Christine A. Elmore
Materials: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell, lined chart paper, 9'' x 12'' white construction paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, 'draw and write' sheets, samples of store-bought greeting cards.
Objective: To create a greeting card of encouragement for the main character, Molly Lou Melon, selecting a story event and writing words of encouragement to her.
Procedure:
1. Ask the class "Why do people send greeting cards to each other?' Record their ideas on chart paper (expecting such responses as: to celebrate birthdays, holidays, weddings, births, to say thank you, to show sympathy, to send 'get well' wishes, to encourage or congratulate someone, to let someone know that you are thinking of them).
2. Inform the class that we will be focusing on the last two ideas of encouragement and circle them on the chart.
3. Read the book aloud to the class and together discuss the times when Molly Lou showed she was brave. Then ask the students to choose one of Molly Lou's brave moments and use the 'draw and write' paper to illustrate and write about it, describing what she did. Once the large piece of white construction paper is folded this descriptive page will be stapled to the inside left section.
4. Hold up some samples of greeting cards to familiarize students with the format. Call their attention to the 'snappy one-liners' found on the front of each card and then ask the class to come up with some one-liners that we could say to Molly Lou. Some examples that you could guide them to include are: You did it! I am proud of you! You go, girl! Hooray for Molly! I knew you could do it! List student responses on a piece of chart paper.
5. Instruct the students to select one of the one-liners and write it in fancy letters on the front cover of the folded construction paper. Encourage them to decorate the front to make it eye-catching.
6. Explain to the students that the final section of the card (the inside right section) is to be devoted to words that you write to Molly Lou to tell her why you are so proud of her. At the bottom, you sign your name.
7. Each student will have the opportunity to present their card to the rest of the class and then all of them will be displayed on a bulletin board outside the classroom.
