“No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” by Robert Weintraub

Learning Objectives

Students will use evidence from the text to create an argument that is supported by valid reasoning and sufficient textual evidence.

Grade Levels

9-10

Common Core Standard

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.1
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.

Materials Needed

“No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” by Robert Weintraub

Computer and projector to show videos

ACE Nomination Entry Form

Lesson

Introduction and Teacher Modeling

• Note: Students should have read “No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition” by Robert Weintraub before taking part in this lesson.
• Remind students that they have been reading (or the class has been reading) “No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” by Robert Weintraub.
• Briefly discuss the plot and theme of the book.
• Explain that today’s lesson will focus on Judy and her as a hero. At the end of the book, the author describes the many awards and recognitions that Judy received for her heroism. Today we are going to consider a new award and how Judy might be eligible.

Guided Practice

• Explain to students that the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) celebrate loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities.
• Tell students that we are going to learn about some of the recent winners. Show students some of the ACE award winners from 2017 in order to allow them to learn more about the award.
• Give students a copy of the ACE Nomination Entry Form.

Independent Work

• Instruct students to consider which of the ACE categories Judy should be recognized.
• Students should then write a 500-word description of how Judy has demonstrated excellence in that category.
• Student must clearly make their claim, utilize valid reasoning and cite evidence from the text (including two quotes) to support their position.

You can find other great resources for “No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” here.

You can learn more about Robert Weintraub and his other books here. 

Learning Objectives

Students will compose a news article about Judy that includes all elements of a newspaper article and draws evidence from the text.

Grade Levels

5-6

Common Core Standard

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Materials Needed

“No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” by Robert Weintraub

Computer and projector to show article

Lesson

Introduction and Teacher Modeling

• Note: Students should have read “No Better Friend: Young Readers Edition” by Robert Weintraub before taking part in this lesson.
• Remind students that they have been reading (or the class has been reading) “No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” by Robert Weintraub.
• Briefly discuss the plot of the book.
• Explain that today’s lesson will focus on a short newspaper article about Judy. We will consider ways to enhance the article using information from the book.

Guided Practice

• Ask students to consider the important elements of a news story and write these on the board: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How.
• Conduct a discussion with students. Ask them to consider why the above elements are important in a news article? What is the purpose of a news article?
• Share this news article with students.
• Ask students to consider what they know about Judy and what the article leaves out. What else do we need to know to give the reader a full picture of Judy as a hero?

Independent Work

• Instruct students to re-write the article to include all elements of a news story.
• Students should use “No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” by Robert Weintraub to find textual evidence for their article. Students should also utilize at least two quotes from the text.

Review

• Allow students to share their stories
• Extension: Students may type their articles and include illustrations of Judy.

You can find other great resources for “No Better Friend: Young Reader’s Edition” here.

You can learn more about Robert Weintraub and his other books here.