March 1st is Statehood Day in the state of Nebraska. We will be celebrating 152 years since officially becoming the 37th state on March 1, 1867!
I moved to Omaha, NE, for my first teaching job back in 1995. My assignment was 4th grade. The biggest part of the Social Studies curriculum for 4th grade is to teach Nebraska History. I had just moved to Nebraska, living here for only 2 months. Omaha was the only part of Nebraska I had ever been in! If you are familiar with a Nebraska map you will see that Omaha is on the extreme east side of the state, you don’t even need to drive through other areas of Nebraska to arrive in Omaha. You head over the Missouri River (Iowa border) on I-80 or I-29 and go directly into Omaha. So needless to say I did not have one bit of background knowledge of the state of Nebraska or its history!
In addition to a lack of personal experience, the district gave me ZERO resources to use to teach this curriculum, no textbooks, no informational books, no teacher’s manuals, nothing, zero, zip! So to say I really was not qualified or prepared to teach this required Social Studies curriculum is an understatement!
I made it through that first year, how I’m not quite sure? I learned about Nebraska right along with my students. The second year I was able to start to refine the resources that I created and by the third year, it was looking even better. The silver lining of the experience is that by being given nothing I was able to refine my creating skills and have been able to utilize those skills with my The Teaching Bankadventures!
When my son was in 4th grade his teacher contacted me asking if I had any resources to help with her Nebraska Unit. I enjoy sharing my resources with my children’s teachers and her email sparked an idea to create a product line using the materials I had created for my own classroom. I would have been in heaven to have something like this available in my first year of teaching! So with that my Complete Nebraska State Study Interactive Notebook Unit was born!
I do understand that this product doesn’t have the widest audience, mainly Nebraska teachers! I created it with 11 distinct sections that can be used in isolation or as a full-year curriculum so that teachers can pick and choose to fit their needs. This also gave me the opportunity to offer the Lewis & Clark section and The Oregon Trail section as separate, stand-alone items to market to the wider US audience. You don’t have to be a Nebraska teacher to use either of those!
Section 1: Nebraska Maps, covers Nebraska’s location within the United States, surrounding states, populous cities, regions, waterways/aquifers, and weather.
Section 2: Nebraska State Symbols & Government, covers Nebraska’s flag, seal, state symbols (bird, tree, etc), federal government representatives, state representatives, introduction to the Unicameral Legislature, and the steps of how a bill becomes a law.
Section 4: Prehistoric Nebraska, covers Nebraska during Prehistoric times. Activities include vocabulary, Ashfall Fossil Beds, animals in Nebraska during the Ice Age, and the first humans in Nebraska.
Section 5: Indigenous Peoples of Nebraska, covers the tribes of Nebraska, the study of an Earthlodge, Earthlodge vs. Tipi comparison, and investigates the many uses of the bison.
Section 6: Lewis and Clark, covers the location and exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, maps the journey of Lewis & Clark, investigates supplies needed for the journey, a timeline of the journey, journals the journey, and the impact of the exploration. *This section is not Nebraska-specific and can be used nationwide!
Section 7: The Oregon Trail, covers the first pioneer settlers, mapping the Oregon Trail, investigates reasons for traveling the Oregon Trail, research supplies needed for the journey, hardships endured, journals the journey, and the Mormon Trail. *This section is not Nebraska-specific and can be used nationwide!
Section 8: Nebraska’s Road to Statehood,covers Nebraska’s road to statehood, including activities for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, the Homestead Act, housing on the prairie, life of a pioneer child, the impact of the railroad to NE, and NE becomes a state.
Section 9: The Age of Progress in Nebraksa 1870-20th Century, covers how the issues (suffrage, prohibition, race relations, Native Americans, child labor, worker’s rights, election reforms, political reforms, and anti-monopoly reforms) during this time period affected the people of Nebraska.
Section 10: WWII and the Cold War, includes 2 informational articles along with activities touching on Nebraska’s role in World War II, the Cold War, and the role of SAC and STRATCOM.
All of these sections are available on their own so you can tailor it to your own classroom needs. You can also buy the entire unit together as one bundle at a reduced cost.
This can save you money and it includes everything you need to teach your entire state study for Nebraska. The alignment to the newly adopted 2019 Nebraska 4th Grade Social Studies State Standards is included with every section to make planning even easier!
In creating my resources I made a conscious effort to use only historical images and clip art. I know there are a lot of resources out there that utilize cutesy type clip art in their history products with a goal to entice children into thinking it is “fun”. I don’t subscribe to that line of thinking, especially when dealing with topics such as war, slavery, genocide, or in the depiction of indigenous people, enslaved people, or immigrants. I feel very strongly that using cartoonish imagery sends the wrong message to students preventing them from seeing the people and events as real and serious in nature.
You don’t have to make these topics “fun”, but you can very easily make these topics interesting through deep discussions. Children are naturally empathetic and tolerant. It is a perfect time to tap into that empathy and tolerance as they learn of the atrocities of the past. This doesn’t need to be sensationalized or cutesy, these discussions of the events of the past taught in an honest and real depiction will engage the student’s interest. The deep discussions you have as you learn together will spark an understanding and appreciation for what has come before and hopefully will lead to the goal of learning this uncomfortable history, which is not to repeat it.
I hope this product can be the lifesaver for you that it would have been for me back in that first year of teaching! This covers everything that you need for the Nebraska study in an interactive way. Your students will be motivated, involved, and at the end have their very own Nebraska State Guide!
The City of Ember is a fascinating book that really makes you wonder and think. It is suspenseful and engages the reader to want to continue. The City of Ember is the first book in DuPrau’s series, and it ends with the reader wanting more. It is a great book to hook your reluctant readers to continue the series on their own.
There are a lot of STEAM opportunities with this novel, and it will lead your students to examine what we may be doing to our Earth that may cause catastrophe down the line. It’s a thought-provoking novel to use in the classroom, in small groups, or in a homeschool setting.
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Benefits of Using The City of Ember in Your Classroom:
Fosters Critical Thinking: The City of Ember invites readers into a dystopian world where critical thinking and problem-solving are essential for survival. Through the protagonists’ journey to unravel the mysteries of their underground city, students are prompted to analyze complex situations, make connections, and devise creative solutions. By engaging with the novel’s themes of resourcefulness and resilience, learners develop invaluable critical thinking skills that extend beyond the pages of the book.
Explores Societal Issues: DuPrau skillfully intertwines themes of sustainability, governance, and societal structures within the narrative of The City of Ember. From discussions on environmental responsibility to reflections on the consequences of authoritarianism, the novel provides a rich tapestry for exploring real-world issues in a thought-provoking manner. By examining these topics through the lens of fiction, students gain a deeper understanding of societal complexities and cultivate empathy for diverse perspectives.
Promotes Literacy and Language Skills: As educators, nurturing literacy skills is paramount, and The City of Ember offers a compelling vehicle for achieving this goal. Through immersive storytelling and vivid imagery, DuPrau captivates readers of all levels, making the novel accessible to a wide range of learners. By engaging with rich language and descriptive prose, students enhance their vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency, laying a solid foundation for academic success across disciplines.
Stimulates Cross-Curricular Connections: One of the greatest strengths of The City of Ember lies in its versatility across various subject areas. From science lessons on sustainability and environmental science to social studies explorations of governance and societal structures, the novel provides ample opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. By integrating discussions, projects, and activities inspired by the text, educators can foster holistic understanding and encourage students to make meaningful connections across academic domains.
Cultivates a Love for Reading: Beyond its educational merits, The City of Ember possesses a timeless allure that captivates readers of all ages. By immersing students in a compelling narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and adventure, educators have the power to ignite a lifelong passion for reading. Through guided discussions, independent exploration, and interactive experiences, teachers can cultivate an environment where literacy is celebrated and cherished as a gateway to new worlds and endless possibilities.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau stands as a shining example of the transformative power of literature in education. By embracing this captivating novel in the classroom, educators have the opportunity to foster critical thinking, explore societal issues, promote literacy skills, stimulate cross-curricular connections, and cultivate a love for reading that transcends the boundaries of the classroom.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany The City of Ember for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom. it is a great book to use in your classroom or homeschool for a whole class novel study, small book groups, or individual book studies.
Try a free sample of the novel study for The City of Ember
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
In the vast landscape of children’s literature, few authors hold the revered status of Roald Dahl. His timeless tales have captivated young minds for generations, inviting readers into whimsical worlds where imagination knows no bounds. Among his literary treasures, James and the Giant Peach stands as a beacon of creativity and wonder. For educators seeking to ignite a love for reading and learning in their students, incorporating this beloved novel into the classroom can yield profound benefits.
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Benefits of Using James and the Giant Peach in Your Classroom:
Sparks Imagination: At its core, James and the Giant Peach is a celebration of imagination. Through Dahl’s vivid prose and fantastical storytelling, readers are transported to a world where ordinary objects take on extraordinary dimensions. From a colossal peach serving as a vessel for adventure to a band of anthropomorphic insects, the novel sparks the imagination like few others. By immersing students in this whimsical realm, teachers can inspire creativity and encourage outside-the-box thinking.
Promotes Literacy Skills: Beyond its enchanting narrative, James and the Giant Peach offers ample opportunities for literacy development. Through engaging dialogue, descriptive language, and rich character development, students are exposed to various literary techniques that enhance their reading comprehension and vocabulary. Additionally, the novel’s themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of imagination provide fertile ground for meaningful discussions and critical thinking exercises.
Brings Cultural Relevance: Roald Dahl’s works have left a mark on popular culture, and James and the Giant Peach is no exception. With its timeless themes and enduring charm, the novel remains a perennial favorite among readers of all ages. By incorporating such culturally significant texts into the curriculum, teachers can foster a deeper appreciation for literature while exposing students to diverse storytelling traditions.
Opportunities for Multidisciplinary Learning: James and the Giant Peach lends itself seamlessly to multidisciplinary learning opportunities. From science lessons exploring the life cycle of insects to geography studies tracing James’s journey across the Atlantic, the novel provides a rich tapestry for cross-curricular exploration. By integrating various subjects through a common literary lens, educators can create cohesive learning experiences that resonate with students on multiple levels.
Fosters a Love for Reading: Perhaps most importantly, James and the Giant Peach has the power to instill a lifelong love for reading in young learners. By captivating students with its imaginative narrative and lovable characters, the novel can serve as a gateway to a world of literary exploration. Through shared reading experiences, classroom discussions, and interactive activities, teachers can cultivate a supportive reading environment where every student feels encouraged to embark on their own literary adventures.
By embracing timeless classics like James and the Giant Peach in the classroom, teachers can ignite the spark of imagination, promote literacy skills, and instill a lifelong appreciation for literature in their students. As Roald Dahl himself once said, “So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place, you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” Today we could replace “TV” with a phone or game system! With novels like James and the Giant Peach, educators have the power to open doors to worlds of wonder and possibility for generations to come.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany James and the Giant Peach for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for James and the Giant Peach
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
Certain books stand out not only for their entertainment value but also for their educational benefits. One such novel is How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell. While the title might raise some eyebrows, this novel offers a plethora of opportunities for teachers to engage their students in meaningful learning experiences.
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Benefits of Using How to Eat Fried Worms in Your Classroom:
Offers Engaging and Relatable Content: At its core, How to Eat Fried Worms is a story about friendship, peer pressure, and the lengths one is willing to go to prove a point. These themes resonate with students of various ages, making the book highly relatable. By exploring the adventures of Billy and his friends as they embark on a dare to eat worms, teachers can initiate discussions about courage, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Enhances Language and Literacy Development: For educators aiming to enhance their students’ language and literacy skills, How to Eat Fried Worms provides ample opportunities. The novel’s accessible language and engaging narrative make it suitable for both independent reading and read-aloud sessions. Teachers can leverage the text to teach vocabulary, comprehension strategies, and literary devices such as foreshadowing and character development.
Provides Cross-Curricular Connections: One of the strengths of How to Eat Fried Worms lies in its ability to foster interdisciplinary learning. Teachers can seamlessly integrate the novel into various subject areas, including science, mathematics, and even culinary arts. From conducting experiments on worm behavior to exploring the nutritional value of different foods, the possibilities for cross-curricular connections are endless.
Promotes Critical Thinking: Beyond its entertaining storyline, How to Eat Fried Worms encourages students to think critically and analytically. As they follow Billy’s journey and contemplate the moral dilemmas he faces, students are prompted to evaluate their own beliefs and decision-making processes. Teachers can facilitate discussions that challenge students to consider the consequences of their actions and the importance of empathy and understanding.
Cultivates a Love for Reading: Ultimately, one of the primary goals of incorporating How to Eat Fried Worms into the classroom is to instill a lifelong love for reading in students. By introducing them to a humorous and engaging story that resonates with their experiences, teachers can capture their interest and enthusiasm for literature. Moreover, by fostering a positive reading environment and providing opportunities for student choice and reflection, educators can nurture a generation of avid readers.
How to Eat Fried Worms is much more than just a quirky title—it’s a valuable resource for educators seeking to inspire and educate their students. By using the novel’s engaging content, language development opportunities, cross-curricular connections, and capacity for critical thinking, teachers can create learning experiences that extend far beyond the pages of the book. Dig into the world of Billy and his friends, and discover the countless benefits of incorporating this timeless classic into your classroom curriculum.
I offer a complete novel study to accompany How to Eat Fried Worms for use in the classroom or homeschool. The unit includes both a printable format and a Google Drive™ format for use in a paperless classroom or with Google Classroom.
Try a free sample of the novel study for How to Eat Fried Worms
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
I had the opportunity to participate in a seminar hosted by Sherri of Literary Sherri, where she delved into the concept of Intersectionality. While this term might be unfamiliar to some, its significance cannot be overstated, particularly for educators. Intersectionality, as defined by Merriam-Webster, refers to the intricate way various forms of discrimination, such as racism, sexism, and classism, intersect and compound, particularly impacting marginalized individuals or groups.
Personally, I already had several literary works that championed intersectionality in the classroom, including titles like Out of My Mind, El Deafo, Fish in a Tree, Freak the Mighty, and Wonder. These contemporary novels serve as invaluable tools for fostering understanding of diverse experiences and nurturing empathy and awareness, thereby contributing to the cultivation of a more compassionate and enlightened community.
Amidst discussions within educational circles, one title that stood out was Dusti Bowling’s 2017 novel, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. This book lived up to its reputation, offering a compelling narrative that not only sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with differences and disabilities but also manages to infuse humor into its pages. The protagonist, Aven, with her witty and contemporary perspective, draws readers in and prompts moments of genuine laughter. In many ways, I found myself even more captivated by this story than by Wonder.
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Benefits of Using Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus in Your Classroom:
Offers Diversity and Representation: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus features a protagonist, Aven Green, who was born without arms. Through Aven’s perspective, author Dusti Bowling skillfully explores themes of disability, resilience, and self-acceptance. By including diverse characters like Aven in the curriculum, teachers can promote empathy and understanding among students. This representation also offers an opportunity for students with disabilities to see themselves reflected in literature, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Provides Themes of Friendship and Acceptance: At its core, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is a story about friendship, acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world. As students follow Aven’s journey of navigating middle school while dealing with her own insecurities, they are presented with valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of embracing differences. These themes resonate deeply with young readers and provide ample opportunities for meaningful discussions about friendship and inclusivity in the classroom.
Presented in an Engaging and Accessible Writing Style: Dusti Bowling’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus an ideal choice for middle-grade readers. The novel is filled with humor, heart, and memorable characters that capture the imagination of students from diverse backgrounds. Its fast-paced plot and relatable themes ensure that students remain invested in the story from start to finish, making it a valuable tool for promoting literacy and a love for reading.
Integrates Multidisciplinary Topics: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus offers ample opportunities for cross-curricular exploration. Teachers can incorporate discussions about topics such as biology (exploring the science behind Aven’s condition), psychology (examining themes of resilience and coping mechanisms), and social studies (discussing themes of diversity and inclusion). By integrating these multidisciplinary topics into the curriculum, teachers can create a rich learning experience that resonates across different subject areas.
Empowers Students Through Personal Reflection: As students engage with Aven’s story, they are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, challenges, and strengths. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus prompts important questions about identity, self-acceptance, and perseverance, inviting students to explore their own values and beliefs. Through activities such as journaling, group discussions, and creative projects, teachers can empower students to embrace their uniqueness and cultivate a positive sense of self.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is more than just a novel—it’s a powerful tool for promoting empathy, understanding, and self-discovery among students. By incorporating this book into the classroom, teachers can create an inclusive learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. With its diverse characters, engaging writing style, and rich thematic content, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus has the potential to ignite a passion for reading and learning that extends far beyond the classroom.
I offer a full novel study for Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus that you can use with a whole class, small book groups, or individual students. It is easily adaptable and contains both a printable option and a Google Drive™ option.
Try a free sample of the novel study for Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
You can purchase this novel study at the following locations:
Are you interested in reading about and sharing ideas with other educators on using children’s literature in your classroom? My goal is to bring together teachers and homeschoolers who teach grades 3-8 and use novels with their students. I’d love for you to join me to learn, share, and grow together!
