Lincoln and the Lilac Lilies

CSC Evaluation Recommendation:

Description

Amethyst House Publishing Inc. , 2004
24 pages, colour, softcover
ISBN 0-9735663-0-2

Grades : 3-6
Concepts :  Values education, character development, tolerance education, core values, prejudice, conflict resolution, group dynamics, problem solving, emotions, feelings
Subject :  Language

CSC Evaluation

Curriculum Correlation
Although the resource is not correlated to specific curriculum expectations, it may be used to encourage discussion on values, relationships, and social/emotional well-being.

Content
Students in Grades 3 to 6 will be able to read the book, while younger students can have the book read to them. The problems experienced by the characters of the book (a group of llamas) are sufficiently detailed and clearly outlined to facilitate student discussion. Some of sentence structure and language is complicated for the younger students but can be used for enrichment. The use of alliteration occasionally overpowers the plot and may confuse young readers. The three books in the series must be read in sequence as the plot, subplots, and conflicts are linked from book to book. This sequencing of events may cause confusion in less skilled readers.

Methodology
Teacher direction is required for students to gain valuable insights into social/emotional or relationship issues. Reading comprehension/interpretation questions or other instructional/learning strategies are not included with the book. The resource encourages discussion related to problem-solving and identifying emotions. There are conflicts within the book that address group dynamics. The books are supported by downloadable lesson plans from the publisher's website.

Assessment
Assessment would not be appropriate, as the resource can be used only to foster class discussion.

Format
Engaging illustrations support the text. Each story contains a moral lesson and may be used individually. However, each book must also eventually be read in sequence to ensure plot comprehension. The packaging and design of the resource does not lend itself to multiple uses. The book is bound in standard cardstock and is lightweight and easily portable. The resource is suitable for leisure and/or teacher use, but may not endure heavy use unless it is covered.

Bias
The resource reflects an awareness and sensitivity to areas of bias; however, realistic ways of addressing bias and inclusion issues are not fully examined.

Review Recommendation
Lincoln and the Lilac Lilies is recommended to support reading programs as a supplemental resource for Grades 3 to 6.

Contact Information

Peter Charizanis
President
Amethyst House Publishing Inc.
6 Sunderland Crescent
Scarborough, ON   M1H 2V3
416-431-1339
e-mail: amethysthouse@sympatico.ca
http://www.amethysthouse.com

Read the publisher's description of this resource


Note: These learning resources are recommended by Curriculum Services Canada. However, such a recommendation is of the resource only and should not be construed as a general recommendation of the developer of such a resource or the developer's business or related activities. While CSC recommends a resource on pedagogical grounds, the end user is fully responsible for its use.

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