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Literature creates so many skills for students to learn. First, it begins with listening to a story. As time continues, students learn to read themselves while asking and answering questions about the story. Then, it comes time to write about the story. When writing a response to literature, there are just so many aspects to include! Therefore, the Shark Lady Picture Book Response to Literature is the perfect resource to help students learn this complex skill!
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Whether looking for a book during Women’s History Month or a STEM book, this is the perfect option! Eugenie Clark always loved sharks and dreamed of studying them. While she looked at sharks as graceful, she realized others thought they were scary. Unfortunately, she also learned how people did not think women should be scientists. Thankfully, Eugenie set out to prove everyone wrong in both aspects. She spent her life learning about sharks and proving that women can become scientists. The story of Eugenie Clark is inspiring and encouraging!
Shark Lady Picture Book Response to Literature
Writing a response to literature takes multiple steps. Therefore, this resource has 13 lessons that guide and support students through the entire process! Additionally, there are graphic organizers and anchor charts to aid in practicing the writing strategies.
Lessons 1-4: Plot Diagram, Character Traits, Theme, Personal Connections
To begin, students will start with identifying story elements and character traits. Even better, they will learn how to bring in text evidence. To complete these activities, students will have multiple activities. For example, there are response boxes for the plot diagram and a character trait chart.
Students will then progress to talking about the theme, or message, in the story. There is also a chart of common themes to help students. Additionally, students will work on bringing in evidence to justify their answers. Then, in order to work on connections, students will provide examples of how Shark Lady relates to themselves and other books they have read. This is a great way to show students how powerful individuals really are!
Lessons 5-12: The Writing Process
The first four lessons allowed students to think deeper and really process the story. By identifying the different elements, they began thinking about their response to the book. Now, students will begin putting their responses to literature together. However, writing can be so overwhelming, so each lesson walks students through one part! Students will begin with a summary using the SWBST method to help write a well-organized response. Next, students will analyze a key aspect behind the book: perseverance. Students will address how Eugenie Clark demonstrated this important characteristic and bring in evidence to justify their response.
Now, students have everything they need in order to start writing their responses. In order to engage readers, they will work on learning what a hook is and how to write the introduction. Students will be given examples of hooks and a sentence sort activity over engaging and not engaging hooks. Then, students will bring the above steps together for the introduction. They will start with the hook, bring in the summary, and end with their opinion. Students are writing a thesis statement and do not even realize it!
After the introduction, students will be ready for the body paragraphs! To help
organize their thoughts, there is even a chart to outline each reason and supporting information. By doing this, students will stay on one point and practice supporting their reasons with evidence. Then, students will be ready for the conclusion! Like everything else, there are graphic organizers and visuals to help support students through their writing journey. There are even steps to help teach students how to proofread and revise!
Lesson 13: Book Creation
After editing, there are two options for the final copy. Specifically, there is simple lined paper. However, there is also a lap book option that will allow students to become authors themselves! If you select this option, students will have a blast putting everything together.
The Shark Lady Picture Book Response to Literature is going to be one your students remember! They are going to love the determination behind Eugenie Clark to learn about sharks. Furthermore, they are going to enjoy being supported throughout the entire writing process! After this unit, students are going to be inspired to achieve all of their goals.
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