Beholding Bee
Fusco, K. N. (2013). Beholding Bee. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Reading Level: 790L
Why Should You Read This Book?
- It is a read that incorporates World War One into its plot which would accompany a unit on the war.
- It introduces diversity, giving students a better understanding of what difference is and why it is important to include everyone.
- The book can be a good introduction to discussing special needs as a class.
- Bullying is addressed in this text and this book would also accompany a unit on bullying.
- The story is engaging and will capture students' attention and hold it.
- It introduces diversity, giving students a better understanding of what difference is and why it is important to include everyone.
- The book can be a good introduction to discussing special needs as a class.
- Bullying is addressed in this text and this book would also accompany a unit on bullying.
- The story is engaging and will capture students' attention and hold it.
I would love to read this book as a read aloud, however, it would take a couple weeks to finish.
Online Resources:
Kimberly Newton Fusco's website contains information about this book, an audio recording, an excerpt available online, and her contact information. Having the students write her a letter about what they liked in the book could be a beneficial exercise that would teach letter format and show the power of communication.
http://www.kimberlynewtonfusco.com/book_03.htm
Understanding Kids Who Are Different: Activities for Teaching About Disabilities" opens with a poem about disabilities that can be read to students in a classroom. The site also contains helpful teaching links for teachers to aid in their approach to helping all students learn.
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson115.shtml
Keywords
Historical Fiction, Diversity, Difference, Relationships, Individuality
Vocabulary:
Tempest: a violent storm
Parched: extremely thirsty
Progressive: advocating for change, improvement, and reform
Suffragist: an advocate for voting rights, especially for women
Solemn: a grave, sober, or dark mood
Vigorous: strong, active, and energetic
Wince: to draw back or make the body tense
Reading Strategy:
Before reading this story, ask the kids what they think difference means. What makes them different? What happens to people when they are different? How do we treat people who are different?
During reading, frequently stop and ask the kids what is resonating with them. This story is a great one in matters of empathy. Encourage the kids to feel for Bee.
After reading, hold a class discussion about the book. This can either be done as a whole class or in groups, however, I would take a whole class approach. In the discussion, address what the students learned and have them compare how people of the past who were different were treated in comparison to today.
Writing Strategy:
After reading the story as a class, have the students write letters to the author about what the book has taught them. This exercise will reinforcement the standards associated with formal English, and will either introduce the letter format or reinforce it for students.
Vigorous: strong, active, and energetic
Wince: to draw back or make the body tense
Reading Strategy:
Before reading this story, ask the kids what they think difference means. What makes them different? What happens to people when they are different? How do we treat people who are different?
During reading, frequently stop and ask the kids what is resonating with them. This story is a great one in matters of empathy. Encourage the kids to feel for Bee.
After reading, hold a class discussion about the book. This can either be done as a whole class or in groups, however, I would take a whole class approach. In the discussion, address what the students learned and have them compare how people of the past who were different were treated in comparison to today.
Writing Strategy:
After reading the story as a class, have the students write letters to the author about what the book has taught them. This exercise will reinforcement the standards associated with formal English, and will either introduce the letter format or reinforce it for students.
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