Access-A-Book: A Teacher Resource
We launched the Access-A-Book video series in 2023 to introduce educators to Canadian books available in accessible formats (such as ebooks, audiobooks, and braille books) ideal for classroom use. This resource was developed to expand on the series by providing additional information and activity suggestions. Accessible books give students the opportunity to read in the format that works best for them.
The Paper Bag Princess
By Robert Munsch & Michael Martchenko
Grades: P-2
Themes: Courage, Problem-Solving, Self-Esteem
Activity idea: The Paper Bag Princess has been adapted as a stage play, a musical and even optioned for film. Collaborate with your students to create your own adaptation of the story. Work together to write a script, create costumes and props, and put on a show!
Additional Resources:
- Read more about the book in the CCBC’s Accessible Books Bank.
- Watch an author video featuring Robert Munsch.
- View the Educator Guide from Annick Press.
- Celebrate Paper Bag Princess Day.
Beautiful You, Beautiful Me
By Tasha Spillett-Sumner & Salini Perera
Grades: P-2
Themes: Identity, Family, Differences
Activity idea from Christine M’Lot and Mary Swain*: Have students lie down on a surface where their body shape can be traced (chart paper can be used if indoors). The tracing can be done with either chalk or markers, depending on where the activity takes place. Have students decorate their bodies showcasing uniqueness through physical characteristics and clothing style. Emphasize that even though everyone created a person who looks different, we are all still part of the human family.
* Christine M'Lot is an Anishinaabe teacher, researcher, and curriculum developer. She collaborated with her auntie, Mary Swain.
Additional Resources:
- Read more about the book in the CCBC’s Accessible Books Bank.
- Watch a creator video with Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Salini Perera.
- Watch how Beautiful You, Beautiful Me is introduced and highlighted on CBC Kids Reads.
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Explore more activity ideas in the Activity Guide from Owlkids Books.
Meg and Greg
By Elspeth Rae, Rowena Rae & Elisa Gutiérrez
Grades: 1-3
Themes: Sounds, Words, Problem-Solving
Activity idea: The Meg and Greg books are designed for shared reading between a child learning to read and an experienced reader. Enlist the help of some volunteers–maybe students in an older class–to organize some buddy reading time.
Additional Resources:
- Read more about the book in the CCBC’s Accessible Books Bank.
- Learn more about the series in this video featuring librarian Jodie Delgado.
- Find word games, puzzles, and activities in Resource Packs for each book in the series.
- Read an interview with the creators of the series.
Berani and Music for Tigers
By Michelle Kadarusman
Grades: 3-7
Themes: Activism, Sustainability, Conservation
Activity idea: Have students research an endangered animal in Canada and create a poster with facts and information to raise awareness. Then hang the posters up around your school or classroom.
Additional Resources:
- Read more about Berani and Music for Tigers in the CCBC’s Accessible Books Bank.
- Listen to a Berani First Chapter Reading by author Michelle Kadarusman.
- Check out the Berani Reading Guide and the Music for Tigers Reading Guide from Pajama Press.
- Print out Berani activity sheets from Forest of Reading.
The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Toronto!
By Adrienne Shadd, Afua Cooper & Karolyn Smardz Frost
Grades: 7-10
Themes: Black History, Courage, Freedom
Activity idea: As a class, listen to a section of the audiobook and have students take notes in the form of a mind map. Then pair students up to compare their mind maps and share what words and images stuck out while listening.
Additional Resources:
- Read more about the book in the CCBC’s Accessible Books Bank.
- Watch an interview with co-author Afua Cooper.
- Learn more about archaeology in Toronto in the Armoury Street Dig Exhibits.
- Explore more Canadian Black History in the Digital Collections of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
En Français
Ma maison-tête
Par Vigg
Niveaux : tout-petits à la deuxième année (préscolaire et premier cycle du primaire)
Thèmes : Neurodiversité, imagination, identité
Suggestion d’activité : Dans le livre Ma maison-tête, auteur-illustrateur Vigg explore les pensées et les sentiments de son personnage par le biais d’illustrations charmantes. Mettez vos élèves au défi de créer une œuvre d’art originale pour exprimer la façon dont ils.elles imaginent ce qu’ils pensent et ressentent.
Ressources supplémentaires :
- En lire davantage sur l’album dans la Banque de livres en format accessible du CLJC (fiches disponibles en français).
- Écouter le livre audio.
- Explorer les trousses pédagogiques des Éditions Fonfon pour le 1er, 2e et 3e cycle du primaire.
- S’amuser à faire ce coloriage et ce jeu de mots-cachés.
- Profiter des livres audios sur le site ou l’application Ohdio de Radio-Canada.
Learn more from teachers, librarians, and students about using accessible books in the classroom with our Accessible Books Playlist.
Discover more books in alternate formats in the CCBC’s Accessible Books Bank.