“From the
Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler”
By
E. L. Konigsburg
A WebQuest Activity for Fifth Grade Reading/Language Arts
Introduction | Task | Sources | Process | Guidance | Conclusion
Are
you curious like Claudia and Jamie?
Would
you like to go on a WebQuest to investigate to learn more about them and the
artists with art at the
After
reading the novel, “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” your “CO-OP” will have the opportunity to
learn more about the author who wrote this book, complete tasks that will
satisfy your curiosities, and write your own opinions about the characters and
plot of the novel.
You
and your “CO-OP” will also get to learn about artists and even create your own
masterpieces!
So
let’s get started…..
After reading
the novel, “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,”
you will have six tasks to complete through this WebQuest. The first task will
test your comprehension of the novel. When you have successfully answered questions
about the story, you are ready to explore the museum that housed Claudia and
Jamie Kincaid. You will learn the answers of the most frequently asked questions
from children like you! Then you will discover information about the author, E.
L. Konigsburg. Then, your “CO-OP” will get to tell me about the MET and the
famous artist named Degas! Your final task is to send me an e-mail postcard
from the
SPI 0501.3.1 Complete a graphic
organizer (i.e., clustering, listing, mapping, webbing)
to
group ideas for writing.
SPI 0501.3.2 Rearrange sentences
to form a sequential, coherent paragraph.
SPI 0501.4.1 Identify the most
reliable information sources available for preparing a
research report.
SPI 0501.4.2 Develop a note-taking
system or some other method of effective
information collection.
SPI 0501.5.1 Locate information to
support opinions, predictions, and conclusions.
SPI 0501.5.2 Identify stated or
implied cause and effect relationships in text.
SPI 0501.6.2 Interpret information
using a chart, map, or timeline.
SPI 0501.6.3 Identify the stated
main idea and supporting details in text.
SPI 0501.7.1 Select the most
appropriate medium or media for accessing information,
writing a report, or making
a presentation.
SPI 0501.8.1 Identify setting,
characters, plot, and theme.
SPI 0501.8.4 Identify the sequence
of events in fiction selections.
SPI 0501.8.6 Identify stated or
implied cause and effect relationships in fiction
selections.
SPI 0501.8.8 Recognize reasonable
predictions of future events within a given context.
SPI 0501.8.9 Distinguish among
various literary genres (e.g., poetry, drama, letters, ads,
historical fiction,
biographies, autobiographies).
SPI 0501.8.10 Identify and
interpret the main incidents of a plot, their causes, how they
influence future actions, and how they are
resolved.
.
Decker, K. (1998-2008).Quia, matching, flashcards, concentration, and word search. Retrieved March
30, 2008, from http://www.quia.com/custom/3227main.html
Ed
Helper Literature Units.
(n.d.). Retrieved March 29, 2008 from http://www.edhelper.com/books/From_the_Mixedup_Files_of_Mrs_Basil_E_Frankweiler.htm
Gahr, J., & Scott, L. (1997). Teacher cyber guide.
Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/fris/fristg.htm
Houghten Mifflin Reading. (n.d.). Meet the author. Retrieved March 29,
2008, from http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai/konigsburg.html
Lamb, A. (1999). Literature ladders. From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Retrieved March 22, 2008, from http://eduscapes.com/newbery/68a.html
Konigsburg, E. L. (1967). From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Tennessee Department of
Education.
(2008). Standards/alignments: 5th grade. Retrieved
March 30, 2008, from http://state.tn.us/education/ci/english/2009_10/grade_5.pdf
The
The
The
The
Process
After reading
the Novel, “From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler,” complete the
following steps in this process!
1. Meet with your “CO-OP” group. You will
be assigned to work in cooperative groups for this WebQuest.
2. 
Go to the 
Click on the piece of paper to print out WebQuest
Task Work Sheet #1. 
3.
What can you tell me about the
After
clicking on the piece of paper, answer the questions on the “Getting to Know
the MET” worksheet provided!
4.
Now it’s time to print and complete WebQuest
Task Work Sheet #2.
Click on the sheet of paper and print!
You
can click on the author’s name to go visit following website to learn more
about E. L. Konigsburg.
5.
What do you
know about the artist Degas? Click on
the ballerina to learn more!
Click on dancing girl and go to “Things to do,”
then click on “Discover the Met.”
After exploring the world of Degas, write a
brief biography about the artist. Complete at least three activities on Degas.
6.
Upon completion of learning about Degas…send
me a postcard telling about your experience at the MET! You will go to “Things
to do,” then, in the “For Kids” section you will click on “Send an E-Card.” You
may use my e-mail address for sender and recipient. todd_lisa@hcde.org.
7.
Finally…go
have fun! Click on this web site for some activities that will test your
knowledge of vocabulary!
Click here for some fun review activities!
Reflections
Purpose: The purpose
of this WebQuest is to guide students through the steps of thinking
and writing about well-known, intermediate level, core literature. Students will
write paragraphs responding to writing prompts that elicit text to self connections.
This WebQuest helps students to develop ideas and organize their thinking about
what they have read. The students’ final task includes activities that will
enrich vocabulary knowledge.
Preceding and Ensuing Events: Students will
read listen to the book-on-tape while following along in the book. Upon
completion, the teacher will introduce the WebQuest activity using the
interactive white board. Each student will be responsible for using the checklist
to complete all activities. Students’ cooperative groups will print out and
write responses for each WebQuest task. Students will utilize new vocabulary in
future writing assignments. Students will also be given the opportunity to
create a book jacket for the novel or write a “critic’s review” on the novel.
How Learning is Improved: Students will
be able to make text to self connections through reading this novel. Also,
students will acquire an appreciation for art and artists through their visit
at the
Possible Improvements: Creating an
activity to introduce the story prior to reading might help students to
maintain engagement throughout the story. I would have liked to have added an
art project that could be a part of a culminating activity (I am working on
this though).
Well, you did
it! You have mastered the “ART” of reading a great piece of literature and
completing a WebQuest! When you finish, you will have been to
WebQuest
Check List
