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Library of Congress (LOC) Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Teachers Hall of Fame Individual Lesson Plans Al Capone Does My Shirts

 

Photograph of Al CaponeAl Capone Does My Shirts

Polished Draft

 

 

Judy Cioccio & Rosemary Greco
Madonna Regional Catholic School

Overview

To introduce the novel Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko through the use of primary sources for the learning of what it would be like living in a certain geographical community among a certain group of people.  Complete the novel with use of primary sources and discussion.

Objectives

The student will be able to:

  • Hear and read lyrics to Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley while viewing Alcatraz images 
  • Develop a visual image of the place described in words in their reading.
  • Identify unique geographical differences of the place in their reading.
  • Determine reasons for the imprisonment of convicts by brainstorming ideas.
  • Answer inquiry question sheet to check prior knowledge and to make revisions to their responses.
  • Discuss what it would be like living on Alcatraz compared to mainland U.S. by completing a Venn diagram.
  • Begin to read the novel.
  • Witness how an autistic child develops.
  • Recognize how children can adapt to their environment.
  • Write a diary entry or letter relecting imagining they lived on Alcatraz and what it would be like compated to living on the mainland of the U.S.
  • Choose a research project while reading novel to either learn more about autism or to learn more about Al Capone and other criminals mentioned in the novel.
  • Observe teacher created proster board of different images throughout the novel.

Time Requirement

2-3 days activity range for the introduction. 3-4 weeks to read novel, depending on the time allowed for reading and research.

Grade Level

3rd - 8th Grade (adaptable)

PA Academic Standards

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

Learning to Read Independently
1.1.8D -- Identify basic facts and ideas in text using specific strategies

Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
1.3.8.A -- Read and understand works of literature

Quality of Writing
1.5.8A -- Write with a sharp, distinct focus

History

Historical Analysis and Skills Development
8.1.6A -- Understand chronological thinking and distringuish between past, present, and future time
8.1.6B -- Explain and analyze historical sources
8.1.6C -- Explain the fundementals of historical interpretation

Geography

Basic Geographic Literacy
7.1.6A -- Describe geographic toold and their uses


The Physical Characteristics of Places and Regions
7.2.6A -- Describe physical characteristics of places and regions

The Human Characteristics of Places and Regions
7.3.6A -- Describe the human characteristics of places and regions by their populations
7.3.6B -- Describe the human characteristics of places and regions by their culture
7.3.6C -- Describe the human characteristics of places and regions by their economic activities

Resources

Additional Resources of Photos and Images to be used for a poster board while students read the novel Al Capone Does My Shirts

Procedures

  1. Students will listen to song Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley while viewing images of Alcatraz.
  2. Students will respond to inquiry form set of questions to determine prior knowledgethen make revisions to their answers.
  3. Students will view chosen photographs to help give them background information on Alcatraz, and complete photo analysis sheet. 
  4. Students will discuss and compare living on Alcatraz to living on mainland U.S. by completing a Venn diagram.
  5. Read the novel with discussion.
  6. After reading of the novel is complete, the students will write a diary entry or letter describing their imaginary life on Alcatraz.
  7. During the reading of the novel, students will choose to do a research paper to learn more on either autism or Al Capone and other criminals mentioned in the novel.
  8. Observe the teacher created poster board of different images throughout the novel.

Evaluation

  1. Students follow this activity with reading and discussing of Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko.
  2. Students write a diary entry or letter describing their imaginary life on Alcatraz.
  3. Students will share information they chose to research while reading the novel either on autism or Al Capone and other criminals mentioned in the novel.

 

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