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: Applying Language Skills

K-12: Standard 12

• Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and the exchange of information).

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

Fine Arts: Visual Arts

K-4 Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Bring any piece of literature to life with a creative diorama. Capture a favorite scene for storytelling accompanied by a brief summary, opinion or review. For advanced students, assign chapters of a novel followed by diorama presentations. Arrange the dioramas in chapter order for visual representation of the book. Encourage lifelong reading through creative expression and meet learning needs.

Supplies Used: Cardstock, Double-Sided Tape, Fishing Line, Glue, Scissors, Shoebox, String

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

Characters: Cat & Fiddle, Cow, Moon

1. Die-cut the Cat, Violin, Cow #2 and Friendly Moon from multiple colors of construction paper.
   
2. Cut away parts of one color. Layer and adhere to whole images of each die-cut to embellish. As an option, die-cut from white construction paper and color with crayons or colored pencils.
3. Add a tab behind the Cat so that it may stand. Adhere the Violin to the Cat.
4. Fold forward the front two legs of Cow #2. Remove and reattach the rear two legs as well, to make Cow #2 look like it is jumping (see Main Photo).

Setting the Scene

1. Cover the inside and outside of a shoebox with blue construction paper to create the scene.
2. Use green construction paper to represent grass. Cut out green hills and paste to the background (see Main Photo).
   
3. Die-cut Stars, 4-Up and adhere to the night sky.
   
4. Adhere the embellished Moon to the background.
   
5. Add detail to the scene with colored pencils or crayons (see Main Photo).

Completing the Diorama

1. Attach string behind the Cow and attach to the roof of the shoebox.
   
2. Place the Cat and Violin in the scene, adhering the Cat by the tabs.
3. Display the diorama to share classic nursery rhymes and inspire the love of reading (see Main Photo).