Kathi's+Illustrator+Study

Illustrator study: Maurice Bernard Sendak Grade: 2 Month of study: October Curriculum Connection: elements of a story, genre of fantasy American master of children’s literature, Maurice Sendak believes in the power of imagination. With his unique, colorful illustrations and loveable characters Sendak has charmed children since the late fifties. He is best known for his books //In the Night Kitchen// and his 1964 Caldecott award winner, //Where the Wild Things Are//. Maurice had a difficult childhood and overcame many hurdles to become successful doing something he enjoyed with passion, drawing. A selection of books he authored and illustrated were controversial for their time because he took difficult childhood emotions such as fear and anger and brought them to the foreground in an entertaining format which children could relate to. This unit of study will encourage students to flex their imagination muscle while learning about Maurice Sendak. The following month long unit will have collaboration with the classroom teacher and or specialists from within the school community. // Exhibit examples may include but not limited to: // // Map of Poland, Jewish icon, medical cross, crayons, Fantasia, characters from book, Caldecott award, and nutcracker // Show students the Maurice Sendak exhibit and take their guesses as to why these objects or how these objects represent his life. After allowing students time to use their imaginations explain each object relates to his life starting from his early years through his career including awards and his current life. Show and explain to students the teacher created bulletin board and book display. The bulletin board will have book covers and brief descriptions of his work in bar graph format. After reading aloud and responding to each selection on the bar graph (will take 4 classes/ 1 month) students will select and vote on their favorite title. Read any one of the books chosen from the bibliography below which should also be the same titles from the bulletin board. Response questions will include genre of fantasy, story elements and Maurice Sendak’s biography. Teams/whole class will answer questions regarding Maurice Sendak’s biography, the genre of fantasy and story elements about the books read aloud.. Game format may be Simon Says, Bingo, Tic Tac Toe, jeopardy or true/false. (Collaboration with classroom teacher and/or specialist) Have students share their personal talents as our author has shown his talent for imagination and drawing with us. Examples include: Visual: poster, mural, mask, illustration, collage Verbal: poem, debate Musical: song, dance Drama: play, reader’s theatre Create a letter as a class and send to the author/publisher. Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope.
 * Motivator ** : Clip from Fantasia shown on the Smartboard.
 * Exhibit **
 * Bulletin Board **
 * Read and Respond **
 * Game **
 * Connect author to self **
 * Write a class letter to the author **