Building a Matrix for Leo Lionni Books: An Author Study

Materials and Technology

Student Interactives

Printouts

Websites

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Books by author Leo Lionni: Inch by Inch (1960), Swimmy (1963), Frederick (1967), and A Color of His Own (1975)
  
  
• White butcher paper (about 7 feet long)
  
  
• Crayons
  
  
• Blank white copy paper
  
  
• Fine-tipped black markers
  
  
• White construction paper (full sheets)

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STUDENT INTERACTIVES

Grades   K – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Organizing & Summarizing

Venn Diagram

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

 

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PRINTOUTS

Literature Response Sheet

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WEBSITES

• Leo Lionni Author's Page

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PREPARATION

• Draw a matrix on butcher paper on which to glue students’ drawings:
  
  
  • Each cell should measure 9 inches vertically and 12 inches horizontally, so that there is adequate room for students to glue their drawings into the cells.
    
    
  • In the top row, label the columns as follows: title, character, setting, problem, solution, ending.
    
    
  • Attach the matrix to the wall, and plan to leave it on display during the entire lesson.
    
    
  • Make photocopies of each book cover and, if desired, a copy of each main character. Color copies are nice if you have access to a color photocopier. Glue the book cover copies into header cells of the matrix and save the character copies for use during the class sessions.
    
    
• Gather books for read aloud: Inch by Inch (1960), Swimmy (1963), Frederick (1967), and A Color of His Own (1975).
  
  
• Read background information on Leo Lionni’s life, using the resources at Random House's Leo Lionni Author's Page, which includes a brief biography of Lionni, an annotated bibliography, and a tribute to the author..
  
  
• Make copies of the literature response sheet. (Optional)
  
  
• Test the Interactive Venn Diagram on your computers to familiarize yourself with the tool and ensure that you have the Flash plug-in installed. You can download the plug-in from the technical support page.

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