English Language Arts: Reading for Perspective

K-12: Standard 1

• 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.

English Language Arts: Reading for Understanding

K-12: Standard 2

• 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.

Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission.

Source: NCTE/IRA Standards for the English Language Arts

Create decorative displays that encourage students to "get on board" with reading. Post titles of books read for class, in library groups or with book clubs to track progress. Celebrate reading year round and read full steam ahead!

Supplies Used: Cardstock, Colored Pens, Crayons, Glue, Scissors

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Die-cut DC Border, Railroad Track #2 using light and dark gray cardstock or construction paper.
2. Leave light gray Track ties whole. Cut dark gray rails and adhere to the light gray Tracks.
   
3. Die-cut LG Locomotive (Basic Beginnings) using various colors of cardstock or construction paper.
   
4. Leave one Locomotive whole and cut highlights from the other colors. Students may also use colored pens or crayons to decorate and create highlights.
   
5. Die-cut two LG Tank Cars using various colors of cardstock or construction paper. Cut the top off the Tank Cars to make a flatbed car.
   
6. Die-cut SM Book, Open using various colors of paper.
   
7. Die-cut SM Book Pages using white paper. Adhere the white Pages to the Open Book. Print the name of a book on each Book Page.
   
8. Die-cut LG Clouds using white paper as smoke from the Locomotive. Print "New Books" on two Clouds.
   
9. Computer or hand print "Stay on Track - Keep Reading" on a 2 1/2" x 17" piece of white paper.
   
10. Adhere the white paper to a slightly larger piece of red paper.
    
11. The Railroad Tracks, flatbed cards and Books may continue as long as desired, with the names of the new books continually changing.