Sense of Belonging: Homes and Communities: Unit Overview
There is an almost infinite number of lovely books about home, about losing or finding a home or creating a new one. The concept of home receives a great deal of attention in children’s literature. I’ve chosen newer titles including a little pirate who is not happy on his ship, a home of fantastic imagination, and a new country and city for an immigrant child. Finally, I wrap up the unit with the timeless idea that “There’s no place like home.” Make yourself comfortable and take your students on a journey through literature to discover the importance of home.
Sense of Belonging: Homes and Communities #1: A New Home for a Pirate, by Ronda Armitage
Lesson Overview: This is a simple, easy-to-prepare lesson in which the children are asked to think about the kind of home that is most comfortable to them. With the use of Ronda Armitage’s brilliant story, students can contemplate the places they feel most at home. This is very helpful to… Read more
Sense of Belonging: Homes and Communities #2: If I Built a House, by Chris Van Dusen
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children get to think wildly and creatively about the kinds of spaces they wish they could have at home. Chris Van Dusen is a masterful storyteller and illustrator. If your kids do not know his work, they will be fans after this lesson. Make sure… Read more
Sense of Belonging: Homes and Communities #3: The Quiet Place and Cardboard Challenge
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children learn about a little girl who, thanks to her Dad’s new job, had to leave her family home, extended family, and friends. Based on a true story, Sarah Stewart and David Small lead the reader to insights about creating your own “sense of belonging”… Read more
Sense of Belonging: Homes and Communities #4: No Place Like Home, Country Roads
Lesson Overview: L. Frank Baum’s timeless theme in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is that “There’s no place like home.” In this lesson children will work with that theme in a short picture book and in a popular song from 1971. I try to use music at least once a… Read more