Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Identify basic emotions like sadness and happiness
Practice gentle handling of books
Express empathy for others who feel left out
Materials
Procedure (30 minutes)
(5 mins) Circle Time Intro: Gather students and ask if they have ever felt sad or lonely. Show the cover of the book and ask how they think the book is feeling.
(10 mins) Storytime: Watch the read along video of The Traveling Book Goes to School. Pause occasionally to point out Twisty's feelings.
(5 mins) Emotion Sorting: Use emotion flashcards to help students identify how Twisty felt at the beginning vs. the end of the story.
(5 mins) Gentle Hands Practice: Demonstrate how to hold a book carefully so it doesn't get hurt. Let each student practice holding a book gently.
(5 mins) Closing: Sing a friendship song and put the book in a special spot of honor in the classroom library.
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Define the concept of self-worth
Retell key events from the story
Discuss ways to include others in play and learning
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Ask the class what it means to be important. Explain that everyone is important, even if they feel forgotten sometimes.
(10 mins) Read Along: Watch the read along video of The Traveling Book Goes to School. Ask students to pay attention to who helps Twisty feel better.
(10 mins) Group Discussion: Discuss how the teacher in the book helped Twisty. Ask students how they can be like the teacher and help a friend feel included.
(10 mins) I Am Special Activity: Hand out drawing paper. Have students draw a picture of themselves and one thing that makes them special/valuable.
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Analyze character feelings and changes throughout the plot
Understand the role of educators in recognizing potential
Compose a short thank you note
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes)
(5 mins) Hook: Ask students to think of a time a teacher or adult helped them learn something new.
(10 mins) Video Session: Watch the read along video of The Traveling Book Goes to School. Focus on the moment Twisty arrives at the school.
(10 mins) Character Analysis: Create a T-chart on the board. On one side, list how Twisty felt before school, and on the other, how she felt after the teacher found her.
(10 mins) Writing Gratitude: Have students write a short thank you note to a teacher, librarian, or helper who has made them feel special.
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Identify point of view in a story
Discuss the theme of perseverance
Create a book cover representing a personal story
Materials
Procedure (40 minutes)
(5 mins) Intro to POV: Explain personification (giving objects human feelings). Ask students to imagine what a pencil or a chair might feel.
(15 mins) View and Analyze: Watch the read along video of The Traveling Book Goes to School. Pause to discuss Twisty's perspective on being left behind.
(10 mins) Perseverance Discussion: Discuss why Twisty didn't give up hope and how the 'Little Library' played a role in her journey.
(10 mins) Design Activity: Students design a cover for their own 'Traveling Book' autobiography using cardstock and markers.
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Understand the concept of community sharing
Practice sorting skills
Create a community bookmark to share kindness
Materials
Book and/or Read Along Video
Every day objects
Procedure (35 minutes)
(5 mins) Explain Stewardship: Explain what a Little Library is (take a book, leave a book) and what a steward does (takes care of the library).
(10 mins) Watch Story: Watch the read along video. Ask students to raise their hands when they see the Little Library in the story.
(10 mins) Keep or Share Game: Show various objects (a toothbrush, a book, a toy, an apple). Have students decide if it is something to 'Keep for yourself' or 'Share with the community'.
(10 mins) Kindness Bookmarks: Decorate bookmarks with stickers and happy drawings to place inside books for others to find.