The Matchbox Diary
Paul Fleischman
Illustrated by:
Bagram Ibatoulline
Published by: Candlewick
Copyright 2013
40 Pages
Curiosity, Story-telling,
Memories, Immigration, Dialogue
The Matchbox Diary uses dialogue to explore the journey of an
immigrant from Italy to the United States. His young great-granddaughter visits him and he allows
her to pick any item she wants so he can provide a story about it. The girl
finds a cigar box that is filled with small matchboxes, each containing an item
that evokes a memory from the great-grandfather. The detailed illustrations
provide the reader with a life-like experience while reading this story while
the words fill the reader with wonder.
Reading Level
Ages 6-8, Lexile
Measure: AD420L
Suggested Delivery
Read Aloud (3rd
Grade)
Electronic Resources
Candlewick provides a
great resource for teachers planning to use the book for a lesson. Found within
the teaching guide are discussion questions complete with CCSS connections.
The guide can be
found here.
Show students the
book trailer found here, to initiate the reading. The trailer provides a
glimpse into the beautiful illustrations as well as giving the reader a basis
of what the story is about.
Key Vocabulary
·
Immigrant – A person who moves permanently to a
new country
·
Diary – A book which one keeps a daily record of
events and experiences
·
Antique – An item that has a high value because
of its old age and rarity
Teaching Strategies
Before
– Have students create an anticipation guide based on the cover of the story. Include
questions about what the book may be about, who might be the main characters, and
what a matchbox is.
During
– Use the Read-Write-Pair-Share strategy while reading this book. While reading
the story aloud have students use the anticipation guide to write if their
predictions were correct. Stop every few pages to allow students to share with
their partner what they anticipated as well as if they were correct. Emphasize
listening skills during this activity.
After
– Use exit slips after the reading by having students write a short summary of
the book as well as their favorite item that was explained during the book.
Writing
Allow students to
bring in their own items that have great meaning to them. Students will write a
short explanation of what the item is and why it is important to them. After
the writing activity, allow students to share what they have written with the
whole group.
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