage even your most reluctant mathematicians. They use facts to think about numbers and academic vocabulary. Ideas for use in the classroom are included in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the intermediate and primary levels. The WAP aligns with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking Strand of Common Core and with the Number and Operations Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s standards.

A Building With Domes - Students will read an informational text about the U.S. Capitol building. A follow-up question encourages children to use a text feature along with key details to formulate their own ideas. Additional lesson ideas are presented in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAP correlates with Key Ideas and Details - Reading Informational Text of Common Core and with “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) of the ILA/NCTE Standards.

Fixing the Capitol Dome - Students will read an informational text about the repair of the U.S. Capitol building. Follow-up questions highlight an understanding of numbers in text. Additional lesson ideas are presented in the Dear Colleague letter. The activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAP correlates with Key Ideas and Details - Reading Informational Text of Common Core and with “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) of the ILA/NCTE Standards. In keeping with integration of subject areas, the WAP also correlates with Common Core Math: Measurement and Data.

Something for Valentine’s Day - Children will read an informational dialogue, using sequence words, that explains how to make a Valentine’s Day recycled decoration. They circle the sequence words and then draw a picture of what has been described. This emergent activity has companion activities on the intermediate and primary levels. It correlates with the Key Ideas and Details Strand of the Informational Text ELA Common Core and with the goal, “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),” of ILA/NCTE Standards.

Dr. Daly Helped People - Emergent readers learn about Dr. Marie Maynard Daly, an African American woman who discovered important facts about the links between food and a healthy heart along with how smoking affects the lungs. The text is divided into 3 parts. As a follow-up, children identify the part where specific details are located. The activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with RI: Key Ideas and Details and with the IRL/NCTE Standard, “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.”

Tall Ship Chart Math - Children will read a chart about three tall ships. They will use the basic information to answer math questions. There are primary and intermediate versions of this activity. The WAP integrates with the Measurement Strand and the Problem Solving Strand of NCTM’s goals along with the Measurement and Data Strand of Common Core.

Early Computers: Ada Lovelace - Children will read a level-appropriate informational text about Ada Lovelace, an early mathematician and scientist who believed computers would eventually perform more than math. They respond to multiple-choice questions, using the details from the text. There are companion intermediate and primary activities available. The WAPs correlate with the RI - Key Ideas and Details Strand of ELA Common Core and with Content Standard G, History and Nature of Science, Science as a Human Endeavor of the National Science Standards. This is part of our Women in Science series.

Letters Tell Her Story - Children will read sentences about the Revolutionary-era heroine, Elizabeth Burgin. The sentences are designed to help children understand the importance of primary sources when reading a biography or information book. They match sentences to questions to identify details. The activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with “Integration of Knowledge and Ideas of ELA RI Common Core and with “Students use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge,” of the NCTE/IRA Standards.

Honeybee Buzz - Children will read a level-appropriate text highlighting honeybees and their place in the environment. They are asked to consider how information about bees translates to real life. This activity is also available on the intermediate and primary levels. It correlates with Common Core Math: Operations and Algebraic Thinking, with the Life Science Strand of the Next Generation Science Standards, and with the Connections Strand of the Process Section of NCTM’s Standards.

Friendship Trees - Children will read a level-appropriate text, designed for close reading about the cherry trees in Washington, D.C. They use the text to identify the main idea of two paragraphs. Extension ideas are shared in the Dear Colleague letter. This WAP is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with Key Ideas and Details of ELA Literacy RI of Common Core and with “The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the People from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage” of the National Social Studies Standards.

Cool Art - Children will read about the globes from the “Cool Globes” exhibit. This shows how art and science can be integrated to educate people. A follow-up activity encourages children to design and write about their own globe. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It is part of our cultural arts offering.

Fun Poems! - Children will read an example bio poem about a famous African American photographer, Gordon Parks. They answer questions based on the bio poem. Follow-up suggestions are included in the Dear Colleague letter. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It aligns with Literacy W. Range of Writing of Common Core and with “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes” of the ILA/NCTE Standards.

Nest Numbers! - Children read a text about an ostrich and her eggs. They use the information from the text to color appropriate spaces on a ten-frame. This helps children see the connection between experiences and mathematics. The activity is also available (fractions) on the primary and intermediate levels. It aligns with Measurement and Data (K) of Common Core and with NCTM’s “Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems.” 

Dirty Water Cause and Effect - Students will read a level-appropriate text about the relationship between cholera, the work of Dr. Rita Colwell, and a unique discovery about saris in the prevention of this waterborne disease. The text can be used for a close reading lesson highlighting cause and effect. Cards with matching cause and effects are included for matching, as is a picture for coloring and adding details such as a text feature. The activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It aligns with the Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, Cause and Effect of Common Core and also with “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)” of the ILA/NCTE Standards.

Pictures Tell A Story - Children use text features to predict the main idea and vocabulary found in an informational text. They use the idea from the text, the child who wrote a letter requesting a woman be depicted on U.S. currency, to write their own letters about an issue. This activity is also available on the primary and intermediate levels and aligns with ELA RI7, “Use the illustrations and details in a text to describe its key ideas.” It also correlates with the ILA/NCTE Standard: “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).”

Harriett Tubman and the Underground Railroad - Students will read a text about the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. They demonstrate their understanding about the Underground Railroad by drawing a picture of the content-related vocabulary words. The importance of inventive spelling and affricates is discussed in the Dear Colleague letter. This WAP is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. The activities correlate with “Time, Continuity, and Change’ of the National Social Studies Standards.

Puffin Menu Math - Students will use the information from an imaginary “Puffin Menu” to answer questions about the food these birds might “order.” This type of activity integrates math calculation and science concepts. This WAP also lends itself to the creation of a timeline. It is also available on the intermediate and primary levels. The activity correlates with the Number and Operations Strand and the Data Analysis and Probability Strand of NCTM’s National Standards and with the “Operations and Algebraic Thinking” Strand of Common Core.

“I Am Old.” “I Am Tall.” - Children will read selections about two famous trees. In a follow-up activity, children use the facts from the selections to write what the trees might say. The text also contains comparative adjectives, which makes it helpful in teaching this skill. The activity is available on the primary and intermediate levels. The WAP correlates with Text Types and Purposes of the Common Core Writing Standards. It is also aligned with “Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes” and with “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 non-print texts” of NCTE/ILA ELA Standards.

Green Places! - Students will read about parks and trees in urban areas and answer text dependent questions. Additional classroom ideas are offered in the Dear Colleague letter, including dramatization and white board activities. This WAP is also available on the primary and intermediate levels. It correlates with People, Places, and Environments of the National Social Studies Standards.

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Maggie’s Earth Adventures

EMERGENT READER ACTIVITIES FOR KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

© Maggie's Earth Adventures, LLC 2006. Teachers may reproduce for classroom use.

© Maggie's Earth Adventures, LLC 2006. Teachers may reproduce for classroom use.

© Maggie's Earth Adventures, LLC 2006. Teachers may reproduce for classroom use.

© Maggie's Earth Adventures, LLC 2006. Teachers may reproduce for classroom use.

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