In 4th grade, we do a read aloud every day after recess for about 15 minutes. It serves as a time for students to decompress after recess, but it is also a great opportunity for us to have deep discussions about literature. The standards that we are learning about during ELA are transferred to and reinforced in this setting. This book in particular brings out a lot of emotion in students and they build a strong connection with it.
Grades 3-5
English Language Arts (ELA) – Literature
RL.4.1 – Key Ideas and Details: Students will refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
RL.4.3 – Character Analysis: Students will describe characters, settings, or events in a story, drawing on specific details in the text.
RL.4.7 – Integration of Knowledge and Ideas: Students will make connections between a text and a visual or oral presentation, which relates to the product design and presentations.
Visual and Performing Arts – Art & Design
A1 – Creative Expression: Students will create original works of art (e.g., sketches and designs) based on characters and scenes from The One and Only Ivan.
C1 – Connections: Students will demonstrate understanding of connections between the visual arts and other disciplines, such as literature and STEM, through their designs.
D1 – Visual Arts Presentation: Students will present their completed products, reflecting on how they visually represent themes and characters from the story.
Science and Technology – STEM
B3 – Engineering Design: Students will apply the engineering design process by brainstorming, planning, and constructing functional products that reflect the elements of the story.
C4 – Technology and Society: Students will reflect on how the design and functionality of their products connect to real-world applications like architecture and animal care.
Career and Education Development
A1 – Learning About Self and Career: Students explore personal interests and how they relate to careers in architecture, design, and zoology, which are discussed during the career connections portion of the lesson.
B1 – Interpersonal Skills: Students collaborate in small groups, developing teamwork and communication skills as they work on their design and building projects.
C1 – Integration of Knowledge and Skills: Students use their understanding of various subjects (literature, art, and STEM) to create their final product, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the project.
Design with detail
Create a functional product
Reflect on the process
Present a product/process
Career connection