Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Reading Literature Lesson

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Reading Literature Lesson

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes Reading Literature Lesson

I like to get students excited about reading literature by having them do a fun activity to go with the story. This is especially true when the book has sad or “heavy” subject matter related to war. So, to get them excited about reading the short novella Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, I let them make origami paper cranes of their own. First, I have them read background information about World War II events that relate to the story and an interview of a survivor. That’s the “heavy” part. Then, I have them read the story, which is sad but also enjoyable and inspiring. After all that is when I have them make the paper cranes, which they really enjoy.

blog header Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes free literature activity

Good news! I found a free copy online. It is still under copyright, though, so I am not going to print it or post it. You, as teachers, however are entitled to fair use to use it for education purposes (but not post or sell). Access it here: PDF of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Scholastic Book cover Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Here is how I would teach the book (but there are many options found on the web):

 

1) Learn about and then give students some basic background information on the bombing of Hiroshima by the United States that was an attempt to end World War II. Here are a couple good places for you as the teacher to read about it so you can summarize it for your students:

2) Read the book to students or have the students read the book. Have them answer questions about each chapter. You can find reading comprehension questions free online on several websites, such as this one: https://www.pghschools.org/cms/lib07/PA01000449/Centricity/domain/262/2014%20ela%20curriculum/6th%20ELA/Grade%206%20Sadako%20Teachers%20Guide.pdf

 

3) Have them make paper cranes. The instructions are in the back of the book usually, or you can find some good ones online for free, such as: https://monkey.org/~aidan/origami/crane/index.html

 

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Labor Day in ELA

Labor Day in ELA

Labor Day in ELA

You're curious about Labor Day and, deep down inside, students are too. Here are a few interesting facts about Labor Day to satisfy your curiosity, and, if you are a teacher, to share with students so they can reflect on it through writing, discussion, or further reading. Plus a free lesson that includes a passage, poem, and writing!

Labor Day in ELA blog header

1) The second half of the 1800s was a dismal time for American workers. Workdays were often 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wages were generally low, working conditions were often unsafe, and child labor was common. This led to the labor movement in the late 19th century/early 20th century, during which time Labor Day came about.

2) The labor movement began in the late 1800s when labor unions were growing more prominent and vocal. There were many unions such as those for jewelers, carpenters, cabinet makers, printers, bricklayers, etc. Large organizations such as the American Federation of Labor joined many of the smaller unions into one large powerful group. Labor Day came about during the labor movement.

symbol for laborer

3) Ten years prior to Labor Day becoming a national holiday, the first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. Approximately 10,000 workers took it upon themselves to take the day off without pay and join in a parade that showcased all of the different unions and then ended with a massive picnic, fireworks, and dancing. Annual celebrations in September have taken place ever since. Around this same time in the late 1800s, many cities and some states recognized Labor Day as a holiday. It usually took the form of a parade and festivities. It was a day when workers could take the day off to relax with their families. But the federal government needed some convincing.

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4) President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894, a couple of weeks after a major strike and boycott had crippled railroad travel nationwide. Some say it was an apparent bid to appease American workers.

5) Presently, according to the United States Department of Labor, "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country."

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But wait, there's more! Have your students read this highly informative, highly interesting 2-page informational text passage all about Labor Day with a classic literary poem celebrating American workers AND writing extensions - ALL FOR FREE! NOW IN DISTANCE LEARNING FORMAT ALSO! 

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Grab the free lesson which includes a two-page informational text passage, a classic literary poem by Walt Whitman, AND writing extensions - ALL FOR FREE!

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These workbooks! I made the articles super interesting to kids by writing about things that interest them! AND IT WORKED! I keep hearing from teachers how kids get so into these texts that they actually WANT to answer the questions!

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