Grade: Elementary

#744. Arthur and His Pals

Reading/Writing, level: Elementary
Posted Wed Dec 9 17:23:33 PST 1998 by Andrea Finley (finley.g@mcleodusa.net).
Grant Elementary, Waterloo, Iowa USA
Materials Required: computer, printer, paper, pencil, crayons
Activity Time: 4 - 30 minute periods
Concepts Taught: Using the internet for information

INTRODUCTION
The author, Marc Brown, and the characters he has developed in the Arthur books are of great interest to the third graders at Grant Elementary in Waterloo, Iowa. Since the beginning of the school year, we have read every Arthur book available. The students have developed their favorites because of their adventures, or perhaps they can identify with them. By accessing the internet and this web site, the students can learn more about their chosen character in a way unavailable to them in any other form. Perhaps this form of research will lead to more questions and a desire to search the web for the answers.

THE TASK
Students will select an Arthur character and learn more about them. The task is to read two Arthur books with a partner. Then list the characters. The student and their partner will agree on one character. Using the internet, they will research their character and print a coloring picture of them. After, they will write a character profile from the information they found. Next, they will share the colored picture and the report with the class. The written reports will be compiled into a classroom book.


THE PROCESS
Part 1 - Read two books with a partner. Answer the following questions:
1. Who are the characters?
2. What is a descriptive feature of each one?
3. What character interests you and your partner the most?
4. What questions or comments do you have for Marc Brown?


Part 2 - Together with the teacher, go to the computer. She will explain how to use the internet. Locate Arthur's Home Page.

Later the student and their partner with a volunteer will return to the computer. Students will explore the site. Click on their selected character. Print the coloring page and the "find more about" page. To state the question or comments for Marc Brown, click feedback and type the message using the school's e-mail address.INTRODUCTION
The author, Marc Brown, and the characters he has developed in the Arthur books are of great interest to the third graders at Grant Elementary in Waterloo, Iowa. Since the beginning of the school year, we have read every Arthur book available. The students have developed their favorites because of their adventures, or perhaps they can identify with them. By accessing the internet and this web site, the students can learn more about their chosen character in a way unavailable to them in any other form. Perhaps this form of research will lead to more questions and a desire to search the web for the answers.

THE TASK
Students will select an Arthur character and learn more about them. The task is to read two Arthur books with a partner. Then list the characters. The student and their partner will agree on one character. Using the internet, they will research their character and print a coloring picture of them. After, they will write a character profile from the information they found. Next, they will share the colored picture and the report with the class. The written reports will be compiled into a classroom book.


THE PROCESS
Part 1 - Read two books with a partner. Answer the following questions:
1. Who are the characters?
2. What is a descriptive feature of each one?
3. What character interests you and your partner the most?
4. What questions or comments do you have for Marc Brown?


Part 2 - Together with the teacher, go to the computer. She will explain how to use the internet. Locate Arthur's Home Page.

Later the student and their partner with a volunteer will return to the computer. Students will explore the site. Click on their selected character. Print the coloring page and the "find more about" page. To state the question or comments for Marc Brown, click feedback and type the message using the school's e-mail address.