Media Curriculum Unit- Literature Upper Elementary or Middle School

VSC Standard 1: Demonstrate an appreciation of Literature as a reflection of human experience and reading as a pleasurable activitity.

Time Frame: 4 or 5 media or classroom lessons. This could be taught in collaboration with language arts teachers—Classroom teacher could choose a book to read in the classroom. Media teacher would work in the computer lab so that each child can select their book and complete assignment.

· Students will learn about the Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Awards.

· Students will be introduced to a variety of book nominees for the year.

· Students will have the opportunity to learn about authors by exploring their websites.

· Students will have the opportunity to research and interpret information from a website.

After previously discussing the Black Eyed Susan nominations and awards for the current year and introducing a selection of books to the class, the library media specialist will take the class to the computer lab and introduce the following activity. Working alone or in pairs, the students may select one book to obtain more information about the author.

Each student will click on the cover of their selected book and review the website to obtain answers to a provided worksheet.

(date visited 9/26/09) http://www.gordonkorman.com/

Once you click on the book cover, it will take you to the home page of the author Gordon Korman. On the left of the page, click on the link “Biography.” Read through Gordon Korman’s biography to find the answers to the questions.

(date visited 9/26/09) http://www.pammunozryan.com/

Click on this link to go to the home page of the author. On the left of the page, click on the

Sarah L. Thompson: Once you click on this link it will take you to the author’s webpage. Explore the webpage by clicking on the links at the top (“Books” and “About”) to learn more about the author and find the answers to the questions.

Once you click on this link it will take you to the author’s website. Explore the webpage by clicking on the link in the upper right corner (“Books & Plays,” and “Biography” to answer the questions. (date visited 9/26/09) http://www.helenfrost.net/index.php

(date visited 9/26/09) http://www.samuelblink.com/theauthor.htm

(date visited 9/26/09) http://www.ewoodruff.com/

(date visited 9/26/09) http://www.lindaurbanbooks.com/index.html

(date visited 9/26/09) http://web.mac.com/ingridlaw/Site/Home.html

1.

Black-Eyed Susan Awards

Author Website Review

What did you learn about the Black Eyed Susan Awards?

What book did you choose and why?

Who is the author?

Please name other titles by the author (3 if possible)

Where was the author born?

Name 3 interesting facts you learned about this author?