Teacher Page

A WebQuest for 4th Grade (Language Arts)

Designed by

Delores M. Brannan
brannand@juno.com

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits | Student Page

Introduction

This lesson was developed during the WebQuest design course taught by Charleston County Public Schools.

In this quest students will develop an understanding and appreciation for the Caldecott Medal.  They will discover what the Caldecott Medal is, why it is given, who gives it, and the criteria used in selecting the winner.  They also will learn to use effective oral communication skills.

Learners

This lesson was prepared for the 4th grade using only Caldecott Award books but it could easily be adapted for other grades and the teacher could use Newbery or other award winning books.

Prior to the lesson the teacher or media specialist will need to have explained about plot, theme, character, setting and how these relate to the development of a book.
 

Curriculum Standards
 

Language Arts Standards Addressed

I.  Reading/Literature

B. The student will read and demonstrate comprehension of a variety of literary forms to include fiction and nonfiction, biographies, and historical fiction.

• Identify the stated, inferred, or paraphrased main idea.
• Write about what is read.
• Identify elements of literature, such as plot, character, and setting, types of language, point of view, and theme
• Support fact and opinion with relevant details

E.  The student will read for sustained periods of time

A.  The student will listen to oral presentations and reports.

A.  The student will use effective oral communication skills in a variety of settings

• Present accurate directions and convey information to individuals and small groups.
• Begin to use evidence to support opinions.
• Speak clearly using appropriate volume tone, and rate.
• Speak increasingly in Standard English by applying appropriate grammar, usage and vocabulary.
• Express ideas orally with fluency, elaboration, and confidence.

C.   The student will make oral presentations and reports.

• Use subject related information and vocabulary.
• Organize information for clarity.
• Use effective presentation skills.
• Use props and other visual aides to enhance presentation

A.  The student will use information resources to research a topic

• Collect information using the resources of the media center
• Communicate the information and findings in written and oral forms

Process
 

1. Using the following web site, research the Caldecott medal and find out what it is, why it is given, and the criteria for selection.

http://www.ala.org/alsc/caldecott.html  Randolph Caldecott Medal home page
 

2. Select a Caldecott award winning book and read it

3. Using the following web sites research your author and be prepared to present a brief biographical sketch

http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~djbrown/authors.html Tell Me More! Information about Children's Authors & Illustrators, and their books

http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanities/Literature/Authors/Children_s/ Directory of children's authors

http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/special/kay/author.html
Learning about the Authors and Illustrator Pages

4. Using the criteria listed on the Caldecott Medal Home Page evaluate your book and be prepared to defend why you think your book deserved the award.  (Remember you are trying to convince people to buy the book) 

5. Prepare a book review for your award winning book.  You may use the following sites to find some examples of a book review.

http://www.writerswrite.com/books/rchild.htm Examples of book reviews

Book reviews by kids
http://www.writerswrite.com/books/rchild.htm

6. Prepare two other projects that can be used to promote your book.  Some suggestions are:

a. Bookmark
b. Poster
c. Accelerated reader quiz
d. Book jacket
e. Other to be approved by teacher

Resources Needed

Copies of the Caldecott Award winning books 
Internet Access to the following sites

Randolph Caldecott Medal home page
http://www.ala.org/alsc/caldecott.html 

Tell Me More! Information about Children's Authors & Illustrators, and their books 
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/awards.html

Directory of children's authors
http://dir.yahoo.com/Arts/Humanities/Literature/Authors/Children_s/

Learning about the Authors and Illustrator Pages
http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/special/kay/author.html 

Book reviews by kids
http://www.writerswrite.com/books/rchild.htm

Kids book review panel
http://www3.sympatico.ca/alanbrown/kids.htm
 

Evaluation

This lesson was designed to be  used in cooperation with the 4th grade Language Arts teacher. However, it could easily be done in the media center with just the media specialist. Use the following rubric for evaluating the oral presentation.

Click here to see rubric
 

If used in the media center, then the projects would not be given a grade, but the students could evaluate the speeches and vote for the best one.  Some type of small award would be appropriate (Perhaps a paperback book or a ribbon)?

Conclusion

Students will learn about the Caldecott Award Medal –what the medal is and why it is given, and the criteria used in selecting the winner. 
 

Credits & References

Bernie Dodges, The Web Quest Page http://edweb.sdsu.edu/webquest/webquest.html

Evaluation rubric created by Evaluation rubric created by using template found at /http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/rubrics/

Clip art from Microsoft Word and the Teacher files at http://www.teacherfiles.com/