[Darlenejoy]

Any ideas for teaching a week-long unit on family? I'd like to use the book, The Relatives Are Coming and do some related activities leading up to Thanksgiving.

[HollyEllis]

My kids are listening to this story at my listening center and then writing their favorite part.

I'm also having them draw a picture of their family and then making a graph of how many families have 1,2,3,4 etc. people in their family AT HOME. And doing typical graphing activities.

I'm also having them bring in a special treasure (something that has to do with a family memory) and doing a narrative writing about what makes it special and what memory do they have of it.

Let me know if these help!

[SuzieQB]

are two major focus vocabulary words from our curriculum. I read The Always Prayer Shawl to learn about traditions (something passed down) as well as generations. I also read Thanksgiving with the Tappletons and then we sort all the characters into their appropriate generation (grandparents, parents, children -- it's interesting to watch them try to decide which generation the aunt & uncle belong in). Then we make a mobile with a set table as the top, and each generation (in order) hanging below.

[snowyd]

I read the story the Relatives Came and actually have their relatives come.

I have it be a big surprise, and send home a letter a few weeks before. Then, that day the students listen to the story with their backs to the door. At a specific time, the relatives knock on the door, and the students turn around to see their relatives there. Then all of the students and their relatives sit down and read the students a story. We have cookies and juice together.

It's a lot of fun.

[journeygirl72]

I followed Debbie Miller's lead and used this book to teach a schema lesson. Most everyone has a connection to this book. I love Rylant's books. You might also try her book When I was young in the mountains. it's a great book too!

[Darlenejoy]

Thank you for all of your great ideas!