This themed literature unit is designed to help first graders become more thoughtful in their dealings with others. They will acquire the skillls to become more empathetic community members. The texts used in this study are obvious conduits for the lessons being taught because they use subjects in which the students are interested.
1. Students will understand that being a true friend means including others.
2. Students will understand that being a true friend means being sensitive to the feelings of others.
3. Students will understand that beinga true friend means sometimes standing up for one's friends.
4. Students will be able to make connections to the text while reading.
5. Students will be able to make predictions about the value of friendship based on the text.
6. Students will share reading experiences by relating texts to their everyday life.
Picture Books:
Berry, Joy (1988). A Children’s Book about Breaking Promises. Danbury, CT: Grolier Enterprises Corp.
This book illustrates to children how breaking promises to a friend is a way to end a friendship. This book will be used as part of the classroom library as an option for independent reading.
Berry, Joy (1988). A Children’s Book about Snooping. Danbury, CT: Grolier Enterprises Corp.
This book discusses another way that friendships can end. This is another option for independent reading.
Brown, Laurie Krasny and Marc Brown (2001). How to be a Friend. New York: Little, Brown and Co.
This text discusses ways to resolve arguments, compromise, and other ways to be friendly. It will be utilized as part of the ending unit synthesis.
Herman, Gail (2003). Splish Splash. New York: Scholastic.
This story focuses on a girl and the feelings that she and her friends experience when a pool party is cancelled. It is a small group reading selection.
Hobbie, Holly (1997). Toot & Puddle. New York: Little, Brown and Co.
This book about two pigs, one who travels and one who stays home, will be used to make connections as part of a whole class discussion.
Reiser, Lynn (1993). Margaret and Margarita. New York: Greenwillow Books.
Two girls meet and become friends despite a language barrier. This text will be used as a Literature Circle option.
Willems, Mo (2008). I Will Surprise My Friend. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
This story continues the adventures of Gerald the Elephant and Piggie the Pig as they have fun with one another. This is a Literature Circle alternative.
Willems, Mo (2007). My Friend is Sad. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
Gerald the Elephant is sad and Piggie has an idea to cheer him with interesting results. This is an independent reading option.
Chapter Books:
Adler, David (2008). Cam Jansen and the Green School Mystery. New York: Viking.
This book finds Cam trying to solve the mystery of the missing nickels raised from the school recycling drive. This is a Read Aloud entry.
Cleary, Beverly (1954). Henry and Ribsy. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Henry and Ribsy have several adventures during the summer. This Read Aloud book is a classic that will introduce children to Beverly Cleary.
Delton, Judy (1990). Pee Wee Scouts: Bad, Bad Bunnies. South Holland, IL: Dell Young Yearling.
The Pee Wee Scouts are trying to earn their safety badges and dye Easter Eggs without losing track of the hamster. This is an alternative Read Aloud book if another is needed.
Hurwitz, Joanna (1987). Russell Sprouts. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Another Read Aloud book that introduces the class to the Riverside Kids and explores their friendship and life as six year olds.
Marshall, James (1972). George and Martha. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
George and Martha show children how friends care for and take of one another’s needs. The short chapter stories will be used for small group reading.
Marshall, James (1984). George and Martha: Back in Town. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
George and Martha again take turns being thoughtful. This is a Literature Circle option.
Rylant, Cynthia (1992). Henry and Mudge and the Long Weekend. New York: Bradbury Press.
Henry and Mudge build a castle in the basement with help from Dad. Working together to meet a goal is central to this book. This is a Literature Circle book.
Rylant, Cynthia (1996). Henry and Mudge: Puddle Trouble. New York: Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing.
Henry and Mudge have fun welcoming spring to the neighborhood – along with puddles, flowers, and kittens. This will be used for small group readings.
Created by:
Michelle Cannon
Seattle University Masters in Teaching Program
Winter 2009