The Important Thing about Reading Is ...

Grades: 
3, 4, 5
Keywords & Concepts: 

In this lesson, we explore the value of reading and discuss why it is good for the community when everyone has access to books.

Duration 
PrintOne 50-Minute Session
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • write about the importance of reading.
Materials 
  • Read aloud copy of The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown 
Bibliography 

Brown, Margaret Wise, The Important Book, HarperColins Publishers, 1949. ISBN: 978-0064432276.

Instructions

Print
  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Talk about favorite books, stories, and other reading genres. Allow time for learners to share what they like most about reading. 

    Read aloud The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown.

  2. After reading, follow the pattern of the book to brainstorm a list of things that describe reading. 

  3. Then have each learner write and finish this sentence to describe what they think is most important about reading.

    “The most important thing about reading is…” 

  4. They each write and decorate their own page about the important thing about reading. They include their sentence and additional attributes of reading, following the model of the book. 

  5. Discuss why knowing how to read and reading lots of books and other text is important to our society (think of how it gives us information and guides daily life).

  6. Share statistics or local needs that show not everyone has access to books and not everyone can read. They may share how they feel about this and what small steps they can take toward getting books and the love of reading to all children and adults.

  7. You may talk to a local nonprofit about collaborating on a book drive. Find out what the needs are locally to guide a book drive. 

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 02. Roles of Government, Business, and Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.1 Give examples of needs met by government, business, civil society, and family.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 02. Diverse Cultures
      1. Benchmark E.4 Demonstrate listening skills.
    2. Standard PCS 03. Philanthropy and Economics
      1. Benchmark E.13 Describe limited resources and scarcity.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark E.5 Give examples of actions students can take to improve the common good and list or describe responsibilities that go with those actions.
  4. Strand PHIL.IV Volunteering and Service
    1. Standard VS 01. Needs Assessment
      1. Benchmark E.1 Identify a need in the school, local community, state, nation, or world.
    2. Standard VS 02. Service and Learning
      1. Benchmark E.1 Select a service project based on interests, abilities, and research.
    3. Standard VS 05. Integrating the Service Experience into Learning
      1. Benchmark E.3 Identify outcomes from the service.