scbusf Posted February 20, 2016 Posted February 20, 2016 I have an idea that I'd like to implement, but I'm not exactly sure how. Here's what I'm thinking: My kids are 2nd and 4th grade and I have great lists of literature. But I was wondering if Literature Task Cards exist? I've searched and searched, but there are a zillion resources and I'm not exactly sure if they are what I want. On Teachers Pay Teachers, there are some amazing things, but so many of them! I would like to have Task Cards where my kids could have 1 card for say, the beginning of a book, with the author and Intro types of things. And then some Task Cards for different activities for the books - character list, plot summary, etc - that could be used for any book. I don't want anything too in-depth, just something that is somewhat independent. I love discussing the books, but with 3 kids, I sometimes need them to have more independent things. I have a Lapbook set that has some generic Lapbook elements that can be used for any book. So maybe I need to make these Task Cards myself? I'd love any input, even if it's that this is a ridiculous idea! Quote
Targhee Posted February 21, 2016 Posted February 21, 2016 Check out Build Your Library narration cards. Also, you can look at choice menus for ideas too (these are grid menus vs individual cards but similar idea). 2 Quote
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted May 5, 2016 Posted May 5, 2016 If you do a google image search for "plot diagram", you will come up with a lot of forms like this: I'm planning to have my kids fill one out as we read through a book. We're using the Teaching the Classics Method and I think this will help get some of the basics down on paper. 1 Quote
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted May 5, 2016 Posted May 5, 2016 Also in the Teaching The Classics DVD workbook, there is a huge list of "Socratic Questions" that could easily be turned into task cards. They are grouped according to plot elements, so you have some questions about setting, some about character, theme, plot, climax, resolution, etc. You could have the child answer either in discussion, with a poster or drawing, with a paragraph or essay, you name it. In fact, I'm now stealing my own idea... :-D 1 Quote
Lori D. Posted May 5, 2016 Posted May 5, 2016 (edited) Oh please, please, please DO be careful about turning the beautiful world of literature -- into a school task. Esp. at this young age! Reducing a work of writing that opens worlds of imagination and pondering to you into a worksheet can be like reducing appreciation of a great work of art into a task of checking off the colors used to create the work. :eek: Okay, I exaggerate for effect… ;) But, do be careful about getting into these types of activities so early that the student starts thinking that literature is all about finding and plugging in answers like a math equation, rather than literature as a pair of wings that allows us to soar -- to inspire us, challenge us, allow us to learn through the experience of others, etc. :) Really, it is *absolutely* okay up through the elementary grades and into middle school to just do what you have been doing -- share the reading of great books together and alone, and occasionally point out to one another what stands out, or what was esp. enjoyed, or to ponder what might happen next. You absolutely do not have to discuss or do something with every single book that each child is reading. ;) Perhaps just choose one book per child per semester and do a fun unit study on that one book, and most of the rest of the books can, on their own, just inform, entertain, inspire… :) Or really simplify, and have everyone do activities with the one family read-aloud all together -- that's just one book per semester! :) For those occasional deeper studies, perhaps something like the Lit Wit units might appeal? And if you don't have the time or energy for that, can you meet with 2-4 other families for a big one-day focus on one book and split up the work amongst the moms? Or let a co-op book club take care of this for you? JMO: Workbooks and task cards were mostly developed as a busywork help for teachers having to oversee a classroom, and those activities really only work as a learning tool for students who like workbooks. Are your children workbook learners? If not, perhaps there are other independent activities your children would benefit from more... If you need the occasional break for your students to be doing something more independently, how about something that is creative, rather than fill in the blank activities -- and not necessarily tied to literature but solo activities in other areas to expand their thinking and creativity: Related to the Literature - as a short-word list: the 3 best things about this book / the 3 worst things about this book - draw a picture, abstract image, or write a few key words based on something that stood out to them in the book they are reading - draw or write a sequel to the story, or what they think will happen next, or how they are part of the story, or… - let them use your lap book materials -- maybe once a week let them create something (art-wise or writing-wise) that was inspired by the book they are reading (or the family read aloud) and add it to the lap book Related to Language Arts - solo reading or listen to a book on tape - write/add on to their own story - journal -- free write, or from prompts - Draw Write Now, or other integrated drawing/writing book - Grammar or Spelling enrichment games/activities Other solo activities - geography workbook - math manipulatives and a go-along booklet (geoboards, pattern blocks, tangrams, etc.) - math books, puzzles, games - science kits and supplies for independent exploration (perhaps TOPS or GEMS) - history kits and projects (History Pockets, stickers, coloring pages/stained glass coloring book…) - critical thinking/logic books, puzzles, games - learning to type (Dance Mat) - learn to play the recorder (Penny Gardner's Nine-Note Recorder Method book) - box of art/craft supplies -- let them "free range" create - handi-crafts (develops hand strength and dexterity, requires creativity, engineering/thinking, etc.) - educational computer games - educational videos/documentaries BEST of luck in finding what brings some balance to your day -- independent activities for DC and a break for you! :) Warmest regards, Lori D. Edited May 5, 2016 by Lori D. 4 Quote
Lori D. Posted May 5, 2016 Posted May 5, 2016 (edited) :iagree: The index card and bookmarks are more for me. I highly recommend the SWB lecture. She really cautions against it. And, I too, found it helpful for ME to make up a 4x6 index card from SWB's WEM, for helping ME to guide discussion at the middle/high school grades. More as a memory prompt of ideas in case nothing was specifically jumping out at us in the book. :) Totally don't want anyone in this thread to think I'm boo-hissing on anyone's ideas! ;) Edited May 5, 2016 by Lori D. Quote
moonlight Posted May 6, 2016 Posted May 6, 2016 Could somebody please post a link for LitWits? I'm not sure if I'm finding the right thing... Quote
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted May 6, 2016 Posted May 6, 2016 Oh please, please, please DO be careful about turning the beautiful world of literature -- into a school task. Esp. at this young age! Reducing a work of writing that opens worlds of imagination and pondering to you into a worksheet can be like reducing appreciation of a great work of art into a task of checking off the colors used to create the work. :eek: Okay, I exaggerate for effect… ;) But, do be careful about getting into these types of activities so early that the student starts thinking that literature is all about finding and plugging in answers like a math equation, rather than literature as a pair of wings that allows us to soar -- to inspire us, challenge us, allow us to learn through the experience of others, etc. :) Really, it is *absolutely* okay up through the elementary grades and into middle school to just do what you have been doing -- share the reading of great books together and alone, and occasionally point out to one another what stands out, or what was esp. enjoyed, or to ponder what might happen next. You absolutely do not have to discuss or do something with every single book that each child is reading. ;) Perhaps just choose one book per child per semester and do a fun unit study on that one book, and most of the rest of the books can, on their own, just inform, entertain, inspire… :) Or really simplify, and have everyone do activities with the one family read-aloud all together -- that's just one book per semester! :) For those occasional deeper studies, perhaps something like the Lit Wit units might appeal? And if you don't have the time or energy for that, can you meet with 2-4 other families for a big one-day focus on one book and split up the work amongst the moms? Or let a co-op book club take care of this for you? JMO: Workbooks and task cards were mostly developed as a busywork help for teachers having to oversee a classroom, and those activities really only work as a learning tool for students who like workbooks. Are your children workbook learners? If not, perhaps there are other independent activities your children would benefit from more... If you need the occasional break for your students to be doing something more independently, how about something that is creative, rather than fill in the blank activities -- and not necessarily tied to literature but solo activities in other areas to expand their thinking and creativity: Related to the Literature - as a short-word list: the 3 best things about this book / the 3 worst things about this book - draw a picture, abstract image, or write a few key words based on something that stood out to them in the book they are reading - draw or write a sequel to the story, or what they think will happen next, or how they are part of the story, or… - let them use your lap book materials -- maybe once a week let them create something (art-wise or writing-wise) that was inspired by the book they are reading (or the family read aloud) and add it to the lap book Related to Language Arts - solo reading or listen to a book on tape - write/add on to their own story - journal -- free write, or from prompts - Draw Write Now, or other integrated drawing/writing book - Grammar or Spelling enrichment games/activities Other solo activities - geography workbook - math manipulatives and a go-along booklet (geoboards, pattern blocks, tangrams, etc.) - math books, puzzles, games - science kits and supplies for independent exploration (perhaps TOPS or GEMS) - history kits and projects (History Pockets, stickers, coloring pages/stained glass coloring book…) - critical thinking/logic books, puzzles, games - learning to type (Dance Mat) - learn to play the recorder (Penny Gardner's Nine-Note Recorder Method book) - box of art/craft supplies -- let them "free range" create - handi-crafts (develops hand strength and dexterity, requires creativity, engineering/thinking, etc.) - educational computer games - educational videos/documentaries BEST of luck in finding what brings some balance to your day -- independent activities for DC and a break for you! :) Warmest regards, Lori D. I totally agree with you- doing this to a child's beloved book would be a terrible idea. But deconstructing a book every few months is SO helpful to the writing process as well as the literary process. Understanding that there are common themes and common conflicts across literature makes reading (even "unassigned") books so much richer. I think there can be a happy medium. :-) Quote
Ewe Mama Posted May 6, 2016 Posted May 6, 2016 I found some literary task cards on the Teachers Pay Teachers website. You might find some ideas over there. :) Quote
Lori D. Posted May 7, 2016 Posted May 7, 2016 (edited) I totally agree with you- doing this to a child's beloved book would be a terrible idea. But deconstructing a book every few months is SO helpful to the writing process as well as the literary process. Understanding that there are common themes and common conflicts across literature makes reading (even "unassigned") books so much richer. I think there can be a happy medium. :-) Totally agree. I just think that unless the child is accelerated/gifted, grades 2 and 4 (original post stated grades) is too young to do that. :) Just my opinion! :) Edited May 7, 2016 by Lori D. 1 Quote
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