1.800.221.5175
Mathematics
Sadlier Math Grades K–6
Core Program
Full Access
Progress in Mathematics Grades K–6
Core Program
Full Access
Progress in Mathematics Grades 7–8+
Core Program
Full Access
Progress Mathematics Grades K–8
National Program
Full Access
New York
Critical Thinking for Active Math Minds
Grades 3–6
Preparing for Standards Based Assessments
Grades 7–8
Reading & Writing
From Phonics to Reading Grades K-3
Print Program
Interactive Practice Bundle
Fluency Booster Practice Book
Interactive Assessments
High-Impact Tutoring
Sadlier Phonics
Grades K–3
Close Reading of Complex Texts Grades 3–8
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Building Reading Success with Wiley Blevins Grades K–5
Tier 2 & Tier 3 Intervention for Grades K—5
Sadlier Handwriting Practice
Print Program
Progress English Language Arts Grades K–8
National Program
Full Access
New York
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Workshop, Tools for Comprehension Grades 1–5
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Vocabulary Workshop Achieve Grades 6–12+
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Vocabulary Workshop, Tools for Excellence Grades 6–12+
Print Program
Interactive Edition
Vocabulary Workshop Adaptive
Grades 6—12
Vocabulary for Success
Grades 6–10
Grammar
Grammar Workshop, Tools for Writing
Grades 2–5
Grammar Workshop
Grades 6–8
Grammar for Writing
Grades 6–12
Intervention
Building Reading Success with Wiley Blevins
Tier 2 & Tier 3 Intervention for Grades K—5
Professional Learning
Professional Learning
Services

Sadlier's
English Language Arts Blog

The home of Vocab Gal and other educational experts K–12 resources

April 23, 2015 CL Lesson Plans, ELA K-5, ELA Focus - Reading, ELA Resources - Activities, ELA Focus - Writing, Core Literacy

Wish Upon a Meteor Writing Activity Inspired by Patricia Polacco

I was so excited for my favorite children's author, Patricia Polacco, to come and visit my school ... and she did not disappoint! What an amazing person! I was impressed with the amount of time she spent encouraging students (and teachers) to be the best person they (we) can be and to treat people with kindness, to show empathy and compassion towards our peers. She truly inspired me and all of the students that I spoke to after her presentation.

A highlight of author Patricia Polacco's visit was when she discussed her first book, Meteor!, published in 1988. She told us that even though the book is written in the first person, it was her mother that actually watched a meteor crash into her front lawn (not in the backyard as stated in the book). Patricia then went on to explain that legend has it that if you touch a meteor and make a wish, your wish will come true. To the amazement of everyone in attendance, Patricia had brought a piece of that meteor for everyone to touch and to make a wish. Students were already captivated by the possibility a meteor could potentially crash unexpectedly into a yard, but to actually touch the meteor themselves and make a wish was such a magical moment!

Wish-Upon-a-Meteor-750px

Download Now

This visit inspired me to create a  writing activity for Patricia Polacco's Meteor!  You may not have a piece of meteor rock to pass around, but you can recreate the magical moment in your classroom with this elementary writing activity. This simple writing activity encourages students to wish big!

Explain to your students that a meteor is also known as a “shooting star.” After reading the book Meteor!, have  students each write a wish out on the Wish Upon a Meteor Writing Activity template. Once complete, cut out the "shooting stars" and hang them around your classroom.

Download the Wish Upon a Meteor Writing Activity inspired by Patricia Polacco now!