Today is the birthday of Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland.

After reading one of Carroll's chapters, students plan an unbirthday party and do activities and preparation for the event.

Grades   3 – 6

Today, the American Library Association announces its annual book award winners.

Students research different awards given by the ALA and do an activity based on one of the awards.

Grades   3 – 12

The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986.

Students interview a parent or another adult about the Challenger and hypothesize about differences. Students can also write about the Columbia disaster in 2003.

Grades   3 – 12

Poe's "The Raven" was published in 1845.

As Poe's "The Raven" is read aloud, students note their reactions and discuss the changes or development of their first impressions as the poem continues.

Grades   7 – 12

Jackie Robinson was born on this day in 1919.

Students read messages sent to the White House from Jackie Robinson and discuss his role as an athlete and a civil rights activist, as well as the role of athletes in society.

Grades   7 – 12

Take part in the African American Read-In!

Students come together with family and friends to take part in a read-in of books by African American authors and report their results.

Grades   K – 12

Langston Hughes was born in 1902.

Students examine the poem "Dreams" and identify metaphors in each sentence. Groups of students then compose poems with metaphors for dreams.

Grades   7 – 12

Today is World Read Aloud Day.

Students celebrate the power of words by reading aloud to their classmates and spreading the word of global literacy to their friends and family.

Grades   4 – 12

Groundhog Day is February 2.

A celebration is held for Groundhog day where students engage in a shadow-watching activity, make predictions, and listen to news reports to compare what happens with Punxsutawney Phil.

Grades   K – 5