Curricula & Teaching Materials

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.

Components
parent reading picture book to infant sitting in their lap
Early Literacy

FAMILY LITERACY

Research-based emergent literacy resources designed for parents and educators working with parents and young children.

Arthur Rothstein July 1938 image Houses on "the Hill" from Library of Congress
Secondary

PITTSBURGH HILL DISTRICT LEARNING TOOL

A digital learning tool using primary sources, historical maps, and biographies of leading cultural and literary figures from the early 20th century to examine the Pittsburgh Hill District and backdrop of August Wilson's Century Cycle plays.

UNDER DEVELOPMENT

Cultural Tour Lesson
Secondary

CULTURAL TOUR OF PENNSYLVANIA

Students design a regional tour of Pennsylvania directing travelers to landmarks, features, and cultural figures of the area.

Shape of Pennsylvania filled with multicolored speech bubbles.
Secondary

MISSING VOICES: BIOGRAPHY

Students explore the Cultural Map of Pennsylvania, research a Pennsylvania figure, and compose a biographical essay. 

open notebook with pencil
Secondary

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.

Book Covers of Baker's Dozen friendship-themed books
Early Literacy

ALPHABET MINI LESSONS

Young readers engage with the alphabet using illustrations, familiar objects, and more.

Baker's Dozen Friendship Selections
Early Literacy

FRIENDSHIP MINI LESSONS

New readers discuss cooperation, belonging, and compromise with inspiration from friendship-themed books.

Book Covers of Baker's Dozen Prehistoric-themed books
Early Literacy

PREHISTORIC MINI LESSONS

New readers engage with prehistoric-themed books to learn vocabulary, participate in imaginative play and practice telling each story.

Book Covers of Baker's Dozen Wordless books
Early Literacy

WORDLESS BOOKS MINI LESSONS

Readers of all levels apply storytelling and critical thinking skills to the visual narratives of wordless books.

Book Covers of Baker's Dozen vehicle-themed books
Early Literacy

VEHICLES MINI LESSONS

Young readers are invited to participate in pretend play and early literacy strategies with vehicle books.

Book Covers of Baker's Dozen number-themed books
Early Literacy

COUNTING MINI LESSONS

Young readers identify numbers, count, seek-and-find, and more with books that enhance numeracy.

Secondary

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