©2007 Nancy Polette
Iron Horses by Verla Kay, Putnam, 2003.
The author relates historical events in chronological order using “Paul Revere” poetry. See also: Tattered Sails, Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails.
The Fighter Wore A Skirt by Nancy Polette Pieces of Learning, 2002.
Narrative poems of 32 American women who faced a challenge and won.
George Washington’s Teeth by Deborah Chandra. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2003.
Told in rollicking verse, this is a carefully researched account of what happened to George Washington teeth. Older students can write a ballad about a president to a familiar tune.
George Washington (sing to Yankee Doodle)
Yankee Doodle
King George ruled the colonies
With unfair taxation
Washington said it was time
To form a brand new nation.
Chorus
Independence was declared
To lay a firm foundation
Founding fathers wrote it down
Called it a Declaration.
Washington led patriot troops
Without hesitation
Led his men to victory
With great imagination.
Chorus
Yes, his name was Washington
Leader of the nation
He was President Number One
The first to hold that station.
(Walter I. Gr 5)
Fortunately/Unfortunately by Remy Charlip Scholastic, 1990
Tell the plus and minus events in a person’s life.
Edwards, Pamela. The Boston Tea Party. Putnam, 2001
A “House That Jack Built” model.
Use as a model for a history or biography report.
Lewis, Patrick. A World of Wonders Dial 2002.
Geographic travels in rhyme. Good research reporting models on places in the world.
Summer by Steven Schnur. Houghton, 2000.
An acrostic model for reporting on any topic.
Variation: Summarize a historical event or biography using the acrostic model.
Gifted or Goof-Off: Fact and Fiction of the Famous by Nancy Polette. Pieces of Learning, 2004
A good model for a fact and fiction book on any topic. Make a statement on one page, tell the reader whether it is fact or fiction and why.
That’s Good, That’s Bad in the Grand Canyon by Margery Cuyler. Holt, 2002
One day a little boy and his grandmother went to the Grand Canyon for their summer vacation.
Oh, that’s good! No, that’s bad.
As they hiked down Bright Angel Trail, the little boy slipped and fell over the edge of the path.
Oh, that’s bad! No. that’s good.
He dropped to the back of a mule that was walking down to the bottom of the canyon.”
So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George. Illustrated by David Small. Philomel. 2000
The author compares the Presidents of the United States by: Similar names, Birthplace, Size, Personality, Appearance, Pets, Musical ability, Athletic ability, Education, Military service, Previous occupations.
Riddle City U.S.A by Guilo Maestro. Harper, 2002.
Geography riddles.
What Presidents Are Made Of by Hanoch Piven. Atheneum, 2004.
Collages of items associated with various presidents.
White Bear, Ice Bear by Joanne Ryder. Morrow, 1989
A day in the life of a whale.
Christmas In The Big House, Christmas In The Quarters by Pat and Fred McKissack. Scholastic 1994
Bugs by Nancy Winslow Parker. Mulberry , 1987
About Your Workshop Leader
Following 30 years as a teacher, Director of Media Services, Director of Curriculum and Special Ed. Programs in St. Louis County, MO. Nancy is a Prof. of Education at Lindenwood University. and former Director of the Laboratory School for gifted children. She is the author of eight children’s books and 100+ professional books including Reading Guidance In A Media Age, Developing Methods of Inquiry, School Librarian’s Grab Bag, Teaching Critical Reading, & Books to Build Brain Power.