Teaching with Adora the Albino Alligator

1. Teaching with Adora the Albino Alligator Activities for comprehension and application of knowledge gained through reading Adora

2. Reading Comprehension: Author’s Purpose ·Every book that is written has a purpose. The goal for readers is to find that purpose. · Discuss how readers discover the author's purpose for writing a book? ·Brainstorm questions readers ask to find purpose? ·

3. Author’s Purpose ·Illustrations can help with finding author’s purpose. Discuss the illustrations in Adora the Albino Alligator. How do they help understand the message the author is trying to get across to readers? ·Bias is also important when discussing purpose. Discuss readers' perception of this author and any bias. Does the author let their beliefs seep into the book? Does the author try to persuade you to feel differently? Are both sides of an issue expressed? If the author shows bias, how does that affect the writing?

4. Reading Activities: Main Idea/Detail ·Now that you have read, Adora. What is the main idea? What details support that main idea? Main idea/topic Details Details Details Conclusion

5. Point of View ·First person point of view is written from the point of view of a character in the story. Pronouns used will include: I, me, my, us, and we. ·Third person point of view is written by one who is not involved in the action of the story. They are simply reporting what happens. Pronouns used will include: he, she, they, and them.

6. Point of view in Adora the Albino Alligator ·Look for clue words to determine the point of view of Adora and list below: ·From what point of view is Adora written?

7. Story Elements ·The fiction genre of literature contains what are called story elements. Story elements include: ·Characters ·Setting ·problem ·solution ·Plot: action of the story( beginning, middle, and end) ·Ending/conclusion

8. Identify Story Elements in Adora the Albino Alligator ·List the characters in this story. Are they believable? ·What is the setting?

9. ·What is the problem in the story? ·What actions lead us to the solution? ·How is the problem solved? ·How does Adora the Albino Alligator end?

10. Story Elements and their Effect ·If we were to rewrite this story and change the setting, how would our story change? ·If grandpa and the girls had not helped Adora, would the ending have changed? ·Does the problem in this story give clues to the author’s purpose for writing?

11. Write a letter to the author ·Sometimes when we read books, we have questions that asking the author may answer. ·Using the correct structures for writing letters, ask the author your questions. You may use email or mail the letters to her: Rhonda S. Edwards 5234 Dorchester Road North Charleston, SC 29418 rhonda-edwards@att.net

12. Book Review Write a review of Adora the Albino Alligator. Include the following: ·Author and name of book ·Publication information of book ·Discuss the characters: were they believable? ·Discuss the author’s purpose. Was that purpose achieved? ·How did you like the book? What were your favorite parts? ·Would you recommend this book to a friend and why? ·If your parents give permission, the author will use your review online.

13. Science/Social Studies ·Discuss and illustrate the life cycle of alligators. ·Using information from the book, draw an example of an alligator’s nest. ·What did we learn about male alligators and babies? ·Where are alligators found? Why?

14. Research ·Use the book as a research tool to answer the following questions: ·Describe how babies emerge from their eggs. ·How big are hatchlings? ·What predators create danger for hatchlings? ·What do hatchlings eat? ·How do mother’s and babies communicate? ·Is camouflage used by alligators? ·What dangers await Adora because she is an albino? *Extra research opportunities by using links in book!