These research-based resources and lesson plans are designed for a variety of audiences to contribute to Pennsylvania national and core curriculum in support of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's mission to promote books and literacy to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
FAMILY LITERACY
FAMILY LITERACY
Research-based emergent literacy resources designed for parents and educators working with parents and young children.
PITTSBURGH HILL DISTRICT LEARNING TOOL
PITTSBURGH HILL DISTRICT LEARNING TOOL
Learning modules highlighting 1920-1957 and the intersections of journalism, jazz, activism, and playwright August Wilson.
PERSPECTIVES IN PRIMARY SOURCES
PERSPECTIVES IN PRIMARY SOURCES
In this introductory lesson to the Pittsburgh Hill District Digital Learning Tool, students analyze ca. 1938 photographs to discuss perspective, meaning-making, and historical context.
CULTURAL TOUR OF PENNSYLVANIA
CULTURAL TOUR OF PENNSYLVANIA
Students design a regional tour of Pennsylvania directing travelers to landmarks, features, and cultural figures of the area.
MISSING VOICES: BIOGRAPHY
MISSING VOICES: BIOGRAPHY
Students explore the Cultural Map of Pennsylvania, research a Pennsylvania figure, and compose a biographical essay.
MICRO ESSAY
MICRO ESSAY
Students practice short form nonfiction writing by composing a micro essay describing how a piece of literature has influenced their understanding of the world around them.
ALPHABET MINI LESSONS
ALPHABET MINI LESSONS
Young readers engage with the alphabet using illustrations, familiar objects, and more.
FRIENDSHIP MINI LESSONS
FRIENDSHIP MINI LESSONS
New readers discuss cooperation, belonging, and compromise with inspiration from friendship-themed books.
PREHISTORIC MINI LESSONS
PREHISTORIC MINI LESSONS
New readers engage with prehistoric-themed books to learn vocabulary, participate in imaginative play and practice telling each story.
WORDLESS BOOKS MINI LESSONS
WORDLESS BOOKS MINI LESSONS
Readers of all levels apply storytelling and critical thinking skills to the visual narratives of wordless books.
VEHICLES MINI LESSONS
VEHICLES MINI LESSONS
Young readers are invited to participate in pretend play and early literacy strategies with vehicle books.
COUNTING MINI LESSONS
COUNTING MINI LESSONS
Young readers identify numbers, count, seek-and-find, and more with books that enhance numeracy.
TALK WITH ME TOOLKITS
TALK WITH ME TOOLKITS
Engage children aged 5 to 8 with Smithsonian Institution’s online Toolkits that have artifacts, videos, activities, books, and questions to enhance language and literacy development.
A FEW GOOD WOMEN
A FEW GOOD WOMEN
Students explore the issues and roles of women in the government during the Nixon administration via activities, biographies, interview transcripts, and primary resources.
UNDER REVISION