Picture Book Lesson – Fireworks by Matthew Burgess

$6.99

Celebrate Independence Day and the America 250 Semiquincentennial with the 2026 Caldecott Medal Winner! Designed specifically for busy librarians and 2nd-4th grade teachers, this comprehensive picture book lesson is the perfect companion to Fireworks by Matthew Burgess (or “Firework Poem” by Enid Blyton).

Whether you need a fun July 4th activity, a rich onomatopoeia lesson, or an engaging way to manage library checkout time, this low-prep, interactive resource has you covered.

(Please Note: This lesson requires the book Fireworks or “Firework Poem,” which are widely available but not included in this download).

20% off $100 Discount
30% off $150 or more

Description

Click to see the full PDF preview of this resource. Click here to see this resource in the MrsReaderPants TPT store.

FAST FACTS ABOUT THIS FIREWORKS PICTURE BOOK LESSON:

  • Recommended for: Grades 2-4
  • Lesson Duration: 1 library lesson (about 25-30 minutes total)
  • Formats: PPT or Google Slides; PDF
  • Editable: YES, all text is editable

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED (Digital & Print)

1. Part I: Whole-Group Direct Instruction (6 Slides) Get to the read-aloud quickly! This section covers the Caldecott Medal, introduces the America 250 celebration, prompts student predictions, and teaches onomatopoeia with highly interactive, clickable sound effects.

 

2. Part II: Scrolling Slideshow (27 Slides) Perfect for looping during library checkout or independent work! Features highly visual, engaging trivia including:

  • History & Geography: July 4th, Bastille Day, and the history of fireworks.
  • Science & Safety: Sparkler safety, why animals fear fireworks, and the chemistry of firework colors.
  • Vocabulary: Learn how to sign “fireworks” in ASL and define terms like fuse.

 

3. Differentiated Printables

  • Scavenger Hunts: Keep students engaged during the scrolling slideshow! Includes an images-only version (no reading required) and a text-based version (answer key included).
  • Onomatopoeia Practice: Cut-and-paste OR write-in word bank options.

 

4. Take-Home Extension (2 Pages) Let students share their learning with families! Includes a short quiz, ASL practice, a sound-word scramble, a fun drawing activity, and an easy-to-make Firecracker “Pop”corn recipe.

 

5. Recommended Reading List 39 hand-selected, highly-reviewed picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels with summer themes.

 

❤️ WHY EDUCATORS LOVE THIS RESOURCE:

  • Standards-Aligned: Naturally integrates AASL, CCSS, and TEKS. Includes editable lesson plan.

 

  • Highly Accessible: Optimized for all readers using dyslexia-friendly fonts (Arial), 1.5 line spacing, and high-contrast colors.

 

  • Ethical & High-Quality: As a certified librarian, I strictly use public domain photos and legally licensed commercial clipart (no AI-generated images). All images are locked to protect artist copyrights.

 

  • Flexible: Easily adaptable for public library storytimes, ELA classes, or library Specials rotations.

 

MORE BOOK-THEMED LIBRARY LESSONS

      This Picture Book Library Lesson accompanies Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson.

SEE ALL PICTURE BOOK LESSONS

Click here for more Picture Book Lessons