Caldecott Bnner
Teacher Page

A WebQuest for Second Grade

Designed by

Jennifer Pescitelli

jendoodle7@aol.com

Caldecott Medal

Introduction | Learners | Standards | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Student Page

 


Introduction

This webquest was developed for Littlewood Elementary School’s Media Center.  In this webquest students will take the role of a member of the committee that selects the next book to win the Caldecott Medal.  Students will research the Caldecott Medal, the author, and the illustrator of their prearranged book.  They will then have to convince their peers why their book should win the next Caldecott Medal.  In doing this they will create a campaign flyer for their book using KidPix.

Learners

This webquest was developed for a second grade class to be used in the media center.  However, it can be used in the regular classroom and easily adapted for older grades.

Students may need a background about the Caldecott Medal.  An introduction presenting the Caldecott Medal and assessing background knowledge may be necessary.


Curriculum Standards

This webquest teaches about the Caldecott Medal and its origins.  Communication and teamwork will be executed while working in their groups.  Students will also use creative thinking and persuasion skills to create a campaign flyer.

Sunshine State Standards: Language Arts

LA.A.1.1.2
LA.A.2.1.3
LA.C.3.1.1
LA.C.3.1.4

NETS
Students
1.  Basic operations and concepts

  • Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.
  • Students are proficient in the use of technology.

3.  Technology productivity tools

  • Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
  • Students use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, prepare publications, and produce other creative works.

5.  Technology research tools

  • Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Teachers

II.  PLANNING AND DESIGNING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND EXPERIENCES.
Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. Teachers:
A. design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
B. apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
C. identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability.
D. plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
E. plan strategies to manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment.

III.  TEACHING, LEARNING, AND THE CURRICULUM.
Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning. Teachers:
A. facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
B. use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
C. apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
D. manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.



The Process

Step 1:  Your group will learn about the Caldecott Medal. Be sure to write your answers down.
Caldecott Medal                                                                   
1.  Who is the Caldecott Medal named after?
2.  Who receives the Caldecott Medal?
3.  What do books that are “runners up” receive?
4.  Who decides which book wins the medal?
Caldecott Medal Criteria

Step 2: Your group will learn about your book and the illustrator.  Find your book in the list below.  Use your questions to find out more about your book.   books


Step 3:  Have a group discussion. Answer these questions.  Make sure you explain why you feel the way you do.
1. Why do you like your book?
2. How do they illustrations catch your attention?
3. Are the illustrations colorful?
4. How do you think the illustrations were made?
5. How do the illustrations help tell the story?
6. Why should second graders vote for your book?

Use this information to create exactly  what you want your flyer to look like.

Step 4:  Now you will go to the computer lab to create your flyer using the computer program Kid Pix.  Please talk with a teacher before you do this. 

Step 5:  Your group will help second graders vote for the book to win the Littlewood Medal. You will:
  • Pick up the ballots from the Media Center. 
  • Go to each classroom. 
  • Announce the voting.  Give out the votes. 
  • Pick up the votes.
  • Help count the votes.
  • Tally the votes



Step 6:  Your group will help announce the winner of the Littlewood Medal to the classes and on Good Morning Littlewood

This lesson was set up where groups were pulled and worked at separate times on the webquest.  Depending on how much time is available for the group to work, the webquest should take about a week for each group to complete.

Students are divided into groups consisting of a scribe, computer person, and writer.  There can be more than one of each of these depending on class size.  It may be important to pre-select groups and who you would like to have occupying each role.  You may also switch roles each time they come back to the webquest. 

To find out which type of technique was used to create the illustrations children may want to refer to the art teacher.  She can be a good resources for this. 

It is optimal to have the second grade, whole school or however you wish to do it, vote for the winning book.  It was not included as part of the webquest because of possible time constraints.  Also, creating a pictograph of the results would be a wonderful idea.

Variations

This can be done in a lab or class.  It can be set up as a center in the classroom and students rotate throughout the week or it could be done in the computer lab.  If done in the lab it may require extra help so that someone can be of assistance if needed. 

Resources Needed
  • A copy of each of the following books was used:
    • How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?  by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Mark Teague
    • Ducky by Eve Bunting and Illustrated by David Wisniewski
    • Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore! Written and Illustrated by David McPhail
    • Time to Sleep Written and Illustrated by Denise Fleming
    • The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric and Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman
  • The program KidPix is needed.
  • A digital camera was used to take pictures of the covers of the books.


Evaluation

You must meet the following criteria on your campaign flyer:
1. Includes the name of your book.
2. Includes a picture of your book.
3. Includes the author and illustrator of your book.
4. Includes what type of illustrations that are used.
5. Includes color and graphics.
6. Includes why people should vote for this book (catchy slogan)

Conclusion

Students will utilize many web-based resources to learn more about the Caldecott Medal and how it is awarded.  Students will also gain skills and confidence using the computer and the Internet.

Based on a template from The WebQuest Page