Appealingly Designed, Informative, Vivid, Striking, Entertaining | Reviews: “a true standout…bright, witty, informative and cleverly organized as the man himself.” The New York Times "A beautifully realized labor of love and affection brings to life one of our brightest founding fathers." Kirkus Book Reviews "It's a fascinating and comprehensive portrait, and an asset for student research." Publishers Weekly Awards:
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Bibliography:
Byrd, R. (2012). Electric Ben: the amazing life and times of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Byrd, R. (2012). Electric Ben: the amazing life and times of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Reading Level: An AR level of 7.7 with an interest level of middle grades (4th-8th grades).
Suggested Delivery: Independent (for advanced readers in 6th grade) or Read Aloud
Summary:
Benjamin Franklin was an inventive and creative man who was born in Boston. Franklin was miserable at one of his earliest job as a tradesman. After being a tradesman he tried being a Leather Apron Man. It was here that he began to flourish. Even though he was abused by his older brother, Franklin loved the printing press. However, Franklin moved to Philadelphia to get away from his brother. There Franklin blossomed into the man we know today. This is a must read for young students learning about one of America's greatest Founding Fathers.
Benjamin Franklin was an inventive and creative man who was born in Boston. Franklin was miserable at one of his earliest job as a tradesman. After being a tradesman he tried being a Leather Apron Man. It was here that he began to flourish. Even though he was abused by his older brother, Franklin loved the printing press. However, Franklin moved to Philadelphia to get away from his brother. There Franklin blossomed into the man we know today. This is a must read for young students learning about one of America's greatest Founding Fathers.
Vocabulary:
Apprentice: a person who is learning a traded from a professional
Demeaned: loss of respect for someone
Frugality: being careful with money or goods
Prosperous: to have a lot of success
Doctrine: a statement of official government policy
Lofty: arrogant
Fundamentals: an essential part of an argument
Compatriot: a colleague
Sublime: having an elevated manner
Unanimous: everyone sharing the same opinions or views
Levied: to impose something like a tax
Fledgling: a beginner at something
Tumultuous: characterized by extreme disturbance
Hypocrisy: when someone says not to do one thing, but they do it themselves
Apprentice: a person who is learning a traded from a professional
Demeaned: loss of respect for someone
Frugality: being careful with money or goods
Prosperous: to have a lot of success
Doctrine: a statement of official government policy
Lofty: arrogant
Fundamentals: an essential part of an argument
Compatriot: a colleague
Sublime: having an elevated manner
Unanimous: everyone sharing the same opinions or views
Levied: to impose something like a tax
Fledgling: a beginner at something
Tumultuous: characterized by extreme disturbance
Hypocrisy: when someone says not to do one thing, but they do it themselves
Before Reading Strategy:
Bring in some examples of Franklin's inventions. Have students guess what it is and its use.
This will serve as an introduction into the story and even a lesson on Benjamin Franklin.
Bring in some examples of Franklin's inventions. Have students guess what it is and its use.
This will serve as an introduction into the story and even a lesson on Benjamin Franklin.
During Reading Strategy:
Keep a timeline of Ben's life.
Keep a timeline of Ben's life.
After Reading Strategy:
Have students complete a 3-2-1 activity. 3 facts, 2 questions, 1 interesting fact.
Have students complete a 3-2-1 activity. 3 facts, 2 questions, 1 interesting fact.
Inferential Comprehension Writing Activity:
Have students write why James, Franklin's brother, was "furious and embarrassed" when Franklin was revealed as the author of the Silence Dogood letters.
Electronic Resources:
This link goes to a site with a lesson plan for Poor Richard's Almanac. It would make a great extension activity on the life of Benjamin Franklin.
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/poor-richard-almanack-first-20378.html
This site is useful for finding more resources on Benjamin Franklin. It help strengthen a lesson and provide background information for the teacher.
http://www.fi.edu/franklin/books.html
This link goes to a site with a lesson plan for Poor Richard's Almanac. It would make a great extension activity on the life of Benjamin Franklin.
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/calendar-activities/poor-richard-almanack-first-20378.html
This site is useful for finding more resources on Benjamin Franklin. It help strengthen a lesson and provide background information for the teacher.
http://www.fi.edu/franklin/books.html