Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
Single-Day Curriculum Grades 2–5
Single-Day Curriculum Grades 2–5
This single-day lesson is a self‑contained, flexible option for educators who want to use The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise in one session. It follows the same evidence‑informed design as the five‑day curriculum but is structured for standalone use in classrooms, libraries, counseling settings, and family engagement events.
Grade 2 — One-Day Lesson
Learning Target: I can tell what the story is about and how it made me feel.
Teacher Moves:
Student Product: 1 Memory Card + drawing or sentence:
“This story is about ______________.”
For the full Program Overview, District Adoption Summary, and implementation guidelines, see:
Grade 3 — One-Day Lesson
Learning Target: I can explain how Charlotte’s feelings connect to events in the story.
Teacher Moves:
Student Product: 2 Memory Cards + sentences. Summary:
“Charlotte feels ______________ because ______________.”
For the full Program Overview, District Adoption Summary, and implementation guidelines, see:
Grade 4 — One-Day Lesson
Learning Target: I can identify the theme of the story and support it with evidence.
Teacher Moves:
Student Product: Memory item + theme paragraph.
For the full Program Overview, District Adoption Summary, and implementation guidelines, see:
Grade 5 — One-Day Lesson
Learning Target: I can write a claim about the story’s message and support it with details.
Teacher Moves:
Student Product: Claim paragraph with two text‑based details.
For the full Program Overview, District Adoption Summary, and implementation guidelines, see:
“Even one gentle lesson can open the door to understanding, connection, and emotional growth.”
Children do not need long programs to begin making sense of meaningful ideas. A single, well-structured session can create a safe space for both learning and reflection. Through a simple flow of reading, discussion, and activity, children engage with the story in a way that feels natural and manageable. Each step builds on the last without overwhelming them.
The Memory Box activity adds a hands-on moment of connection, helping children turn ideas into something personal and tangible. Even in one day, children can begin to express their thoughts, explore feelings, and carry forward a sense of reassurance that learning and connection can happen together.
Each part of the lesson is designed to be simple and flexible, making it easy to adapt across classrooms, libraries, or small group settings. The focus stays on clarity, not complexity. Short moments of reflection give children space to think and respond in their own way. Some may share openly, while others process quietly; both are equally meaningful.
By combining literacy skills with emotional awareness, the lesson supports both academic growth and personal understanding in a balanced way. Even after the session ends, the language and ideas can be revisited, helping children return to the topic with greater comfort, confidence, and connection.
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Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
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Homer’s Story That Shaped All Other Stories
Years into Homer’s work as a professional guardian, he was assigned to an elderly woman with no close family. On paper, she was just another case number. But as Homer sat with her and listened, he noticed a small cardboard box tucked beneath her bed. Inside were a few photographs, old political flyers, handwritten recipe cards, and notes yellowed with time.
Most surprising, among this cluttered box was a financial record, her deceased husband had left an annuity, enough to care for her for the rest of her life. Alzheimer’s had nearly taken this from her.
That rang out to Homer: “Please don’t let me be forgotten, care for me, remember me. This is the call of so many.”
Testimonials
Engulfed with despair, fear, anxiety, restless nights, and overwhelming sense of helplessness. Those feelings crippled me daily, not knowing what next steps to take, I felt like I was on a deserted island, not wanting to fail my loved one. Thankfully a family member put me in touch with Mr. Homer Hartage. All those negative feelings dissipated after having just one conversation.
Mr. Hartage gave a detailed explanation of my options, which allowed me to make informed decisions about the best options for my family. Again, thank you so much Mr. Hartage for picking up the phone to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease, thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. Finally, thank you, sir, for your kindness. During the most stressful times in my life, you answered my call for help. May God shower you and your family with continuous blessings.
The Feacher/Blackshear Family
Honestly, if you work in healthcare and have a resident who needs a guardian I have the most amazing person, Homer Hartage. Never, EVER have I seen such love and devotion to a client in my life… it takes a lot to impress me because I have such high standards… my mind is blown. Please let him know if you should have a need for a guardian. Your client / resident truly could not be in better hands. He’s simply amazing. So refreshing to see a guardian treat their client like a loved one instead of a pay check or commodity…. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life… and I’ve been doing this a minute.
Robyn Edelstein
Owner Robyn’s Referrals
Homer Hartage is extremely passionate and dedicated to providing a service to others. I have watched Homer in action over the years. He will make sure that every measure has been taking for the safety of providing a quality service to all. His kindness along with his knowledge of delivering the best healthcare services are absolutely outstanding.
Shirley Simmons
CEO Abstract Expressionist Artist
There are not enough great things to say about Homer, feeling safe with him is made so easy. He is extremely culturally sensitive, always on time, and has your best interest at heart. He will work overtime just to make sure you and your family have everything they could ever want. Homer has become a part of my family and I feel so honoured to know him. We are glad he is our guardian.
He communicated well with the family and made sure everyone is up to date and informed. At the end of the day, he always makes the right decisions.
Leila Tiles-Lasanta
Administrative Nurse Manager
Clinical Coordinator Nurse Residency Program
Hudson Regional Hospital Secausus,NJ
Books By Homer
My writings are to ensure that no life is reduced to just paperwork, no story disappears without being told, and no family is left navigating responsibility alone.
My work resonates with caregivers, families, professionals, and anyone who believes that memory, dignity, and responsibility are essential. My book catalog includes trade and children’s books.
Partner Bookstores
You have the option to purchase the book on the AgedCare Guardian website or any of our trusted partner bookstores. Simply click below on the brand of your choice and order your copy at our partners’ online stores.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor.
