The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush - Folklore

The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush

Author: Retold by Tomie dePaola

Genre: Folktale, Legend

Publisher: Putnam & Grosset

Copyright Date: 1996

Number of Pages: 40

Awards: None

Grade Level: K-2

Summary: 

Searching for his place among his people, a young boy named Gopher watches the brave warriors go out each day to hunt for food and protect his tribe. Gopher receives a dream vision showing his path would not lead him to be a warrior but instead he would be an artist. He sees the beauty in the colors of everything around him and creates beautiful art that tells the stories of his tribe but he can never make paints or dyes that would show the true beauty of the sunset.

Use in Teaching: 

The Legend of the Paintbrush could be used in many ways but I especially like the idea of using this book for the introduction of an art lesson where students will use Native American symbols or pictographs. Using old paper bags that have been crumpled up to simulate animal hides the students would need to research Native American art then use the symbols to create their own art.

Here is a link to something similar: http://www.artmuseums.com/nov1.htm where students are creating vests.

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	3 Bookmarks: Following Gopher’s struggles to find his place in the tribe provides for a great plot which includes all the elements required.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: Gopher, the main character, is very well rounded, believable, and very likeable.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: Gopher’s struggles and triumphs keeps the book flowing at just the right pace.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: A great book to include in any children’s literature list with a heartwarming tale.

Stone Soup - Folklore

Stone Soup

Author: Retold by Jon Muth

Genre: Folktale, Fable

Publisher: Scholastic

Copyright Date: 2003

Number of Pages: 32

Awards: National Parenting Book Award

Grade Level: K-3

Summary:

Stone Soup follows three weary travelers as they enter a village seeking food and shelter for the night. House after house they are turned away with empty hands and stomachs, knowing that the villagers do in fact have food and room to spare them. The three travels decide to trick the villagers and begin proclaiming a feast fit for a king of stone soup would be available to the entire village. Slowly the stone soup attracts the villagers who learn an important lesson by the time the soup is done simmering.

Use in Teaching: 

Stone Soup would be a great book to use for teaching compassion/sharing to young students. Start by having students think of a time that a friend or family member shared something special with them and how that made them feel. Having students think of a time when they asked for someone to share something and that person refused and how that made them feel. After reading the story discuss how the village was before they shared and how the village was after the travelers had tricked the villagers. As part of this it would be fun to do a little skit with students. Have them recreate the story and actually make 'stone soup' in the classroom.

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	3 Bookmarks: Stone Soup has an easy to follow plot that contains all the elements for a good plot structure.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: The three travelers as well as the many villagers are very well rounded and believable characters.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: Following the travelers from house to house and then through the process of making stone soup keeps the pacing right on target.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: A great read with an important lesson for both children and adults alike.

Three Jovial Huntsmen - Children's Poetry

Three Jovial Huntsmen

A Mother Goose Rhyme

Author: Adapted and Illustrated by Susan Jeffers

Genre: Children's literature, Poetry, Folktale

Publisher: Susan Jeffers

Copyright Date: 1973

Number of Pages: 30

Awards: Caldecott Honor

Grade Level: K-2

Summary:

Following three huntsmen through the woods and meadows as they pass by camouflaged animals they are meant to be hunting. The Three Jovial Huntsmen is a whimsical tale that speaks as much through the illustrations as it does through the rhythmic words.   

Use in Teaching:

Being a folktale the Three Jovial Huntsmen could be included as part of a fairy tale unit. Using prior knowledge of fairy tales and connections to real life to make predictions as they read. Students could also work in small groups to analyze the elements of fairy tales.

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/fairy-tales-from-life-42.html

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	3 Bookmarks: A subtle plot which contains all of the elements of a good plot structure as the three hunters continue to pass by the animals they mean to hunt.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: The three hunters are well developed characters and their incompetence is believable.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: It is fun to turn the page and scan the illustrations for the hidden animals that the hunters are missing. This along with the rhythm make the pacing smooth.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: A fun book to read as well as to explore it’s a great story for children and adults alike.

Where the Sidewalk Ends - Children's Poetry

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Author: Shel Silverstein

Genre: Poetry, Comedy

Publisher: Harper Collins

Copyright Date: 1974

Number of Pages: 309

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book, New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, New York Times Notable, George C. Stone Center for Children's Books Recognition of Merit Award, Golden Archer Award.

Grade Level: 3-5

Summary:

A large collection of Shel Silversteins' poems and drawing that are sure to delight children. You will read the stories of The Acrobats, Captain Hook, and The Googies. You will learn of the Invisible Boy, the Giant, and The Worst. Within the pages you will find deserted houses, Santa, and Dancing Pants. Where the Sidewalk Ends is where the magical world of Shel Silverstein begins. 

Use in Teaching:

Where the Sidewalk Ends lends itself to many classroom uses. Students can make make connections with the poems (text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world) by using a double-entry journal. Where the Sidewalk Ends could also be used to increase reading comprehension through making inferences while reading.  

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/guided-comprehension-making-connections-228.html?tab=4

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inference-with-Poetry-Lesson-using-Where-the-Sidewalk-Ends-by-Shel-Silverstein-352801

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	Not Applicable: This is a collection of poetry and therefore there is not a plot within the book.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: The characters within the individual poems are well developed and relatable even though some of the poems are very short.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: This is a large collection of poems but still the pacing of the book keeps the reader engaged and interested in the next poem.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: A classic that I still remember reading from my own childhood that will keep kids interested and engaged.

The Giving Tree - Children's Picture Book

The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein

Genre: Fable, Folk Tales, and Myths

Publisher: Harper & Row

Copyright Date: 1964

Number of Pages: 64

Awards: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Book

Grade Level: K-2

Summary:

The story of the tender relationship between a young boy and the tree that loves him. Each day the boy visits the tree but as he begins to grow older the visits become few and far between. Once the boy is grown he only visits the tree when he needs something and because of the love the tree has for the boy she gladly offers all she has until there is nothing left.

Use in Teaching:

The Giving Tree can be used to help young children understand to be thankful. Students might have a writing prompt "How can I be more giving" or "How can I thank those who are giving to me?" The Giving Tree could also be used in a science lesson for learning the parts of the tree (leaves, apples, trunk, and branches).  

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	2 Bookmarks: The moral behind the story makes it difficult to rate but some of the elements of the plot structure seem to get a little jumbled and it is difficult to distinguish them from each other.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: Despite a main character of the book being portrayed as a tree the characters are believable with individual personality. The tree can be interpreted as a mother figure.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: The pacing for this book is slow but it is deliberate. The slow pace doesn’t hurt the story it adds to the feel and mood of the story.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: Such a tender and sweet book with some sad overtones it’s hard not to love the tree and the book as well.