1. BACKPACK ADVENTURE Thematic units of study in a backpack for students to take home.

2. M ATERIALS Backpacks with a character or thematic design on the outside. Books of a certain genre that align with the theme of the backpack. A response journal or other writing material. A letter to parents explaining the assignment. Characters that support the theme. A disposable camera.

3. I DEAS FOR POSSIBLE THEMES Fiction books about space and nonfiction books about space and the planets Fictional stories about animals and nonfiction animal books Fairy tales and biographies about famous women Super hero stories or comic books and biographies about famous men

4. S AMPLE L ETTER TO PARENTS Dear Parents and VIP student of the week, It is your turn to have the special “Star Student Backpack” for the week. Inside the backpack you’ll find nonfiction books about space as well as a few fiction books. Please read the books during the week. We are trying to master the skill of knowing the difference between fiction and nonfiction literature. At the end of the week please use the camera to take a picture of yourself along with Buzz and the Alien. Then write a postcard about your adventures from outer space. I hope you enjoy the stories and learning about the universe. Have fun reading! Sincerely, Mrs. Krietenstein

5. Sample Writing Templates Postcard Letter Thematic paper for writing

6. Endless Possibilities A brief case full of mystery books Animal themes Dinosaur books Insect or reptile books Author studies Fables Tall tales Poetry History books Happy Backpacking

7. Purpose The purpose of the backpacks are to promote literacy in the classroom by involving the whole family. The backpacks are taken home by each student on a rotational schedule. The backpacks contain books and activities around a central theme. The books and activities are to be enjoyed by the whole family thereby reinforcing the importance of reading as a family.