#4565. Insects

Reading/Writing, level: 1-2
Posted Sun May 8 21:03:20 PDT 2011 by Brandi Kreier (Brandi Kreier).
Indiana University East, Richmond, USA

Elementary Planning Lesson Plan Format
Name of Exploratory Teaching Student: Brandi Kreier Grade Level: 2nd
Theme: Insects
Learning Goals/Objectives:
• Students will identify the parts of a book
• Students will research an insect of their choice
• Students will identify the beginning, middle, and end of the story
• Students will identify the characters and setting of the story
Academic Standards:
• 2.4 -- Students write clear sentences and paragraphs that develop a central idea.
• 2.7- Students listen critically and respond appropriately to oral communication.
Rationale:
The students will be learning about insects and the environment. During this lesson, we will read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. The students will identify the parts of the book as review. After reading the story, the students will reflect on what happened in the story as well as identify the characters, the setting, and the beginning, middle, and end of the story. The students will then pick an insect that they would like to know more information about. The students will research their chosen insect and create a poster board to teach their classmates about the insect they researched. The students will find out where the insect lives, what it eats, cool facts about their insect, and what role it plays in the environment.
Materials Needed:
• "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
• Post it notes or small pieces of paper
• Writing utensils
• Story identifier worksheets
• Computers
• Insect books
• Poster board
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Coloring materials
• Scrap paper

Introduction:
Activity 1:
• Students will sit in a group on the floor in front of the teacher
• The teacher will introduce the book to the students
• The teacher will ask the students to identify the different parts of the book (call on individual students to answer)
• The teacher will read the story to the students (remember to stop frequently to allow students time to ask questions about the story and make predictions that they will write down on their post it notes or small pieces of paper)
• When the book is finished, allow time for students to discuss the story and revise and reflect on their predictions (this should be a whole group discussion)
• Pass out story identifier worksheets
• Send students back to their desks to complete the worksheets
Activity 2:
• Students will be sitting at their desks
• The teacher will ask the students what they know about the caterpillar from the story (write the facts on the board)
• The teacher will ask each student to write down an insect name on a piece of paper that they would like to research (the teacher should provide a list of common insects to the students to help them choose an insect)
• The students will turn in their selections to the teacher
• The teacher will pass out poster materials and explain to the students that they will be doing research on their chosen insect.
• Write the instructions on the board for the project
• Provide the students with computer time and a variety of books on different insects to aid in their research
• Students must research their chosen insect and create a poster to share with the class that shows a picture of the insect, its name, where it lives, what it eats, and what its purpose is in the environment (teachers may help the students in finding the insects purpose if needed)
Closure:
Students will present their posters of their insects to the class and all posters will be collected and displayed throughout the classroom.
Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their creativity and content knowledge and by providing the appropriate information on their poster as instructed.
Modification:
If you have special needs students or ESOL students in your class, you may need to provide students with clear instructions on a piece of paper to keep with them. You may also allow students to work in pairs or small groups if needed.