Teacher's Desk

Using literature to integrate subjects through thematic instruction has become an effective methodology in the classroom. This sub-section contains a mini-literature unit using the picture book Ruth Law Thrills a Nation by Don Brown (Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1993, ISBN 0-395-73517-3 for paperback or 0-395-66404-7 for hardcover). The book was selected because of the brief, yet well written, historically-based text and the engaging, colorful illustrations. A picture book was selected so that the teacher need only purchase one copy. The story traces the flight female aviator Ruth Law took as she attempted to be the first pilot to fly in one day from Chicago to New York. She did not make that goal, however she did become the first American pilot to fly non-stop for 590 miles.

This mini-literature unit follows the "Into, Through and Beyond" format. The "Into" section contains a comparison of women in the different decades, vocabulary exercises, introductory aviation activities and discussion topics. The "Through" section contains comprehension questions about the story (with answers!) and a discussion topic. The "Beyond" section includes an aircraft comparison chart, a collaborative creative writing activity, and an artistic project.

See the TABLE OF CONTENTS to view all "Into", "Through", and "Beyond" activities.

All of these worksheets can be downloaded from the Student Handout section under Teacher's Desk.