Literacy Integration Unit on Wiki: Unit Map

Topic/theme: Essential Questions supporting topic/theme and literacy development: 1. What are the various layers of a rainforest? 2. How does the rainforest support plant and animal life? 3. What are some of the ecosystems that the rainforest provides? 4. What are the endangered species living in the rainforest? 5. Why is it important to preserve the ecosystems in the rainforest? 6. What are some of the tribes who live in the rainforest?

Rainforest

Texts If I Ran the Rainforest by Bonnie Worth

How they support the topic/theme In this book, Cat in the Hat describes the Rainforest including some interesting facts about why it is called the RAIN-forest. This book is a great way to introduce the unit to the students because it will capture their interest through funny rhymes and strange facts about the rainforest. This is a more educational book that describes the rainforest including its weather, temperatures, environment, plant life, animal life, ecosystems, etc. This book describes the four levels of the rainforest on an appropriate reading level for students. Each day the teacher will read a selection from this book which describes the current level of the rainforest being discussed. The book also includes many pictures of each level for the students to look at it. This book will provide students with photos and descriptions of various animals living among the rainforest. Students will be able to learn about the different species that thrive in the rainforest and how they affect one another and the environment around them. This book describes how animals create a habitat from the rainforest including finding food, making a home, and staying safe from predators. Students will learn how

Natures Green Umbrella by Gail Gibbons Layers of the Rainforest by Shirley Najhram

Rainforest Animals by Paul Hess

A Rainforest Habitat by Molly Aloian

Voices of the Rainforest by Mick Manning

The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry

animals use the materials provided by the rainforest in order to survive. Voices of the Rainforest offer students a guide to the rainforest through the perspective of different tribe members. Students will learn how these people live and thrive in the rainforest using what materials are provided for them. This book provides a neat little story about why we should be concerned about the preservation of the rainforests and how it is useful to us. It also demonstrates how we can each take action to make a difference in the rainforest.