Boxes for Katje - Literacy Curriculum Unit of Study
We have wrapped up our study of Vermont animals, which included non-fiction reports and realistic fictions stories through which children learned how to write  complete sentences, introductions and closings, how to write a topic sentence, and how to write a paragraph with a clear focus. Now, it is time to focus on use these skills to practice response to text writing and compare and contrast writing. 
On Monday, our class began a unit of study using a special book called, Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming. It is based on a true story about a friendship that blossoms and two communities that grow between Rosie in Mayfield, Indiana and Katje and Olst, Holland following WWII through the relief efforts of The Children's Aid Society. Of course, the bonus is that tulips play a feature role in this story! 
Students will spend time reading and rereading this text, asking questions to support comprehension, sequencing the story, learning to synthesize and summarize events, use evidence from the text to describe a character, and compare/contrast the character's lives. Already, we have been introduced to new vocabulary, such as savour, generous, luxury, eager. Please enjoy conversations with your child about their learning through this rich text. Enjoy, it is a wonderful story for children about community, caring and survival.