Kate DiCamillo won a Newbery Medal in 2004 for The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread. The film version of the book will be released on December 19, 2008.
Start your author study by reading a short biography of Kate DiCamillo and choosing some of her books to read. You can also see a list of her favorite books. Then use the activities and lessons below to have fun with DiCamillo's charming characters and lively stories. Find more information about Kate DiCamillo on her Web site.
Also be sure to watch The Today Show on December 12, 2008, when The Tale of Despereaux will be the featured book on Al's Book Club for Kids.
Download the Tale of Despereaux Teaching Plan PDF which includes a movie poster and printable student worksheets.
Included Here:
- Articles
- Collateral (8)
- Lesson Plans (3)
- Unit Plans (2)
Articles
Collateral
Because of Winn-Dixie Lesson Plan
When 10-yr-old India moves to Naomi, Florida she befriends a lively stray dog and the canine helps her meet some unusual characters who teach her about love, life, and forgiveness.
Kate DiCamillo Interview Transcript
On January 27 and January 28, 2005, Newbery-winning author Kate DiCamillo was interviewed by Scholastic students and teachers. DiCamillo is the author of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tiger Rising, and The Tale of Despereaux.
Because of Winn-Dixie Discussion Guide
Discussion Guide for Katie DiCamillo's "Because of Winn-Dixie."
Because of Winn-Dixie Extension Activity
Extension Activity for Kate DiCamillo's "Because of Winn-Dixie."
Tale of Despereaux Extension Activity
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light.
Tale of Despereaux Discussion Guide
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light.
Because of Winn-Dixie: A Flashlight Readers Activity
This fun, visually appealing online hub brings the book to life with Winn-Dixie-related activities and exclusive content about the author.
Because of Winn-Dixie Reader's Theater Script
Gather students together and bring the story of Because of Winn-Dixie to life. There are 11 roles in this play, but the same actor can play more than one part.
Lesson Plans
Because of Winn-Dixie Scrapbook
Students analyze the main characters in the story Because of Winn-Dixie by creating online scrapbooks in which they identify character traits and use textual evidence to support their ideas.
Stump the Dump Maze Game
Students reunite Because of Winn-Dixie characters Opal and Winn-Dixie in this timed reading comprehension maze game. They demonstrate their understanding of the novel's plot, theme, and settings.
About the Author: Kate DiCamillo
Unit Plans
A Lively Read of the Tale of Despereaux
Second graders experience the joy and richness of literature as their teacher introduces them to The Tale of Despereaux.
Because of Winn-Dixie Teacher's Guide
Students build their knowledge of plot, character, setting, and theme as well as the writing process by participating in activities related to the book Because of Winn-Dixie.
- Subjects:Curriculum Development, Literature, Literature Appreciation, Communication and the Internet, Computers
- Skills:Biographies, Online Sources
