Armando was professionally reviewed for the Ministry of Education and endorsed for use in grade 4 to 8 for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

- Full Review

- Social Studies Evaluated Resource Collection Gr 4-7

- Social Studies Evaluated Resource Collection Gr 4-7 & 8-9

 ·      Testimonials from teachers using Armando in the classroom & homeschools.

 ·      Author School Visit Reviews

 ·      Educator Book Reviews 

The following are lesson plans developed by teachers who have used them in their classroom. This is a space for teachers to share their experiences!

Lesson Plan - Armando Atlas    

Lesson Plan - Armando's Media Interview – Role Play

Lesson Plan - Book Cover Detectives  

Lesson Plan - Chapters 1-3 Discussion Guide  

Lesson Plan - Character Detectives  

Lesson Plan - Developing an Armando Atlas

Lesson Plan - Endangered Animals – Exhibition  

Lesson Plan - Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey

Lesson Plan - Map Puzzle and Making Predictions  

Lesson Plan - My Inner & Outer Animal  

Lesson Plan - Principles for Consultative Decision Making

Lesson Plan - Wrap-Up Reflection & Writing Exercise  

… and more under development

The Notes are based on the shared experiences of teachers using Armando in the classroom.

The color versions of all the journey extracts are also included as JPGs for sharing on a screen.

. Teacher Notes - Tips for Read Aloud and Brazil Chapter

. Teacher Notes - Themes & Issues Explored

Examples of 23 Literacy devices found in the book are listed

·      Vocabulary with Definitions by Chapter

·      Vocabulary with Definitions by Grade Level and Chapter

·       Family Relationships

·       Reflections on the Journey

·       Technology and Social Media

·       Characters in the Story

·       Animals, Environment, and Climate Change

·       Global Mindedness

·       Literary Devices

The Chapter-by-Chapter Discussion Guide includes the following sections for each chapter where they are applicable:

·      Discussion Questions

·      New Vocabulary: To be added

·      Literary Devices

·      Literary Techniques

·      Questions to Explore Issues in More Depth

·      Granny D’s Expressions and their Origin

Extra notes.

Interesting issues raised in Armando and the Amazing Animal Race that can be further researched.

Fun True - False Questions with answers, great for classes or just a fun game.

Questions, Conservation Issues, and Fascinating Facts

Fun facts for each country the characters visit:

·      Amazing Geography

·      People and Culture

·      Cool Language Facts

·      Wildlife Wonders

·      Historical Treasures

·      Modern Marvels

·      Wildlife Kingdom

·      Food and Spices

·      Traditional Customs

·      Environmental Challenges

·      Conservation Efforts

·      Indigenous Peoples

·      Arts and Crafts

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - Red List Categories

-       EX:  Extinct

-       EW: Extinct in the wild

-       CR:  Critically Endangered

-       EN:  Endangered 

-       VU:  Vulnerable

- NT:  Near Threatened                       

- LC:  Least Concern

Granny D's colorful British expressions add authentic charm to Armando and the Amazing Animal Race while introducing readers to the rich linguistic heritage of British English.

Here's a comprehensive exploration of her memorable phrases.

Armando & the Amazing Animal Race weaves several cross-cutting concepts and capacities throughout its story that are especially relevant to the personal development of middle-grade readers.

Through the journey, the book’s characters model developing important capacities.

Videos About:

-      Climate Change and Biodiversity

-      Conservation/Nature Study

-      What We Can do to Help

-      Endangered Animals

-      Health and Nature

Copy of Chapter 1 (for student use)

Copy of Chapters 1 to 4 (for student use)

Lesson Plans with Four Activities to:

-       Create interest in the author’s visit and the book, Armando & the Amazing Animal Race.

-       Have students think about and prepare what they would ask the author.

-       Generate interest in the book (especially for reluctant readers).

-       Have students prepare questions they would like to ask the author.

Maps and illustrations from and related to the book that can be used for coloring.

- World Map

- Map of the Amazon

- Map of the Savannah

- Pictures of Animals

Download and color the picture of the cover.

Armando and the Amazing Animal Race has been described as “As realistic as it gets!”

Many stories and incidents in Armando & the Amazing Animal Race draw on the author’s personal experiences living for 42 years in Asia and Eastern Europe and traveling to the countries in the book.

Young readers often want to know what is real and what is pure fiction in Armando & the Amazing Animal Race. This series of stories captures some of their real places, people, and events, grounding the stories in reality.

 This collection of backstories brings to life the answer to the question,

                             “Did that really happen?”

·      True Stories from Brazil - Finding the Pied Tamarin Monkey

·      True Stories from Egypt - How to stop a Runaway Camel

·      True Stories from India - Missing Finger

·      True Stories from Israel - Harriton the desert leopard

·      True Stories from Russia - The Doll

·      True Stories from Russia - The Taxi in Vladivostok

·      True Stories in Armando - The Inclusion of Peace

Suggestions and materials for dressing up as Armando, Jinny, Granny D, the Professor, and other characters in the book.

Color illustrations from the book, along with a copy of the book cover, for a library or classroom display.

The cover can be used for displays or along with the Lesson Plan on “Book Cover Detectives”.

Funny errors discovered in the review and editing process !!!