Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children are challenged to make as many questions as they can about an unfamiliar object to find out more about it.  Because it is easier to ask questions about a concrete object, I use six unfamiliar objects to spur their thinking.  The kids always want… Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students learn a model for evaluating an information source.  Although designed by the author to evaluate online sources, I have found it equally useful in evaluating print sources.  The model is simple to remember, easy to each, and kids love it!  I’ve had great success… Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students apply Christensson’s RADCAB model to evaluate a printed information source, usually a non-fiction book.  You must prepare the guiding questions and the books, so this will take a bit of time to set up.  The lesson provides samples, but you’ll need to use texts… Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students apply Christensson’s RADCAB model to evaluate a digital information source, usually a website.  You must prepare the guiding question and choose a website, so this will take a bit of time to set up.  I have chosen a non-professional web site that links to… Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students practice using the Roman Alphabet in English.  I use this lesson with my Grade 3 students every year.  To do research in Unit of Inquiry books, students need to be able to use an index.  Without an understanding of basic alphabetization, using an index… Read more

Lesson Overview: Having practiced putting words in alphabetical order, it’s now time to transfer those skills to a dictionary.  I find that many children have a hard time making this jump, so it’s a wise course of action to practice.  This lesson will step your kids through some very basic… Read more

Lesson Overview: The students have reviewed alphabetical order and practiced using a dictionary, so now it is time to have a bit of fun using their new skills.  In this lesson, students use the dictionary to find interesting words. Lesson Plan: Suggested Grades: 3-5 Objective: Students will practice using the… Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students learn how to use a children’s world atlas. Lesson Plan: Suggested Grades: 3-5 Objectives: Learn what an atlas is and how to use a world atlas to identify countries, capital cities, and political boundaries. Suggested Time: 40-50 minutes Success Criteria: Each student will successfully… Read more

The second lesson in Reference Materials: Atlases is a game called GeoGuesser.  The game is in the Back to School and Library Games area.  It’s Library Games #3, GeoGuesser: Where in the World?  Please click here to see the lesson. Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students learn what an almanac is and how to use one.  Almanacs are not always found in school libraries, but I believe them to be a worthy and often overlooked reference.  Children’s almanacs are designed for students and are typically a colorful, bold, exciting, fun-filled… Read more

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, students gain an overview to World Book Online Student.  Because most school libraries no longer purchase print encyclopedias, because digital resources are more complicated to navigate, and especially because an encyclopedia is the starting point for more elementary-aged students’ research, it is worthwhile to devote… Read more