A Journal for Corduroy: Responding to Literature

This lesson provides a model of reflection for students as they listen to stories, begin to read stories, and develop their own written stories. The lesson can be used with any story; however in this case, the story of Corduroy allows for a personal connection by having students interact with a stuffed bear and write about their own adventures with Corduroy. Students listen to A Pocket for Corduroy and three other Corduroy stories and discuss the characters and plots. A letter to parents introduces a follow-up writing activity, in which a stuffed classroom "Corduroy" goes home with a different student each night. With parents' help, students write and illustrate a two- to three-sentence adventure story about Corduroy's stay with them, and share their stories with the class.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Student Objectives:

Students will:

Listen to a story and respond orally and in writing
Develop an adventure story using the Corduroy character
Review other books by the same author and discuss them in class

NCTE/IRA National Stadards For The English Language Arts:

Students adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes.
Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
Students participate as knowledgeable, reflective, creative, and critical members of a variety of literacy communities.
Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Analyzing

Extension suggestions:

Extensions:

E-mail other classes also participating in this activity and ask about what Corduroy is doing in their class.
Enlist the help of older students to work with younger students who may need help in reflecting and writing.
Make a class book of students' adventures with Corduroy. Use a word processor to type each story and then donate the book to the school library.
Use the lesson Word Wizards: Students Making Words and the interactive Word Wizard to engage students in a hands-on word study activity related to the story of Corduroy.

Helpful Hints

Other books can be adapted to these activities. The student's writing can be made into a class book project.

References

Contributors:

Mary Glasgow

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation