The Tombs of the Pharaohs: A Three-Dimensional Discovery

Author/Illustrator: Sue Clarke

About the Author:
Clarke is a published author and an illustrator of children's books. Some of her published works include Scottish Fairy Tales, Hanukkah!: A Three-Dimensional Celebration, All About All of You - Boxed Set of 4, and The Tombs of the Pharaohs: A Three-Dimensional Discovery.

Genre: Social Studies

Grade Level: 4-6
Theme: Egypt Tombs and Pharaohs


Synopsis:
This book is about the mysterious tombs of the ancient Egyptians and the pharaohs buried inside of them.  Each page, shaped like a pyramid, has pop-ups where you can life the flaps of the book, explore hidden pockets, and fold outs to discover all kinds of information on King Tut's undisurbed tomb.  This book includes the investigation of the Great Pyramid, the Valley of the Kings, the tomb of King Tutankhamen, and the hieroglyphics.

Pre Reading Activity:

Activity:
Have students do a think-pair-share activity about what they know about the Ancient Egyptians and their pyramids!

Post Reading Activity:

Activity:
After reading the story, have the students research the ancient pyramids and about King Tutankhamen, also known as King Tut and the story of his tomb's marvelous discovery. Set up a pyramid center in the classroom as well as other centers focused on the ancient Egyptians to have the students learn more about the pyramids and the interesting life the ancient Egyptians led!

Reflection:

I think this book is a great book to use in the classroom because it offers detailed information about different things the ancient Egyptians did with their dead to preserve and protect them.  I always found Egypt to be an interesting topic to work with and the pyramids were ALWAYS my favorite topic about them.  I was always fascinated in the mystery that is the pyramids and I think that in presenting the Egyptians to a class would be an experience they will remember and want to learn more about!

Barack Obama 44th President of the United States

Author/Illustrator:  Jill C. Wheeler

About the Author:

Jill C. Wheeler is a published author of children's books. She has wrote many other biographies about other authors including George Bush, Dr. Suess, Judy Blume, and R.L. Stine.

Genre: Social Studies

Grade Level: 3-6
Theme: Presidents of the United States

Synopsis:

This book is about Barack Obama and his life before he was president.  It talks about his family and schooling as well as his entrance into politics and his campaigns before becoming president.  It also discusses the 2008 election campaign and his way into presidency.

Pre Reading Activity:

Activity:

Have the class try and come up with all 44 presidents of the United States (they do not have to be in order) and write them on the board so the class can see how many they have, who they have and who they are missing.

Post Reading Activity:

Activity:

After reading the story, have students write letters to send to the president with any questions they may have for him! Even though they might not get a respond, you can also have them set up a topic to debate upon during class time.

Reflection:

I think this is a great book to use because it has a lot of helpful information in the back of the book about the line of succession, the different branches of government, the benefits of being a president, the qualifications of running for president, information on the electoral college, term of office, a complete list of the presidents as well as the party they are from, when they took and left office, how many terms they served and their vice president.  This is very helpful information when teaching students about the presidents of the United States in a social studies lesson.  There is also a section that has the mailing address and email address to contact the president!