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Kamala Harris is a name that students will never forget. She is not only the first female vice president. Additionally, she is the first African American and first Asian American vice president. As the first woman of color for Vice-President, Kamala Harris has a lot she hopes to accomplish. Throughout her life, Kamala has been an inspirational role model. Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea Picture Book Unit will help show students how no goal or dream is too big to accomplish. With hard work, cooperation, and compromise, progress can be made toward any goal.
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea
Kamala Harris didn’t always dream of being the first woman of color to serve as the vice president. Based on a true story, Kamala and Maya set out to solve a problem. Their apartment building does not have anywhere to play. However, they don’t let that stop them from having fun. Therefore, they decide to turn the empty courtyard into a playground! Unfortunately, Kamala and Maya do not have the help of adults. Additionally, they do not have money to buy what they need. After brainstorming, Kamala and Maya decide to campaign to have other kids in the building help. Together, the kids make posters and have a garage sale. Some adults even start to donate items for the playground. Through hard work, the kids receive the money needed to buy building materials. Even though the goal was a challenging one, the kids worked together to achieve it!
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea Picture Book Unit
This unit will bring the read-aloud to life through so many engaging activities. It even includes a printable version along with a PDF copy! Additionally, students will work on reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary knowledge. It pairs perfectly for Black History Month or anytime during the year! Furthermore, they will learn more about character education.
Comprehension
In addition to comprehension questions, students will work on analyzing the book. Thus, they will look at text connections. Specifically, they will be looking at connections to themselves, other stories, and the world. Therefore, they will be able to see how capable they are of achieving their goals. Just like Kamala and Maya, they will remember other people and characters who worked hard!
Character Education
As students learn about character traits, they will also learn about adjectives. For example, Kamala and Maya had to show perseverance. By reading about characters who overcame difficulties, students may feel inspired. Therefore, they will be able to think back to a time where they showed perseverance. By writing and talking about it, students will see how strong they are!
Grammar
Students will have several hands-on activities in order to learn about compound words. First, students will learn how compound words are formed out of two words. Second, they will see how combining the words creates a new word with a different meaning. For example, they will see how the term rainbow is made out of rain and bow. After this, they will put together puzzle pieces to form compound words.
Vocabulary
It is so important for elementary students to expand their knowledge! Therefore, the unit even includes a vocabulary list, definitions, and meaningful activities. Students will be able to fill out a chart with the part of speech, definition, and picture. Then, they will complete a word splash activity. By doing this, students will practice writing new terms in sentences. Additionally, students will complete concept maps to look at synonyms and antonyms of words.
Writing Prompts
Throughout the unit, students will have several journal prompts they can respond to. These can be printed or projected on the board. There is a print-friendly version included. Additionally, they will also work on a persuasive letter! First, students will brainstorm something they want to change in their community. The class can even brainstorm together! Second, they will select a problem and see who could help in the community. Lastly, they will write a letter in order to gain awareness about the problem. Students will have an incredible real-life connection in this unit!
The Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea Picture Book Unit is inspirational and thought-provoking. Students will be able to see how the United States’ vice president began with helping her community. Therefore, students will see that they can also achieve greatness in life.
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