Literacy Lessons, K-8

Helen Hoffner is an Associate Professor at Holy Family University where she teaches graduate and undergraduate literacy courses and directs the program leading to reading specialist certification. Her research interests include investigations of literacy related technology such as electronic books and the use of captioned and visually described television and film programs to improve literacy. She serves as an educational consultant for 20th Century Fox/MGM Entertainment Corporation and has developed a series of captioned films to help children and adults improve their reading ability. Dr. Hoffner has been an elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist, director of a school for students with learning disabilities, and supervisor of student teachers. She has chaired school evaluation teams for the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and has presented workshops for educators throughout the United States and Canada. In addition to writing many journal articles and instructional manuals, Dr. Hoffner has written several books for teachers including, The Elementary Teacher's Digital Toolbox, Reading and Writing Mysteries in Grades 4 to 8, A Look at Realistic Fiction, and Learning Disabilities: What Research Tells Us. Helen Hoffner is proud to be a teacher and to share her classroom experiences and lesson planning suggestions with current and future educators.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Standards Part I. Lesson Plans and Activities to Enhance Storytelling 1. Reading Hometown History Savoring the Setting Diaries at Daybreak A Story in a Poem Postcard Possibilities 2. Writing If These Walls Could Talk... Story Letters Hats Off to the Storytellers The Story of My Favorite Hat 3. Speaking and Listening Sing a Story Making Introductions Honoring Your Friends A Picturesque Town Voices Tell the Story 4. Viewing Freeze Frame: Storytelling With Wordless Picture Books Picture Your Life Actions Speak Louder Than Words Part II. The Arts and Crafts of Literacy: Projects to Enhance Literacy Experiences 5. Costume Corners 6. Puppets 7. Motivating Writers 8. Fabric Crayon Projects 9. Quilting Memories 10. Family Literacy Experiences: Sharing and Preserving Memories Part III. Literacy Resources References

"This is a time-saving treasure with a comprehensive selection of literacy activities. Teachers and administrators will love the variety of lessons that encompass the four major components of language arts literacy instruction. This clear and concise book provides an array of literature choices and related lessons that will be sure to motivate and engage a diverse population of learners." -- Eileen Baker, Supervisor of K-12 Reading and K-8 Language Arts "Hoffner has written an accessible and engaging book that provides well-crafted and creative lesson plans with clear directions and well-thought-out assessments. These easy-to-follow lessons provide educators with opportunities to help children meet the standards while enjoying children's literature and positive interactions. Postcard Possibilities and Hats Off to Storytellers are two lessons that I am looking forward to trying with my students this semester." -- Kathleen Quinn, Professor "This book is full of entertaining activities that keep students engaged in using meaningful language in purposeful ways. This text offers great ideas for promoting discussions that encourage children to share family and culture and learn about one another. The lessons provide the language foundation needed to support quality student writing." -- Carol Gallegos, Literacy Coach "This book would be an excellent addition to any educator's library of resources. I will use these ideas in my classroom next year." -- Elizabeth Martin, Former Assistant Head of Lower School "Helen Hoffner's book offers a good balance of theory, research, and applied material. The connections to the standards are essential. This text provides a framework for helping teachers match instruction to standards." -- Carleene Slowik, Principal "This book helps busy teachers, librarians, and youth group leaders plan and implement successful projects with children and their families and addresses educational standards with authentic, memorable activities." -- Grace O'Neill, Associate Professor of Education "By using common items and joining them to the community in which students live, real-life experiences will increase literacy and the enjoyment of reading. All of the information and activities are connected with national standards and age levels. Very much appreciated and recommended." -- Library Media Connection