You Can Do IT, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard!
Title: You Can Do IT...Mr. and Mrs. Mallard!
Subject: English/Language Arts
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Overview:
After viewing the video "Make Way for Ducklings" by Robert McCloskey, first and second grade students will write letters of encouragement to Mr. and Mrs. Mallard, will make a map for the mallards to aid them in their journey, and discuss the importance of the environment for animals.
Approximate Duration: 3 - 60 minute lessons
Content Standards:
Standard 1
Students read, comprehend, and respond to a range of materials, using a variety of strategies for different purposes.
Standard 2
Students write competently for a variety of purposes and audiences.
Standard 3
Students communicate using standard English grammar, usage, sentence structure, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and handwriting.
Benchmarks:
ELA-1-E4
identifying story elements (e.g., setting, plot, character, theme) and literary devices (e.g., figurative language, dialogue) within a selection;
ELA-2-E1
dictating or writing a composition that clearly states or implies a central idea with supporting details in a logical, sequential order;
ELA-2-E4
using narration, description, exposition, and persuasion to develop compositions (e.g., notes, stories, letters, poems, logs);
ELA-2-E6
writing as a response to texts and life experiences (e.g.., journals, letters, lists).
Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs):
Reading and Responding
Grade 1
12. Identify story elements, including: speaker or narrator, setting, characters, plot, problems and solutions (ELA-1-E4)
13. Identify literary devices, including dialogue (ELA-1-E4)
Writing
29. Independently write a variety of grade-appropriate compositions, including: simple letters, notes, and stories; simple informational descriptions; simple rhymes and poems (ELA-2-E4)
31. Write for various purposes, including: responses that include simple judgments about stories and texts; responses that follow simple formats, including envelopes, lists, and journals (ELA-2-E6)
Grade 2
24. Develop grade-appropriate compositions, for example: friendly letters, poems, stories, and informational descriptions with some detail(ELA-2-E4)
26. Write for various purposes, including: letters or invitations that include relevant information and follow a letter/envelope format; informal writing, including messages, journals, notes, and poems (ELA-2-E6)
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Science : Life Science
The students will become aware of the characteristics and life cycles of organisms and understand their relationships to each other and to their environment.
Science : Science and the Environment
In learning environmental science, students will develop an appreciation of the natural environment, learn the importance of environmental quality, and acquire a sense of stewardship. As consumers and citizens, they will be able to recognize how our personal, professional, and political actions affect the natural world.
Educational Technology Standards:
Use a variety of developmentally appropriate resources and productivity tools (e.g., logical thinking programs, writing and graphic tools, digital cameras, graphing software) for communication, presentation, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.
Use technology tools (e.g., publishing, multimedia tools, and word processing software) for individual and for simple collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities for a variety of audiences.
Objectives:
The students will identify the story elements.
The students will identify and describe dialogue as figurative language.
The students will place story details in sequential order.
The students will write a letter of encouragement.
The students will make a map.
The students will identify cardinal directions.
The students will discuss the video, "Make Way for Ducklings" stating that the video is fictional and was based on the book.
The students will discuss the needs of ducks as they relate to environment.
Lesson Materials and Resources:
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McClosky
Video
Pencils
Map
Technology Tools and Materials:
Hardware:
Computer
Internet Connection
PrinterSoftware:
KidPix
Inspiration
- Websites:
"Make Way for Ducklings"
LPB CyberChannel
Geography - Enchanted Learning
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/
How To Use a Compass
http://www.learn-orienteering.org/old/- Letter Generator
http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/letter_generator/
Background Information:
Most of the students will have been exposed to the book, Make Way for Ducklings; however, some may not have seen the video.
The students should know that this is a fictional story. The students should have some idea about reading and interpreting simple maps.
Lesson Procedures:
Day One
1. Tell the students that they are going to help a family of ducks find their way by making the duck family a map.
2. The students will view the video from LPB CyberChannel , "Make Way for Ducklings." Show the students the book from which the video was made.
3. Using Inspiration, discuss the video with the students. Lead the students in a discussion of the following questions:
What are some of the basic needs of ducks?
How are those needs similar to our needs?
Is this story fictional or non-fictional? How do you know?
4. Discuss the sequencing of the story.
5. Discuss the names of the ducks. Place the names in alphabetical order.
6. List in Inspiration the sequence of events.
Day Two
1. Today, we are going to play a game to review cardinal directions. Explain that the game is like Simon Says only we are going to substitute the policeman Michael. We will also be moving according to cardinal directions.
2. Before we play the game we will review cardinal directions. Complete this simple diagram of a compass rose to review cardinal directions. Introduce the students to the compass.
3. Have in the area, and clearly posted the cardinal directions. Allow students to take turns being Michael the policeman. Game: Michael says take two steps south.
Take two steps north. Michael says take two steps north, etc.
4. Next, using KidPix, the students will draw a compass rose and a legend. The students will draw some of the physical features that were in the story such as the pond, park, etc.
Day Three
1.Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are really anxious to find a good home to raise their young family. Today, we are going to write a letter of encouragement to the Mallard Family using the correct letter format, writing, and spelling.
2. Before writing our letter, and as a review of the story, use Inspiration software to list in order the events of the story. Include the story elements in the diagram.
3. Allow the students to work in groups to formulate a letter of encouragement to the Mallards. Write the letter on stationery.
4. Proofread the letter.
5. Create a timeline of the events of the story using Timeliner. The students will include the story elements also.Assessment Procedures:
Completed Letter
Map created in KidPix
Teacher will monitor group interaction.
Accommodations/Modifications:
Students will work in groups for the activities. While each child will write his/her own letter to the Mallards, the students will brainstorm ideas for the letter in their group.
Exceptional learners could draw a picture of encouragement for the Mallards.Consult individual IEPs for additional modifications.
----- written by Rosemary Dillingham
Reproducibles:
Letter to the Mallards
Explorations and Extensions:
The teachers and students could continue using cardinal directions around various areas of the school. Additional map reading activities can be found at http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/
Allow students to navigate around the schools using a compass.
The students could write letters to the principal or parents throughout the school year.Teachers and students could use sequencing skills throughout the school year with everyday activities.
Lesson Development Resources:
http://www.dgl.salemstate.edu/Profs/Young/Ducks/DUCKS.htm
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/socialstd/grade1/Make_Way.html http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geography/
GLE Related Materials
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/saa/1914.html
Contact Information:
Rosemary Dillingham
rosemary.dillingham@mcschools.net
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