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Reading with Frances Curriculum Map

Click the buttons below to download our the Curriculum Map for Reading with Frances. There are two versions of the map. The outline and map are also both viewable on this page.

Curriculum Map (Doc)
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Reading with Frances is a rich, literature‑based resource for Grades 1–3 that brings Russell Hoban’s beloved Frances stories to life through guided reading, comprehension practice, word‑study activities, and creative thinking tasks. Students explore themes of friendship, family, emotions, problem‑solving, and decision‑making while strengthening their ability to infer, sequence events, draw conclusions, classify vocabulary, and express opinions.

This resource supports whole‑class instruction, small‑group guided reading, and independent novel study. With structured comprehension tasks, vocabulary development, and opportunities for oral and written expression, students build confidence as readers while connecting deeply with Frances’ relatable experiences. The unit aligns with Common Core and Canadian provincial/territorial literacy standards for Grades 1–3.

Objectives for this unit:

  • To develop the enjoyment and appreciation of literature written by the late Russell Hoban.
  • To reinforce and strengthen comprehension, word study, and creative thinking skills.
  • To develop students’ ability to read selected pieces of literature.
  • To develop oral and written language skills 

Introduction includes:

  • Learning Expectations/Skill List
  • Teacher Notes
    • Objectives
    • Story Summaries of the Frances Series
    • Author Biography
    • Teacher Information on Badgers 

Children love these five Frances Books:

  1. Bread and Jam for Frances
  2. Bedtime For Frances
  3. A Baby Sister for Frances
  4. A Bargain for Frances
  5. Best Friends for Frances 

Each Frances story includes:

  • Teacher Input Suggestions
  • Ways to Use the Vocabulary
  • Discussion Questions for Guided Reading
  • Student Booklet Cover
  • Reading Activity Worksheets
  • Word Study Activity Worksheets
  • Answer Key

Story Titles: 

Bread and Jam for Frances

  • Teacher Input Suggestions
  • Ways to Use the Vocabulary
  • Discussion Questions for Guided Reading
  • Student Booklet Cover
  • Reading Activity Worksheets
  • Word Study Activity Worksheets
  • Answer Key 

 Bedtime For Frances

  • Teacher Input Suggestions
  • Ways to Use the Vocabulary
  • Discussion Questions for Guided Reading
  • Student Booklet Cover
  • Reading Activity Worksheets
  • Word Study Activity Worksheets
  • Answer Key  

A Baby Sister for Frances

  • Teacher Input Suggestions
  • Ways to Use the Vocabulary
  • Discussion Questions for Guided Reading
  • Student Booklet Cover
  • Reading Activity Worksheets
  • Word Study Activity Worksheets
  • Answer Key 

A Bargain for Frances

  • Teacher Input Suggestions
  • Ways to Use the Vocabulary
  • Discussion Questions for Guided Reading
  • Student Booklet Cover
  • Reading Activity Worksheets
  • Word Study Activity Worksheets
  • Answer Key 

Best Friends for Frances

  • Teacher Input Suggestions
  • Ways to Use the Vocabulary
  • Discussion Questions for Guided Reading
  • Student Booklet Cover
  • Reading Activity Worksheets
  • Word Study Activity Worksheets
  • Answer Key   

Common Core Standards Met

Reading Literature (RL)

  • RL.1.1, RL.2.1, RL.3.1 — Ask/answer questions using evidence
  • RL.1.2, RL.2.2, RL.3.2 — Retell stories; determine central message
  • RL.1.3, RL.2.3, RL.3.3 — Describe characters, setting, events
  • RL.1.7, RL.2.7 — Use illustrations to understand text
  • RL.3.6 — Point of view

Reading Foundational Skills (RF)

  • RF.1.3, RF.2.3 — Phonics and word analysis
  • RF.1.4, RF.2.4, RF.3.4 — Fluency

Writing (W)

  • W.1.3, W.2.3, W.3.3 — Narrative writing
  • W.1.8, W.2.8, W.3.8 — Recall information

Speaking & Listening (SL)

  • SL.1.1, SL.2.1, SL.3.1 — Collaborative discussions
  • SL.1.2, SL.2.2 — Retell key details

Language (L)

  • L.1.4, L.2.4, L.3.4 — Vocabulary acquisition
  • L.1.5, L.2.5 — Word relationships (synonyms, antonyms, categories)

Common Core Alignment Chart

Grade

Skills in Resource

Common Core Standards

1

Sequencing, inferring, noting details, vocabulary, phonics, opinions

RL.1.1–1.7, RF.1.3–1.4, W.1.3, SL.1.1–1.2, L.1.4–1.5

2

Drawing conclusions, emotional reactions, comparing, word study

RL.2.1–2.7, RF.2.3–2.4, W.2.3, SL.2.1–2.2, L.2.4–2.5

3

Evaluating, reasoning, analyzing relationships, vocabulary

RL.3.1–3.6, RF.3.4, W.3.3, SL.3.1, L.3.4–3.5

Canadian Provincial & Territorial Expectations

Language / Literacy (Grades 1–3)

  • Reading comprehension of fiction
  • Identifying story elements
  • Making inferences and predictions
  • Sequencing events
  • Expressing opinions and emotional reactions
  • Vocabulary development (compound words, syllables, antonyms, blends, plurals)
  • Word study and phonics
  • Oral communication and discussion
  • Written responses in complete sentences
  • Comparing characters and situations
  • Critical thinking and reasoning

Cross‑Curricular Connections

  • Social‑emotional learning (friendship, fairness, decision‑making)
  • Inquiry and reflection
  • Media literacy (interpreting illustrations)

Canadian Alignment Chart

Province/Territory

Curriculum Areas Met

Ontario

Reading: comprehension, making inferences, identifying story elements; Writing: organizing ideas, vocabulary; Oral: discussions; Media literacy: interpreting visuals

British Columbia

ELA: exploring texts, making connections, expressing ideas, extending thinking

Alberta

ELA: comprehension, responding to literature, vocabulary, narrative writing

Saskatchewan

ELA: viewing, representing, comprehending, composing

Manitoba

ELA: reading strategies, responding to texts, word study, creative expression

Quebec

Competencies: reading and listening to texts, writing, exploring language

Atlantic Provinces

Reading comprehension, writing processes, speaking/listening, vocabulary

Yukon / NWT / Nunavut

Follow BC/AB/ON‑aligned frameworks

 

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