Sadly, students always question themselves and who they are. Whether from a student making a hurtful comment or seeing something on TV, self-identity makes life challenging. For instance, students may know who they want to be but feel they will not be accepted. Thus, they hide who they are. Or, students are proud of who they are but have to endure cruel bullying. In order to show the importance of self-identity, the Lila and the Crow Picture Book Unit will be incredibly helpful!
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard
After moving to a new town, Lila could not wait to make friends! However, the first day of school did not go as she hoped. Instead of making friends, a boy pointed at her and shouted, “A crow! A crow!” due to her hair. Sadly, no one else stood up for her. Other classmates also whispered and laughed. After returning the next day, Lila made sure her hair was covered. The same boy then pointed and made fun of her dark skin and eyes. To avoid these comments, Lila hid under a turtleneck, glasses, and hat. Due to her hurt, Lila ignored a crow who wanted to talk to her. Thankfully, a magical encounter with the crow happened when Lila was at her lowest point. With the crow, Lila learned how to be proud of her true self.
Lila and the Crow Picture Book Unit
It is more important than ever to bring in picture books about bullying. By doing this, students will see how bullying is never okay. Additionally, it will allow students who have been bullied to know they are not alone. Thankfully, Lila and the Crow will raise cultural awareness while showing the importance of accepting all.
Guided Questions: This resource includes guiding questions before, during, and after reading. By using these questions, students can fully analyze the book. For instance, they will think about what the title means and what the story will be about. Then, they will be able to discuss how Lila feels when people are making fun of her. Additionally, they will be able to draw connections between themselves, their school, and Lila. Truly, there are many opportunities to reflect on the importance of kindness, compassion, and acceptance.
Interactive Journal: Students could sit back and take notes. However, they would not be very engaged. Thus, Lila and the Crow have several interactive activities. For instance, there is one on making connections to text-to-self, text-to-world, and text-to-text. Additionally, there is one for story elements to focus on character, setting, problem, and solution. Furthermore, there is one on sequencing for the events of the story. There are so many interactive activities to ensure students are engaged and focused.
Character Education: While in school, students must learn character traits. With Lila and the Crow, students can focus on courage and compassion. Thus, students will reflect on the importance of being brave and kind to others. To do this, they will also work on their writing skills!
Vocabulary: To understand the story, students need to know the tough vocabulary words. Thus, there is a vocabulary list included along with multiple activities. For instance, there is a KIM chart, word splash, and fill-in-the-blank sheet, and I have…Who Has game.
Graphic Organizers: There are so many literary elements that can be analyzed with Lila and the Crow. Therefore, there are multiple interactive graphic organizers included! Specifically, there are ones on compare and contrast in addition to the main idea and supporting details. Since these skills are challenging, students will love graphic organizers’ support.
Grammar: Students will become much more familiar with adjectives and adverbs with this unit. Thankfully, there are so many activities to help them understand the difference between the two. For instance, there are word cards, a game of Scoot, a Fix-It Page, and interactive journal activities! Students will be confident at working with adjectives and adverbs after this unit.
Lila and the Crow is a beautiful, uplifting story that shows students the importance of embracing differences. Truly, students will learn that everyone is beautiful no matter how they look or what they believe in. The Lila and the Crow Picture Book Unit is the perfect way to embed standards and life skills!
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