English Language Arts: Communication Strategies

K-12: Standard 5

• 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.

English Language Arts: Developing Research Skills

K-12: Standard 8

• 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.

English Language Arts: Applying Non-English Perspectives

K-12: Standard 10

• Students whose first language is not English make use of their first language to develop competency in the English language arts and to develop an understanding of content across the curriculum.

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

Encourage students as they follow the writing process to explore anything from simple sentences to five-paragraph essays. These versatile books can support writing exercises in all major subject areas and current events. The students may be prompted to explore any genre to express ideas. Older students can explore library resources to develop research-based writing. Second-language learners can relate to given themes to develop writing skills. Through these books, the teacher can develop a unique classroom library featuring students as authors.

Supplies Used: Cardstock or Construction Paper, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Ribbon or Twine, Scissors, Tape (Double-Sided)

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

1. Fold a piece of cardstock or construction paper in half to create the cover.
2. Cut the Campfire, Crescent Moon and Stars and Tent using the Vacation cartridge. Cut original shapes and embellish with pieces as desired.
3. Cut the original and shadow Phrase, Family Vacation, using the Vacation cartridge. Layer the phrases and adhere. Layer and adhere additional pieces to embellish.
4. Place shapes on the cover and adhere in place. Cut twine or ribbon and tie to the front cover.
5. Insert folded pages and attach to book (see Main Photo).