Activity Overview
In this activity, students will read several nonfiction texts around a similar topic. They will compare, analyze, and synthesize the ideas in the texts and may draw new conclusions about the topic. In this example, students will read My Librarian is a Camel, “Books Through Bars”, and “A Book Bike Brings the Library to Parks”.
- My Librarian is a Camel: Children in countries around the world receive books in a variety of ways: camel, elephant, boat, bicycle, wheelbarrow, and more!
- “Books Through Bars”: A Brooklyn group called “Books Through Bars”, collects donated books and sends them to inmates.
- “A Book Bike Brings the Library to Parks”: Evanston Public Library, in Illinois, has a new book bike: a yellow, motorized bicycle with a cart carrying fifty popular books that delivers to parks and community centers.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a storyboard comparing three nonfiction texts that focus on the same topic.
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- Write the book titles in the title boxes.
- Give a brief outline of the books in the description boxes.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will read several nonfiction texts around a similar topic. They will compare, analyze, and synthesize the ideas in the texts and may draw new conclusions about the topic. In this example, students will read My Librarian is a Camel, “Books Through Bars”, and “A Book Bike Brings the Library to Parks”.
- My Librarian is a Camel: Children in countries around the world receive books in a variety of ways: camel, elephant, boat, bicycle, wheelbarrow, and more!
- “Books Through Bars”: A Brooklyn group called “Books Through Bars”, collects donated books and sends them to inmates.
- “A Book Bike Brings the Library to Parks”: Evanston Public Library, in Illinois, has a new book bike: a yellow, motorized bicycle with a cart carrying fifty popular books that delivers to parks and community centers.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Create a storyboard comparing three nonfiction texts that focus on the same topic.
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- Write the book titles in the title boxes.
- Give a brief outline of the books in the description boxes.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about My Librarian is a Camel - Integrating Texts
Incorporate primary sources to deepen text analysis
Gather real-world materials like news articles, photos, or interviews related to mobile libraries or book access. These sources spark student curiosity and provide authentic context for comparing the nonfiction texts.
Guide students to make text-to-world connections
Ask guiding questions about how book access impacts communities globally and locally. Encourage students to relate text details to their own experiences or current events for deeper understanding.
Support students in creating a Venn Diagram for comparison
Model how to fill in similarities and differences between book delivery methods or library access in each text. Visual organizers help students clearly see connections and distinctions among the stories.
Facilitate a partner discussion to synthesize ideas
Pair students to share their storyboards or diagrams and ask them to discuss new insights or conclusions they’ve drawn. Peer conversations reinforce analysis skills and deepen comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Librarian is a Camel - Integrating Texts
What is the 'My Librarian is a Camel' integrating texts activity for grade 4-5 students?
The 'My Librarian is a Camel' integrating texts activity asks students to read and compare multiple nonfiction texts on how books reach different communities. Students analyze, synthesize, and illustrate their understanding by creating a storyboard that summarizes and compares each text.
How can students compare and synthesize ideas from different nonfiction texts in this lesson?
Students compare and synthesize ideas by identifying key themes, unique delivery methods, and the impact of each book program. They draw connections, highlight similarities and differences, and use a storyboard to organize and present their insights visually.
What are some examples of creative ways books are delivered to people around the world?
Books are delivered using camels, elephants, boats, bicycles, wheelbarrows, and even book bikes. These diverse methods help reach children and communities with limited access to traditional libraries.
Why is it important for students to read multiple perspectives on the same topic?
Reading multiple perspectives helps students develop critical thinking, recognize biases, and gain a deeper understanding of the topic. It encourages them to form their own conclusions based on diverse information.
What steps should teachers follow to implement the 'My Librarian is a Camel' integrating texts activity?
Teachers should:
1. Assign the three nonfiction texts.
2. Guide students to read and outline each book.
3. Instruct students to compare and synthesize ideas.
4. Have students create a storyboard with titles, descriptions, and illustrations.
5. Review and discuss the completed storyboards as a class.
More Storyboard That Activities
My Librarian is a Camel
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