Reading Promotional Activity

Title: Nature Walks Book Talk

M. Tota, Librarian

Grades: 3-4

Resources: Easy Fiction/Non-fiction about nature or animals; nature path; local zookeeper
(if applicable), Notebook, pencil, Camera, Display case, school newspaper/newsletter, and
school website.

Purpose: This activity will promote students to read for pleasure with connecting them to the
outside and nature.

Resources:

 Nature Trail/Envirothon Club

 Books about nature or referencing nature (Owl Moon, A Wrinkle in Time, The
Golden Compass, etc.).
 Notebooks
 Writing sample
 Writing graphic organizer (to be used to scaffold the writing assignment)
 Camera

After completing a unit on something pertaining to nature or animals, the librarian can point them
in the direction of books related to nature and animals, ie. Owl Moon or Tuesday, A Wrinkle in
Time. Students can check out any book related some way to nature or has a great description of
the outside. At the end of the week when they have finished reading the book, the class
participates in a nature walk through a path cleared by the school’s Envirothon club. As students
are walking through the woods, they can discuss with each other the types of thing they see.
Once we get to a stopping point in the woods, we can sit and discuss our various books and the
types of nature we found in each book. Students will then complete a writing assignment: What
do you see, hear, smell, taste, touch in the woods? Describe the woods today just like the author
did in your book. Students and their essays will be featured in the school’s website and
newsletter. Essays and pictures will also be posted outside the library in the display case with the
books students’ chose for this project.

READING FOR PLEASURE ACTIVITIES

 AASL STANDARDS FOR THE 21ST-CENTURY LEARNER IN ACTION
Check
when used
SKILLS, BENCHMARKS, DISPOSITIONS, RES PONSIBILITIES, AND SELF-ASSESSMENT
SKILL 3.1.2 Participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners.

Grade 5 Benchmarks
Share favorite literature.
Participate in discussions on fiction and nonfiction related to curriculum.
Grade 5 Benchmarks
Set reading goals.
Read, listen to, and view a range of resources for a variety of purposes: to live the experiences of a character, to answer
questions, to find out about something new, to explore personal interests.

SKILL 4.1.2 Read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading.

Grade 5 Benchmarks
Read widely to explore new ideas.
Demonstrate knowledge of favorite authors and genres.

SKILL 4.1.3 Respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas to various formats and genres.

Grade 5 Benchmarks
Participate in book talks and book discussion groups.

SKILL 4.1.4 Seek information for personal learning in a variety of formats and genres.
Grade 5 Benchmarks

Select information in various formats based on a theme, topic, and connection to classroom learning or personal interest.

Independently select appropriate print, nonprint, and electronic materials on an individual level.
SKILL 4.1.8 Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning.
Grade 5 Benchmarks
Use multimedia authoring tools for independent and collaborative publishing activities.
4.2 DISPOSITIONS IN ACTION
4.2.3 Maintain openness to new ideas by considering divergent opinions, changing opinions or conclusions when
evidence supports the change, and seeking information about new ideas encountered through academic or
personal experiences.
4.2.4 Show an appreciation for literature by electing to read for pleasure and expressing an interest in various
literary genres.
4.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.3.1 Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person.
4.3.3 Seek opportunities for pursuing personal and aesthetic growth.
4.4 SELF-ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
4.4.1 Identify own areas of interest.
4.4.6 Evaluate own ability to select resources that are engaging and appropriate for personal interests and needs.

Nature Walks with Books Writing Assignment

 Write the exact line What does the line say Example from Nature Walk
from the story in your words?

Taste

Touch

Sound

Sight

Smell

Any other lines you liked…