Our Projects

Take a look at some of our projects. If you work with or have young people in your life, feel free to download and use the resources with them. Don’t hesitate to share with others. We just ask that you credit Room 228. And none of our projects are for resale. Read away!

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Picture Book Educator Guide | Building a Beak by Becca McMurdie

In the wild, Grecia the toucan loved to soar from branch to branch and sing for all the creatures of the rainforest. Until, one night, loud voices echoed through the trees, sticks and rocks flew, and Grecia fell from her favorite avocado tree, tragically breaking her beak. While witnessing Grecia’s determined spirit, readers will learn how this single plucky toucan became a symbol for the international wildlife protection movement and inspired real change in anti-animal cruelty law, saving countless animals from harm. Perfect for the young activist, engineer, or animal lover, Grecia’s triumphant true story will resonate with readers of all ages, showing how determination and teamwork can make an impact and create lasting change.

 

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Educator Guide for Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s Middle Grade Novel The Night War

As seen in this middle grade novel, set at the border between freedom and fear in World War II France, teachers and students faced difficult choices in 1942 as Germany advanced their occupation of Europe through France; today, students and teachers face their own choices. This novel and this guide bring many important issues to the forefront and will help to facilitate essential discussions of themes, academic exploration, analysis of how history is constantly evolving, and text-to-self connections that encourage deeper understanding of characters, literature, students’ worlds, and themselves.

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Educator Guide for Astro and the Creepy New Kid | Picture Book by Claude Jones

Welcome to Planet Flurkal! Author Claude Jones’ Astro the Monster Kids in Leadership series is a collection of 4 picture books that teaches students the essential skills to become future leaders in the classroom and beyond. This comprehensive program provides educators with the tools and resources to break down difficult experiences into manageable parts, helping  pre-K through grade 3 students develop the foundational skills needed to navigate interpersonal relationships and interactions in a whole new, holistic way through ELA, SEL, and STEM activities. Enjoy this free sample from the Kids in Leadership program that highlights one of the books in the series, Astro and the Creepy New Kid. To explore the program in its entirety, visit astrothemonster.com.

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Educator Guide for My Selma by Willie Mae Brown

In her memoir, Brown immerses her readers in the fear and uncertainties that the southern Black community experienced regularly in Selma, Alabama in the mid-1960s. Despite these many abuses, her memories of Selma are beautiful and filled with joy, love, and admiration for the people, for the locales she frequented, and for her family and home. In this educator guide, students will explore contextual vocabulary, the power of primary sources, and unique writing choices. Brown’s story teaches young readers today of the past, with the hope of changing the world of the future.

 

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Marcus Makes It Big by Kevin Hart

You better hold onto your socks because this book is about to knock them right off! Students are sure to love Marcus Makes It Big’s texts, emojis and realistic, REAL-LIFE conflicts. The activities in this guide give students a chance to dive deep into some big feelings, as well as get creative and cultivate a classroom community. Students will be reading, writing, analyzing, creating, and laughing the whole way. Happy reading!

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