How To Have A Good Day
By Caroline Wyman
Objective: The students will learn about cause and effect and will be able to write to the main character of the book on how to have a good day. Grades 2-4
Initiation: Read the story "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Vorist and discuss the story about how and why Alexander had such a bad day. Come up with ideas and thought as to what he could have done differently to make his day better. Chart everything on a cause and effect organizer.
Development: Explain that each student will now come up with their own ideas as to how Alexander could have changed the events of his day. They can first use a cause and effect chart and then develop a plan to write letters to Alexander explaining their thoughts. You can even have the students write their letter, seal it in an envelope and put it in a pretend mailbox that the teacher can then receive and read to the class. This is always a fun way to share behavior plans and funny remedies to everyday children's lives.
Closure: The teacher can share the letters to the class.
Materials: Book, chart paper, writing tools, envelopes.
Time: 30 min.
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.