Search
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-miraculous-journey-of-edward-tulane-by-kate-dicamillo/missing-poster
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


When children lose something that they love, such as a toy or a pet, they are desperate to find it. For this activity, students will create a “missing poster” that is made by Abilene. The poster should describe Edward’s looks and personality, and have a picture of Edward. Students should think of it as a sign that someone would hang on a telephone pole if they have lost a dog or cat. Teachers may also find additional wanted poster templates to add to the assignment to give students a choice, or students may wish to create their poster from scratch with the poster layout!


Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

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 poster that describes Edward’s physical appearance and his personality. The sign should be similar to that of a “lost dog” sign that would be hung up around town.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Write a heading for the sign.
  3. Include pictures of Edward.
  4. Include a description of Edward and information about how to return him if found.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Wanted or Missing Poster
Pretend that a character from your book is missing and create a wanted or missing poster!
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Text
Includes who's wanted or missing, a reward amount if found, a contact phone number, and 2-3 sentences that accurately describe the missing person.
Missing one element of text.
Missing two or more elements of text.
Illustrations
Illustrations depict the person or animal according to the story with clear visuals including an appropriate scene, character, items, etc.
Illustrations depict the person or animal but are unclear or incomplete.
Illustrations do not depict the person or animal.


Activity Overview


When children lose something that they love, such as a toy or a pet, they are desperate to find it. For this activity, students will create a “missing poster” that is made by Abilene. The poster should describe Edward’s looks and personality, and have a picture of Edward. Students should think of it as a sign that someone would hang on a telephone pole if they have lost a dog or cat. Teachers may also find additional wanted poster templates to add to the assignment to give students a choice, or students may wish to create their poster from scratch with the poster layout!


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 poster that describes Edward’s physical appearance and his personality. The sign should be similar to that of a “lost dog” sign that would be hung up around town.

Student Instructions:

  1. Click "Start Assignment".
  2. Write a heading for the sign.
  3. Include pictures of Edward.
  4. Include a description of Edward and information about how to return him if found.
  5. Save and exit when you're done.

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTexasUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Wanted or Missing Poster
Pretend that a character from your book is missing and create a wanted or missing poster!
Proficient Emerging Beginning
Text
Includes who's wanted or missing, a reward amount if found, a contact phone number, and 2-3 sentences that accurately describe the missing person.
Missing one element of text.
Missing two or more elements of text.
Illustrations
Illustrations depict the person or animal according to the story with clear visuals including an appropriate scene, character, items, etc.
Illustrations depict the person or animal but are unclear or incomplete.
Illustrations do not depict the person or animal.


How Tos about Missing: Edward Tulane

1

Engage students with a dramatic classroom read-aloud of Edward Tulane

Capture student interest by reading key moments from The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane aloud using expressive voices and pauses for suspense. This helps students connect emotionally and inspires richer poster creations.

2

Guide students in brainstorming descriptive words for Edward

Encourage the class to list adjectives and character traits about Edward on the board. Discuss both appearance and personality so students have a variety of words to use in their posters.

3

Model how to draw and label Edward for the poster

Demonstrate drawing Edward on the board or document camera. Label key features like his china body, fancy clothes, or special expression to show students how to add meaningful details to their own artwork.

4

Explain how to write effective return instructions

Show examples of clear and polite return messages, such as "If found, please return to Abilene at 123 Main Street". Discuss the importance of including contact details and a thank you to make the poster realistic.

5

Encourage peer sharing and positive feedback on finished posters

Host a gallery walk where students display their posters and give compliments or suggestions to classmates. This fosters community and helps students reflect on their descriptive choices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Missing: Edward Tulane

How do I create a missing poster lesson for 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane'?

To create a missing poster lesson for 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane,' ask students to design a poster describing Edward's appearance and personality, as if Abilene made it. Include a heading, a drawing or picture, a brief description, and instructions for returning Edward. This activity helps students practice character analysis and creative expression.

What should students include on an Edward Tulane missing poster?

Students should include a heading (e.g., "Missing: Edward Tulane"), a picture or drawing of Edward, a description of his looks and personality, and contact or return information to complete a realistic missing poster.

Are there templates for Edward Tulane missing or wanted posters?

Yes, teachers can find or provide wanted poster templates online or in educational resource libraries. These templates give students a starting point, but students may also design their own layout for more creativity.

What is the educational purpose of making a missing poster for Edward Tulane?

The educational purpose is to encourage students to analyze character traits, practice descriptive writing, and empathize with story events by imagining what Abilene would say to find Edward.

How can I differentiate the Edward Tulane missing poster activity for diverse learners?

To differentiate, offer varied templates, allow typed or drawn responses, provide sentence starters, or let students work in pairs. These options support different learning styles and abilities.




Testimonials

“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”
–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”
–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”
–Third Grade Teacher
*(This Will Start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/the-miraculous-journey-of-edward-tulane-by-kate-dicamillo/missing-poster
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office