Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
Five-Day Curriculum Grades 2–5
Grade 2 — Week Plan
Day 1 — What Is a Memory?
Learning Target: I can explain what a memory is and share how memories can make me feel.
Teacher Moves:
- Lead a short discussion: “What is a memory?”
- Model one personal example.
- Introduce emotion signs and practice naming feelings.
- Record student ideas on chart paper.
Student Product: Drawing + 1–2 sentences:
“A memory is ______________.”
Day 2 — Read Aloud Part 1: Feelings & Events
Learning Target: I can describe how a character feels in the story.
Teacher Moves:
- Read aloud Part 1.
- Pause to ask: “How does Charlotte feel here?”
- Use emotional signs for responses.
- Model sentence orally.
Student Product: Sentence:
“Charlotte feels ______________ when ______________.”
Day 3 — Read Aloud Part 2: Gentle Word Moment
Learning Target: I can share how hearing a new word makes me feel.
Teacher Moves:
- Continue read‑aloud.
- Gently name the word “Alzheimer’s” in the story context.
- Reassure and redirect to feelings.
Student Product: Emotion sign + optional sentence:
“I feel ______________.”
Day 4 — Build the Memory Box
Learning Target: I can create a memory item and explain how it makes me feel.
Teacher Moves:
- Model a Memory Card.
- Guide students to create 2 items.
- Circulate and support sentence writing.
Student Product: 2 Memory Cards with drawings + simple sentences.
Day 5 — Share & Summarize
Learning Target: I can tell what the story is about.
Teacher Moves:
- Lead a class summary discussion.
- Optional sharing.
- Model summary sentence.
Student Product: Sentence:
“This story is about ______________.”
This instructional plan is modeled on Florida’s B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) English Language Arts standards. While Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards provide the organizational framework for this curriculum, the instructional design is intentionally standards‑agnostic. Learning targets are expressed as core literacy and communication skills shared across state ELA standards, enabling seamless implementation in diverse district contexts, including public, private, charter, and international schools.
Supplies Needed (All Grades 2–5)
Core Text & Materials
- The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise (1 copy for read-aloud)
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers
- Sticky notes (optional)
- Pencils
Student Materials
- Construction paper or drawing paper
- Crayons/colored pencils/markers
- Memory Cards (pre-printed or index cards)
- Small box, envelope, or folder for Memory Box items
- Emotion cards or emotion signs (happy, sad, angry, confused, warm, proud, unsure)
Learning happens best when children feel safe enough to explore both ideas and emotions.
A structured classroom plan provides more than academic support. It creates a steady rhythm where children can engage with new concepts while feeling emotionally secure. Each day builds gently on the last, allowing understanding to grow without pressure.
By combining literacy skills with emotional awareness, this approach helps children express what they think and how they feel. Over time, this balance strengthens both confidence and connection in the learning environment.
Each small step invites participation without pressure, giving children the confidence to engage at their own pace.
Over time, these consistent moments help children build both academic skills and emotional awareness, creating a classroom experience that feels supportive, connected, and meaningful.
Back to Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
GRADES 3, 4, & 5 WEEK PLANS
Grade 3, 4, and 5 week plans follow the same five-day structure with increasing rigor in reading, writing, and reasoning.
Each grade level builds on the same core learning targets—character feelings, story theme, the Memory Box activity, and reflection—with escalating expectations for written output and text evidence.
For the full Program Overview, District Adoption Summary, and implementation guidelines, see:
“Small, repeated moments of learning create lasting clarity.”
Children do not need everything at once. A five-day structure creates space to pause, reflect, and grow at a steady pace.
Through simple activities and shared reading, children revisit ideas in gentle ways. This repetition builds confidence and helps learning feel natural and manageable.
Back to Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
Share this Article
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.”
Book Reviews
I read the book “Family & Professional Guardianship” by Homer L. Hartage and found it very helpful. I liked that the author explains the complicated topic of guardianship in a clear way that I can understand. He used real-life examples to illustrate the different scenarios that can arise during the guardianship process.
I found it very helpful that the book also discusses the different types of guardianship, such as family guardianship and professional guardianship, and their pros and cons, which can help (me) (people) decide which type is best for the situation. I highly recommend this book because it’s informative and provides valuable insights and guidance for both family members and professionals.
Grace Michael
After reading this book, I have a full understanding of guardianship. This book broke down the steps for me to understand what I need to do to seek guardianship, and it provided resources on how to do it.
This book is absolutely amazing and provides all the knowledge of successfully taken care of a loved one through a guardianship program or being a guardian yourself. Thank you so much.
Shirley Simmons
I met Homer Hartage in 1990 and my first impression still holds true – Homer Hartage is a man who cares about people. Family and Professional Guardianship endeavors to help not only people who are unable to take care of themselves but also those who care for them. Knowledge is power and whether you are seeking this information for personal or professional use, this is a comprehensive source for you.
The book is written in clear, precise language that does not require legal knowledge to understand. The book is organized in a logical, easy-to-follow format and gives case studies which show how the process works. If you need information about guardianship practices in Florida, this is the book for you.
Naomi Cooper
This is a good resource for those who want to gain a better understanding of the legal and practical issues concerning guardianship in Florida. I liked the level of details on the various types of guardianship and the entire process, from determining incapacity to the appointment of guardians.
Overall, the guide is direct and well-organized, with plenty of practical advice that should be helpful to families seeking guardianship services or those interested in becoming guardians.
Metauser
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.
Family & Professional Guardianship
Provides useful information for individuals, families, and professional guardians, so that they can make informed decisions about the guardianship and care of their loved ones. Taking on the challenge of guardianship is huge. It can happen to anyone at any time.
Guidance for Guardians: Are you navigating the fog of guardianship responsibilities? Fear not. This book offers practical solutions grounded in laws and factual insights, ensuring you are never caught off guard.
Whether you are a seasoned guardianship lawyer, a devoted family member, or a professional guardian, this book provides a comprehensive overview of guardianship. It covers the essentials, from applicable statutes to the legal framework governing guardianship. In it, you will explore diverse guardianship scenarios, including information about guardianship of minors, incapacitated adults, mental health guardianship, standby guardianship, property and asset protection, alternatives to guardianship, and conservatorship.
Read more about the book or click here to view and download the Marketing & Media Kit.
Available at leading bookstores across the United States and internationally. You can purchase the book directly via the AgedCare Guardian website or through any of our trusted partner bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay, BAM (Books-A-Million), ThriftBooks, and more.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor. Order Your Copy Now in Paperback or Hardback.
The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Surprise
The Memory Box is a heartwarming story seen through the eyes of a child, exploring the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, family bonds, and the profound impact of memory loss on young lives. This book is an excellent resource for explaining dementia and Alzheimer’s to children.
Story Blurb: When Charlotte’s beloved grandpa no longer recognizes her face or remembers her cherished name, her world crumbles in confusion. Desperate to reclaim their unbreakable bond, Charlotte embarks on a race against time to reawaken the memories that have slipped away from her grandpa. Armed with a Memory Box filled with photographs and treasured moments, Charlotte embarks on an emotional journey of rediscovery, fueled by the hope that her grandpa will remember her again.
When Charlotte shares stories and sings their favorite song, a flicker of recognition sparks in her grandpa’s eyes, leading to a heartwarming and triumphant ending that celebrates the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Read more about the book or click here to view and download the Marketing & Media Kit.
Available at leading bookstores across the United States and internationally. You can purchase the book directly via the AgedCare Guardian website or through any of our trusted partner bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay, BAM (Books-A-Million), ThriftBooks, and more.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor. Order Your Copy Now.
Parentification: Caregivers In Crisis
Every day, countless children step into roles meant for adults—managing households, caring for siblings, or supporting a struggling parent. They appear strong, capable, even “wise beyond their years.” But behind that strength lies a hidden cost: the loss of childhood, unspoken stress, and emotional wounds that can last a lifetime.
Through powerful stories and clear insight, Homer Hartage reveals how family systems collapse, why children step in, and what happens when their needs go unnoticed.
This is more than a book—it’s a wake-up call. A reminder that no child should carry adult burdens alone. And a powerful invitation to protect the next generation before the cycle continues.
When Children Carry Adult Responsibilities
Parentification: Caregivers In Crisis shines an unflinching light on the emotional and psychological weight carried by children who are forced to grow up too soon. These young caregivers often move silently through life—cooking meals, managing medications, stabilizing chaotic households, or providing emotional support to parents who are overwhelmed, ill, or unable to cope. While the world may see them as “mature for their age,” few recognize the hidden cost: the loss of childhood, chronic anxiety, fractured identity, and long-term emotional scars that can stretch far into adulthood.
Coming Fall 2026 — A must-read for parents, educators, professionals, social workers, and anyone committed to safeguarding children. Read more about the book.
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.
Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
Five-Day Curriculum Grades 2–5
Grade 2 — Week Plan
Day 1 — What Is a Memory?
Learning Target: I can explain what a memory is and share how memories can make me feel.
Teacher Moves:
- Lead a short discussion: “What is a memory?”
- Model one personal example.
- Introduce emotion signs and practice naming feelings.
- Record student ideas on chart paper.
Student Product: Drawing + 1–2 sentences:
“A memory is ______________.”
Day 2 — Read Aloud Part 1: Feelings & Events
Learning Target: I can describe how a character feels in the story.
Teacher Moves:
- Read aloud Part 1.
- Pause to ask: “How does Charlotte feel here?”
- Use emotional signs for responses.
- Model sentence orally.
Student Product: Sentence:
“Charlotte feels ______________ when ______________.”
Day 3 — Read Aloud Part 2: Gentle Word Moment
Learning Target: I can share how hearing a new word makes me feel.
Teacher Moves:
- Continue read‑aloud.
- Gently name the word “Alzheimer’s” in the story context.
- Reassure and redirect to feelings.
Student Product: Emotion sign + optional sentence:
“I feel ______________.”
Day 4 — Build the Memory Box
Learning Target: I can create a memory item and explain how it makes me feel.
Teacher Moves:
- Model a Memory Card.
- Guide students to create 2 items.
- Circulate and support sentence writing.
Student Product: 2 Memory Cards with drawings + simple sentences.
Day 5 — Share & Summarize
Learning Target: I can tell what the story is about.
Teacher Moves:
- Lead a class summary discussion.
- Optional sharing.
- Model summary sentence.
Student Product: Sentence:
“This story is about ______________.”
This instructional plan is modeled on Florida’s B.E.S.T. (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) English Language Arts standards. While Florida’s B.E.S.T. standards provide the organizational framework for this curriculum, the instructional design is intentionally standards‑agnostic. Learning targets are expressed as core literacy and communication skills shared across state ELA standards, enabling seamless implementation in diverse district contexts, including public, private, charter, and international schools.
Supplies Needed (All Grades 2–5)
Core Text & Materials
- The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Big Surprise (1 copy for read-aloud)
- Chart paper or whiteboard
- Markers
- Sticky notes (optional)
- Pencils
Student Materials
- Construction paper or drawing paper
- Crayons/colored pencils/markers
- Memory Cards (pre-printed or index cards)
- Small box, envelope, or folder for Memory Box items
- Emotion cards or emotion signs (happy, sad, angry, confused, warm, proud, unsure)
“Small, repeated moments of learning create lasting clarity.”
Children do not need everything at once. A five-day structure creates space to pause, reflect, and grow at a steady pace.
Through simple activities and shared reading, children revisit ideas in gentle ways. This repetition builds confidence and helps learning feel natural and manageable.
Back to Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
GRADES 3, 4, & 5 WEEK PLANS
Grade 3, 4, and 5 week plans follow the same five-day structure with increasing rigor in reading, writing, and reasoning.
Each grade level builds on the same core learning targets—character feelings, story theme, the Memory Box activity, and reflection—with escalating expectations for written output and text evidence.
For the full Program Overview, District Adoption Summary, and implementation guidelines, see:
Learning happens best when children feel safe enough to explore both ideas and emotions.
A structured classroom plan provides more than academic support. It creates a steady rhythm where children can engage with new concepts while feeling emotionally secure. Each day builds gently on the last, allowing understanding to grow without pressure.
By combining literacy skills with emotional awareness, this approach helps children express what they think and how they feel. Over time, this balance strengthens both confidence and connection in the learning environment.
Each small step invites participation without pressure, giving children the confidence to engage at their own pace.
Over time, these consistent moments help children build both academic skills and emotional awareness, creating a classroom experience that feels supportive, connected, and meaningful.
Back to Curriculum & Educator Resource Center
Homer L. Hartage
Author, Thought Leader, President & CEO
Share this Article
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.”
Book Reviews
I read the book “Family & Professional Guardianship” by Homer L. Hartage and found it very helpful. I liked that the author explains the complicated topic of guardianship in a clear way that I can understand. He used real-life examples to illustrate the different scenarios that can arise during the guardianship process.
I found it very helpful that the book also discusses the different types of guardianship, such as family guardianship and professional guardianship, and their pros and cons, which can help (me) (people) decide which type is best for the situation. I highly recommend this book because it’s informative and provides valuable insights and guidance for both family members and professionals.
Grace Michael
Book Reviews
After reading this book, I have a full understanding of guardianship. This book broke down the steps for me to understand what I need to do to seek guardianship, and it provided resources on how to do it.
This book is absolutely amazing and provides all the knowledge of successfully taken care of a loved one through a guardianship program or being a guardian yourself. Thank you so much.
Shirley Simmons
Book Reviews
I met Homer Hartage in 1990 and my first impression still holds true – Homer Hartage is a man who cares about people. Family and Professional Guardianship endeavors to help not only people who are unable to take care of themselves but also those who care for them. Knowledge is power and whether you are seeking this information for personal or professional use, this is a comprehensive source for you.
The book is written in clear, precise language that does not require legal knowledge to understand. The book is organized in a logical, easy-to-follow format and gives case studies which show how the process works. If you need information about guardianship practices in Florida, this is the book for you.
Naomi Cooper
Book Reviews
This is a good resource for those who want to gain a better understanding of the legal and practical issues concerning guardianship in Florida. I liked the level of details on the various types of guardianship and the entire process, from determining incapacity to the appointment of guardians.
Overall, the guide is direct and well-organized, with plenty of practical advice that should be helpful to families seeking guardianship services or those interested in becoming guardians.
Metauser
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.
Family & Professional Guardianship
Provides useful information for individuals, families, and professional guardians, so that they can make informed decisions about the guardianship and care of their loved ones. Taking on the challenge of guardianship is huge. It can happen to anyone at any time.
Guidance for Guardians: Are you navigating the fog of guardianship responsibilities? Fear not. This book offers practical solutions grounded in laws and factual insights, ensuring you are never caught off guard.
Whether you are a seasoned guardianship lawyer, a devoted family member, or a professional guardian, this book provides a comprehensive overview of guardianship. It covers the essentials, from applicable statutes to the legal framework governing guardianship. In it, you will explore diverse guardianship scenarios, including information about guardianship of minors, incapacitated adults, mental health guardianship, standby guardianship, property and asset protection, alternatives to guardianship, and conservatorship.
Read more about the book or click here to view and download the Marketing & Media Kit.
Available at leading bookstores across the United States and internationally. You can purchase the book directly via the AgedCare Guardian website or through any of our trusted partner bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay, BAM (Books-A-Million), ThriftBooks, and more.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor. Order Your Copy Now in Paperback or Hardback.
The Memory Box & Charlotte’s Surprise
The Memory Box is a heartwarming story seen through the eyes of a child, exploring the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, family bonds, and the profound impact of memory loss on young lives. This book is an excellent resource for explaining dementia and Alzheimer’s to children.
Story Blurb: When Charlotte’s beloved grandpa no longer recognizes her face or remembers her cherished name, her world crumbles in confusion. Desperate to reclaim their unbreakable bond, Charlotte embarks on a race against time to reawaken the memories that have slipped away from her grandpa. Armed with a Memory Box filled with photographs and treasured moments, Charlotte embarks on an emotional journey of rediscovery, fueled by the hope that her grandpa will remember her again.
When Charlotte shares stories and sings their favorite song, a flicker of recognition sparks in her grandpa’s eyes, leading to a heartwarming and triumphant ending that celebrates the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Read more about the book or click here to view and download the Marketing & Media Kit.
Available at leading bookstores across the United States and internationally. You can purchase the book directly via the AgedCare Guardian website or through any of our trusted partner bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, eBay, BAM (Books-A-Million), ThriftBooks, and more.
Distributed by IngramSpark and Baker & Taylor. Order Your Copy Now.
Parentification: Caregivers In Crisis
Every day, countless children step into roles meant for adults—managing households, caring for siblings, or supporting a struggling parent. They appear strong, capable, even “wise beyond their years.” But behind that strength lies a hidden cost: the loss of childhood, unspoken stress, and emotional wounds that can last a lifetime.
Through powerful stories and clear insight, Homer Hartage reveals how family systems collapse, why children step in, and what happens when their needs go unnoticed.
This is more than a book—it’s a wake-up call. A reminder that no child should carry adult burdens alone. And a powerful invitation to protect the next generation before the cycle continues.
When Children Carry Adult Responsibilities
Parentification: Caregivers In Crisis shines an unflinching light on the emotional and psychological weight carried by children who are forced to grow up too soon. These young caregivers often move silently through life—cooking meals, managing medications, stabilizing chaotic households, or providing emotional support to parents who are overwhelmed, ill, or unable to cope. While the world may see them as “mature for their age,” few recognize the hidden cost: the loss of childhood, chronic anxiety, fractured identity, and long-term emotional scars that can stretch far into adulthood.
Coming Fall 2026 — A must-read for parents, educators, professionals, social workers, and anyone committed to safeguarding children. Read more about the book.
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.