Looking at Lincoln

Looking at Lincoln

Maira Kalman

Publish date 2012

Grade 3

Published by Penguin Young Readers Group

Reading Level: AD 480L

2 starred reviews:

“A profusion of bright gouache illustrations that are as colorful as springtime in Arles encourages historical examination.”

– The Horn Book

“Appealing and wondrous. Maira Kalman’s artwork is the main attraction here. Each page offers visual treats in a Matisse-like palette.”

– Kirkus Reviewss

Summary:

            The text, Looking at Lincoln, by Maira Kalman follows a little girl who is curious about Abraham Lincoln. The little girl discovers information about the sixteenth president of the United States. It follows Lincoln from his childhood to the end of his life with the little girls inputs about what she thinks about him. She learns about his battle for freedom for all, what his favorite music was, his favorite cake, and how he died. This text provides an insight into exactly what Lincoln did that had a huge impact on the Unites States.

Description: Juvenile Biography

Suggested Delivery:  Whole Group

Electronic Resources (2):

Looking At Lincoln Activities

         This website includes activities that revolve around Abraham Lincoln and the events that occur in the Text. This can be used as an after reading activity.

Worksheets and Crafts

         This link has Abraham Lincoln lesson plans and activities to supplement the text. Any of the activities included in the website can be used as an after reading activity.

Vocabulary:

            Unusual – not normal

            Reputation – what people hear about you

            Government – the people who run the country

            President – person in charge

            Inaugurated – officially become the President

            Elected – voted on

            Democracy – run by the people

            Justice – the right to know the truth

            Slavery – keeping humans to do your work with little to no pay because of race

           

Teaching Suggestions:

·      Use this book to teach about Abraham Lincoln

·      Use this book to learn about what Abraham Lincoln did for his country

·      Use this book to introduce the idea of slavery

Pre Reading: Students will fill in a KWL chart. Students will fill in what they know and what they would like to know about Abraham Lincoln before reading the text.

During Reading: Students will complete a timeline about Abraham Lincoln’s Life. This should be done in chronological order and follow the main events of his life.

After Reading: Students will fill out the last part of their KWL chart. Students will also complete an exit slip. This exit slip should include questions on information provided from the text. There should also be a spot on the exit slip for the student’s individual input of Abraham Lincoln.

Writing Activity: The students will answer the following question in their writing journals, “if you were to have lunch with Abraham Lincoln what would you say to him?” Include any questions you would like to ask, any comments about his life you have, and any suggestions you have for him about something that he should have done differently.