Russia - Around the World Author:Betsy Franco, Jo Supancich (Illustrator) The folktale recounted in this unit is The Gigantic Rutabaga, illustrated with charming line art that will hold your students' attention and begin their education in Russian food, clothing and family life. Complete follow up instructions and suggestions bring Russian vocabulary to the forefront and help students produce their own picture boo... more »k of the story. Cut-out characters and story mat are included.This unit also helps children learn by building upon things they may already associate with Russia. For example, there are cut-out and coloring activities centered on St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square and its onion-shaped domes; students can make a paper version of a set of Matroshka (nesting) Dolls; and, art for stick puppets is provided, so your class can retell the story of Peter and the Wolf. There's a page devoted to Maslinitsa, a week-long cultural celebration that marks the end of winter and beginning of spring, which corresponds with Mardi Gras. You also get a recipe for Bliny -- Russian pancakes. Other pages feature a counting chart, Children of Russia, the Flag of Russia, Maps of Russia and the U.S.S.R., and a glossary of terms. Plus, there is a game about Russian money, and activities titled Growing a Vegetable Garden and Telling Riddles. Activities are always begun with a paragraph of Cultural Background and a Preparation list, followed by complete, step-by-step instructions. All pages are reproducible and perforated for easy removal.« less