Lakeshore Learning - Search Results for art

2nd Grade

Objectives Students will recognize and define the equal sign. Students will demonstrate that both sides of an equation are equal in value. Materials Needed Whiteboard or chart paper Marker “What Is Equal?” work mat Dry beans “Three In a Row” game board “Three In a Row” playing cards “Three In a Row” game markers Introduction Write the following number sentences on the board or on chart paper: 7 + 6 = 13 13 = 13 12 = 2 + 10 5 + 5 = 7 + 3 10 - 2 = 4 + 4 2 + 1 + 3 = 2 + 4 Point to each expression and ask students to put their thumbs up if the equation is true or their thumbs down if the equation is false. Ask students to explain their choices. Students may be surprised to learn that all of the equations are true. Explain that the equal sign does not just mean “this is the answer.” It means that one side of the equation is equal to the other—the value on the right side is the same as the value on the left side.

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Which Is Greater?

Kindergarten

Objective CCSS Math: Counting & Cardinality K.CC.C.6: Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than, or equal to the number of objects in another group, e.g., by using matching and counting strategies. Materials Needed Alfie the Alligator: A Teaching Rhyme About Comparing Numbers by Sandy Turley Greater Than/Less Than Alligators Counting Objects Picture Cards Number Match-Ups puzzles Introduction Read aloud Alfie the Alligator: A Teaching Rhyme About Comparing Numbers by Sandy Turley. Remind students that, in the story, Alfie always eats the larger number, or the number that is greater.

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Which Objects Are Magnetic?

Pre-K

Objective Compare and classify objects by observable physical properties. Materials Needed Mickey’s Magnet by Franklyn M. Branley and Eleanor K. Vaughan or What Makes a Magnet? by Franklyn M. Branley Magnets or Magnetic Wands Pipe Stems (cut into 1-or 2-inch pieces) Pom-Poms Variety of small magnetic objects (e.g., paper clips, nuts or bolts, etc.) Variety of small nonmagnetic objects (e.g., rubber bands, plastic counters, feathers, etc.) Clear, empty 2-liter plastic bottles (at least two) Several plastic shoe boxâ€“sized containers (one for each small group of students) Sand or dried beans Magnetic/Not Magnetic sorting mat Introduction Read aloud Mickey’s Magnet or What Makes a Magnet?

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"I Am" Silhouette

3rd Grade

Objectives

Bring awareness to one’s own uniqueness, including talents, strengths, and abilities.
Foster a culture of belonging and inclusion.

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Kindergarten

Objective

Children will measure using standard units.

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What Are Evaporation & Condensation?

3rd Grade

Objective

Understand how a liquid can change to a gas and how a gas can change to a liquid.

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What Is a Reciprocal?

5th Grade

Objective

Apply and extend understanding of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions.

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It's Okay to Be Different

Pre-K

Objectives

Understand that people have unique experiences, strengths, and ideas.
Explore and incorporate people’s differences to enrich learning.

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This Is Me! Song

Infant

Objective

• Infants will develop self-esteem and self-confidence.

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Writing a Persuasive Brochure

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Objectives Using reference materials to research for their writing Introducing the topic or text they are writing about, stating an opinion and creating an organizational structure that lists reasons Providing reasons that support the opinion Reporting on a topic or text, telling a story, or recounting an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speaking clearly at an understandable pace Materials Needed Sample tourist pamphlets for exotic vacation destinations (available from local travel agents or hotels) Reference materials Travel Brochure reproducible Crayons or markers Glue (optional) Scissors (optional) Introduction Ask students, “If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do there?” Invite students to share their responses. Encourage them to talk about places they have never been but would like to see. Prompt students to point out their destinations on a map.

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Everyday Learning Activities

Toddler

In the morning, check the weather outside with your child. Is it sunny, rainy, or windy? Invite your child to help pick out weather-appropriate clothing for the day. Point out a few options to help your child make the right choice—for example, This T-shirt looks great for a sunny day

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Infant

Objectives

• Infants will learn and use simple gestures to communicate.
• Infants will be introduced to sign language.

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1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Number & Operations in Base Ten Understanding 10 as a bundle of ten ones Skip-counting by 5s, 10s, and 100s Measurement & Data Solving word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols Materials Needed Plastic coins (or paper coins reproducible and scissors) Coin Values reproducible Mystery Coins reproducible Chart paper Marker Introduction Hold up each coin and review its name and value. You may want to print out and display the Coin Values reproducible for students to use as a reference. Be sure to show students both sides of each coin, and remind them that larger coins do not necessarily have greater values.

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New Year’s Resolution

1st Grade

Objectives Reading Literature Asking and answering questions about key details in a text Language Producing and expanding complete simple and compound declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences Defining “New Year’s resolution” and helping to make appropriate class resolutions Writing Creating individual New Year’s resolutions Materials Needed Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller Chart paper or whiteboard New Year’s Resolution reproducible Tagboard Self-adhesive magnetic strips Safety Scissors Crayons or markers Glue Introduction Ask students to raise their hands if they have heard of making a New Year’s resolution. Invite them to share what they think a resolution is. Explain that you are going to read aloud a make-believe story about a squirrel who makes a New Year’s resolution. Ask students to pay special attention to the story to find out what a resolution is and why people might make them at the beginning of each year.

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Sight-Word Study

Pre-K - Kindergarten

Objective CCSS Language: Reading: Foundational Skills RF.K.3c: Read common high-frequency words by sight (e.g., the, of, to, you, she, my, is, are, do, does). Materials Needed Sight-word cards A New Pet Chalkboard or document camera Scissors Stapler Before You Begin Print out a copy of A New Pet for each student in your class. After printing them out, stack the full-page sheets in the following order, starting at the bottom of the stack: page 7/cover facedown page 1/page 6 faceup page 5/page 2 facedown page 3/page 4 faceup Then carefully fold the entire stack in half and make a crease. Keeping the pages together, unfold the stack and staple three staples along the length of the crease to make a spine. Be sure to staple through the top of the stack so that the tips of the staples are on the inside of the book. Introduction Display the sight-words can, have, I, not, that and you on a chalkboard or with a document camera. Explain to the class that there are many words you can “sound out” for the correct pronunciation, but there are some words that you should recognize by sight. These sight-words do not always follow the standard rules of letter sounds. As you point to each word, read the word aloud and have students repeat after you. Then point to each word again, calling on student volunteers to say the sight-word.

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Kindergarten

Objectives

Create a safe, collaborative learning environment where thoughts and ideas are valued.
Foster a culture of kindness and respect.

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Exploring Nonfiction Text

4th Grade

Objectives CCSS Reading: Reading Informational Text RI.1.7: Use the illustrations and details in a text to describe its key ideas. RI.2.7: Explain how specific images (e.g., a diagram showing how a machine works) contribute to and clarify a text. Materials Needed Ah, Music! by Aliki Selection of one or two fiction read-alouds “The Venus Flytrap” reading selection Chart paper Introduction Ask students to tell you what the difference is between fiction and nonfiction text. (Help students understand that fiction is not real or not a true story that happened in real life, and nonfiction is factual or real.) Show students a sample of fiction (e.g., a fiction read-aloud, such as Corduroy by Don Freeman; The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister; or Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst). Ask, “When we read a fiction story like this one, what do the pictures show us?” (Encourage students to share their responses, guiding them to understand that the illustrations usually give a snapshot or visual image of what is happening in the story.) Then hold up the book Ah, Music! by Aliki, and tell students, “In nonfiction texts, you might find pictures, too! These pictures will help us understand what the words are telling us. There might also be a diagram that shows us more details about the information.”

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Alphabet Name Game

Pre-K - Kindergarten

Objectives Students will identify the letters of the alphabet. Students will understand that letters are combined to form words. Students will spell their own names. Materials Needed Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault Large magnetic whiteboard Magnetic Letters Coconut Tree template Construction Paper - 9" x 12" (green, brown and white) Safety Scissors Help-Yourself Glue Tubes Alphabet stickers or alphabet stamps and ink Preparation: Draw large coconut trees on a magnetic whiteboard. Place magnetic letters on the board as though they are hanging from the palm fronds. Put the letters in alphabetical order. Introduction Read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom to your class. After reading, ask children, “What did you notice about the order of the letters in the story?” (The letters are in ABC order.) Then invite students to recite the alphabet as you point to each letter on the board.

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Earth Day Every Day

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Objectives Students will analyze the characters and events in The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, drawing comparisons between the fictitious environment and our own environment. Students will discuss ways to positively impact the environment. Materials Needed The Lorax by Dr. Seuss Small-Group Discussion Questions Colored pencils, pens or markers Introduction Discuss the meaning of Earth Day, and introduce the book to students. Explain that aside from being an enjoyable children’s story, The Lorax is a metaphor to make us think about the world around us and the impact we have on our environment. Invite students to listen carefully to the story and see if they can draw comparisons between the characters and events in the story and our own planet.

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Pronoun Practice

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Use personal, possessive and indefinite pronouns (e.g., I, me, my, they, them, their, anyone, everything). Materials Needed: pronoun cards, board, flip chart or document camera; The Fire Cat by Esther Averill; Pronoun Search practice page; pencils or highlighters; index cards. Introduction: Display the pronoun cards on a board or document camera. Tell students that you are going to read aloud The Fire Cat by Esther Averill. Before you read, ask students to help you identify different pronouns as they come up in the story. Explain that the names of the characters are proper nouns (e.g., Pickles and Mrs. Goodkind), but the author often refers to them again by using pronouns, such as he, she, her or him. The author also may use possessive pronouns, such as hers or his, to explain that something belongs to a character. In addition, Mrs. Goodkind refers to Pickles by using the pronoun you instead of always calling him by name.

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Turnaround Addition Facts

1st Grade

Objective

Apply the commutative property of addition (e.g., if 6 + 4 = 10, then 4 + 6 = 10 is also known) when adding numbers together and solving for a sum.

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Same Story, Different Cultures

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives CCSS Reading: Literature RL.2.1: Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text. RL.2.2: Recount stories, including fables and folk tales from diverse cultures, and determine their central message, lesson, or moral. RL.2.9: Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures. Materials Needed Any copy of Cinderella A copy of a Cinderella story from another culture, such as Yeh-Shen or The Rough-Face Girl Whiteboard or chart paper “The Tortoise and the Hare” “The Heron and the Hummingbird” Comparing Stories reproducible Introduction Tell students that you are going to read two different stories and then compare them to find similarities and differences. Ask students to pay special attention to the characters, the plot and the lesson that each story teaches.

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2nd Grade

Objective

Participate in physical activities that are enjoyable and challenging, while practicing observation skills.

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Positional Word Play

Toddler

Objectives

• Toddlers will be introduced to positional words.
• Toddlers will build vocabulary.

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Candy Coordinate Graphs

3rd Grade

Objectives Students will form an ordered pair using two numbers. Students will use ordered pairs to locate points on a graph. Materials Needed Candy Coordinate Graph reproducible Dice (one pair per student) Mini candy bars Small candy pieces (such as candy corn or candy-coated chocolate) Tape Preparation: Draw a large version of the Candy Coordinate Graph reproducible on posterboard or the whiteboard. Use tape to attach mini candy bars to various points on the graph. Introduction Discuss with students that grids and graphs have a variety of uses in architecture, geography, and geometry. Explain that coordinates are used to indicate where a certain object or place is located on a graph. Draw a simple coordinate graph on the board and write the ordered pair (1, 4). Then demonstrate how to plot that point on the grid.

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Place Value Riddles

2nd Grade

Objectives CCSS Math: Number & Operations in Base Ten 2.NBT.A.1: Understand that the three digits of a three-digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones. 2.NBT.A.3: Read and write numbers to 1000 using base-ten numerals, number names, and expanded form. Materials Needed Whiteboard or chart paper Base 10 blocks (optional) Place Value Math Riddles reproducible and answer key Introduction Tell students you are going to write a number riddle and ask them to solve it. Try these riddles: “I am 200 + 30 + 6. What number am I?” (236) “I have 5 hundreds, 7 tens and 9 ones. What number am I?” (579) “I am 400 + 8. What number am I?” (408) “I have 3 tens, 4 hundreds and 1 one. What number am I?” (431) Note: Point out that the last two riddles were a bit tricky since one number didn’t have any tens, and the other one named the number of tens before naming the number of hundreds!

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Story Sequencing and Writing

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives CCSS Language: Writing W.1.3: Write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide some sense of closure. W.2.3: Write narratives in which they recount a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events, include details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide a sense of closure. Materials Needed Story Sequencing graphic organizer Storytelling picture cards Scissors Chart paper Introduction Write the words first, then, next and last on chart paper. Point out to the class that these are words that writers often use to indicate the order, or sequence, of events in a story. Within the story, writers will then elaborate on the actions, feelings or thoughts of the characters and provide details about the events.

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Fun in the Snow

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objective Students will recall and reference events in a story. Students will use oral and written language to describe winter activities. Students will draw a picture of their favorite winter activity and write a sentence about it. Materials Needed The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats Chalk or write & wipe marker Chalkboard or write & wipe board Fun in the Snow Worksheet Crayons or colored pencils Introduction Tell students that you are going to read them a story about a boy and what he does on a snowy winter day. Ask them if they have ever played in the snow. If so, have them share what they did. (If you live where it snows every winter, simply have your students share which snow activities they enjoy the most. If you have students who have rarely or never seen snow, ask them what snow activities they think might be fun.)

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Wild About Word Problems

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives CCSS Math/Operations and Algebraic Thinking: 1.OA.1, 1.OA.2 Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing with unknowns in all positions by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20 by using objects, drawings, and situations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. Materials Needed Animals on Board by Stuart J. Murphy Wild Animal Counters or other animal manipulatives Animal Story Problems and answer key Create-Your-Own Animal Story Problems Easel, document camera, chart paper, chalkboard or whiteboard [to display problems] Introduction Read aloud Animals on Board by Stuart J. Murphy. As you read, encourage students to help you solve the word problems that are presented in the story. Then point out how the problems are represented in numeric form to show the sum. For example, you might say, “There were three tigers. Along came two more. 3 + 2 = how many?”

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The Wonder of Word Meanings

Kindergarten

Objective Distinguishing shades of meaning among verbs describing the same general action Materials Needed Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. 1½" Ruled Chart Tablet Best-Buy Washable Fine-Tip Markers Chalk Shades of Meaning reproducible and answer key Introduction Read aloud Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin Jr. As you are reading, have students notice the different ways animals make sounds.

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Animal Adaptations

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objective Explore the relationship between a bird’s beak and its ability to find food and survive. Materials Needed “Awesome Adaptations” and “A Beak for Every Job” information cards “Why Do Birds Have Different Beaks?” activity card Easy-Grip Safety Tweezers - Set of 12 Spoons Super-Safe Eyedroppers - Set of 12 Plastic fish and plastic worms (or other small objects to represent fish and worms) Plastic tray Water Introduction Ask students, “Have you ever wondered why a turtle has a hard shell? Or why a chameleon can change colors to match its surroundings?” Explain that these are two examples of animal adaptations, or ways that animals change in order to survive in their environment.

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Butterfly Life Cycle

Pre-K

Objective Students will identify and describe the stages of the butterfly life cycle. Materials Needed The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Life Cycle Wheel template Crayons Scissors Brass fasteners Life Cycle of the Butterfly sequencing strip Life Cycle Picture Cards Number Spinner Paper clips Pencils Introduction Read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Explain to students that they can see the life cycle of a butterfly in the story. Turn back to the beginning of the book and point to the pictures that show each stage—egg, caterpillar, cocoon and butterfly. Explain to students that a butterfly cocoon is called a chrysalis.

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Parts of a Plant

Kindergarten

Objectives Students will identify the parts of a plant and how plants grow. Students will determine what plants need to survive. Materials Needed Package of carrot seeds The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss Parts of a Plant Diagram Parts of a Plant Activity Sheet Scissors Crayons Glue Introduction Gather children together for circle time and give one carrot seed to each child. (Don’t tell them what kind of seed it is!) Ask them to share their thoughts on what the seed will turn into after it is planted. Encourage them to make as many guesses as they want to. Tell students you are going to read a story about a boy who has the same kind of seed they are holding. Invite them to pay close attention to how the seed changes throughout the story and what the boy does to help it grow. Encourage students to listen carefully as you read to find out what kind of seed it is!

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Bubble Observations

Kindergarten

Objectives Experimenting with and discovering the properties of bubbles Describing and sharing their experiences with bubbles Materials Needed Bubble Observations reproducible Bubbles and bubble wands (one for teacher and each student) Bubble machine (optional) Cup of water Chart paper and marker Introduction Take students outside to teach them this fun bubble song (to the tune of “Are You Sleeping?”): Blowing bubbles, Blowing bubbles, In the air, In the air! Floating all around me, Floating all around me, Everywhere, Everywhere! As students sing, take out a bottle of bubbles and a wand, and blow bubbles over their heads. Or set up a bubble machine so that it blows bubbles around the children as they sing and dance.

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Playing with Push and Pull

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Students will define force as the push or pull on an object. Students will identify whether the force being exerted on an object is pushing or pulling. Students will understand and demonstrate that an object at rest tends to stay at rest. Materials Needed Small washers or coins Strip of paper Chart paper Playground equipment Masking tape Variety of small objects (e.g., pencils, pennies, balls, toy cars, etc.) Measuring tape Push/Pull recording sheet Introduction Place a stack of three or four washers or coins on top of a strip of paper on a table or flat desktop surface, making sure that most of the paper is hanging off the surface. Ask students to predict what will happen if you quickly pull the strip of paper off the table. After they have made their guesses, grab the paper and swiftly pull it out from under the washers or coins in a downward motion. (The objects should stay on the table.) Explain how the coins or washers resisted movement even though the paper below them was moved away.

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Close Reading and Text Features

3rd Grade - 4th Grade

Objectives CCSS Reading: Informational Text RI.3.7: Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur). RI.4.7: Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears. Materials Needed “Three Cheers for Engineers!” reading passage Paper and pencils Introduction Provide students with a copy of the “Three Cheers for Engineers!” reading passage. Tell students, “Today we are going to read a passage titled, “Three Cheers for Engineers!” One practice of good readers is that they pay close attention to the text. As we read, I want you to think about the meaning of the text, the words that are used and other features on the page that are used to help interpret the text.”

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Exploring Nonfiction Text

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objective CCSS Reading: Informational Text RI.4.5: Describe the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts or information in a text or part of a text. Materials Needed “Artful Architecture” nonfiction reading selection Construction Paper - 9" x 12" (cut into 9-inch squares) Safety Scissors Lakeshore Glue Sticks Pencils or markers Introduction Explain to students that they are going to learn about some different types of buildings and architecture by reading a nonfiction selection. Tell students, “Today we are going to see how the author uses the organizational strategy of comparing and contrasting.”

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4th Grade

Objectives Students will understand Newton’s First Law of Motion. Students will understand friction’s effect on moving objects. Materials Needed “What Is Friction?” information page and experiment sheet Books Sandpaper (one strip, approximately 4" - 5" long, for each group) Tape measure (one for each group) Toy cars (one heavier car and one lighter car for each group) 2" x 4" wood boards (each approximately 6" long for each group) Introduction Explain to students that Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object at rest will remain at rest and an object moving in a straight line will continue to move in that direction unless an outside force interferes. Demonstrate this by setting a toy car down on a table. Ask, “Is the car moving?” (no) Reinforce that it will not move until an outside force moves it. Then push the car gently with your finger to make it roll forward, and ask students to explain what happened. (The car rolled forward because it was pushed.) Point out that the car eventually stopped rolling because it encountered friction. Tell students that friction occurs when two surfaces rub against each other. In this case, the wheels of the car rubbing against the surface of the table eventually slowed the car’s movement and caused the car to stop. In addition, heavier objects, or objects with more mass, create more friction when they come in contact with another object or surface.

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Safe Space Conversations

2nd Grade

Objectives

Create a safe, collaborative learning environment where thoughts and ideas are valued.
Foster a culture of kindness and respect.

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The Science of Skin

5th Grade

Objectives

Understand that people are more alike than they are different.
Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

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Pilgrim Patterns

Pre-K - Kindergarten

Objective Students will identify and make repeating patterns. Materials Needed The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern Pilgrim templates Mayflower template Construction Paper - 12" x 18" (brown, blue and white) Help-Yourself Glue Tubes Safety Scissors Markers or crayons Preparation: Print out the Pilgrim templates on white paper. Each child will need a page of boy templates and a page of girl templates. Reproduce the Mayflower template onto brown construction paper. Make one copy for each student. Introduction Read aloud The Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving by Ann McGovern. Lead students in a brief discussion about how it might have felt to be a Pilgrim child on the Mayflower. What would they be excited about? What would they be sad about?

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Comparing Objects

Kindergarten

Objective CCSS Math: Counting & Cardinality K.CC.C.6: Identify whether the number of objects in one group is greater than, less than or equal to the number of objects in another group, e.g., by using matching and counting strategies. Materials Needed Document Camera Penguin counters reproducible Colorful winter scarves Paper Classroom Pencils Polar Bear Compare reproducible

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Equivalent Fraction Activities

3rd Grade

Objectives Number & Operations - Fractions Understanding fractions as equivalent if they are the same size or same point on a number line Recognizing and generating equivalent fractions, and explaining why the fractions are equivalent using a visual model Materials Needed Whiteboard Fraction pizzas reproducibles Fraction bars reproducible Crayons Chart paper “Fraction Contraption” game mats “Fraction Contraption” game pieces Spinner template Pencils Paper clips Scissors Tape Introduction On the board, write: 5 dimes are equivalent to 2 quarters. 3 + 5 is equivalent to 5 + 3. 1/2 is equivalent to 50%. Read the sentences aloud. Then ask students to discuss what they think the term “equivalent” means.

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Poems for Peace

5th Grade

Objectives Students will listen to an oral reading about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students will identify key words that describe his work and values. Students will create their own poems that promote peace in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Materials Needed Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport Chart paper or chalkboard Markers or chalk Martin Luther King Jr. poem Peace Poem template Introduction Show students the picture of Martin Luther King Jr. on the front cover of the book and ask them to identify him. Explain that Dr. King’s birthday is celebrated as a national holiday in the United States to honor him and his contribution to society. Read aloud Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport.

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100th Day Activity

Kindergarten

Objectives Students will be able to estimate quantities to 100. Students will be able to count to 100 with one-to-one correspondence. Students will be able to demonstrate that ten groups of ten equal 100. Materials Needed Transparent jar of 100 jelly beans (or other small treats such as marshmallows, chocolate-coated candies, or sour candies) Hundreds Chart Reproducible Crayons (ten colors for each student) String Colored O’s cereal Introduction Show students a jar of 100 jelly beans. Ask them to guess how many jelly beans are in the jar. You may want to prompt them to think about how reasonable their guesses are by asking: Are there more than two jelly beans? Are there more than 10 jelly beans? Estimate how many jelly beans you think there might be. Have volunteers call out their guesses. Record their guesses on chart paper.

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Chinese New Year Celebration

Pre-K - 1st Grade

Objectives Students will listen to an oral reading of a nonfiction story about Chinese New Year. Students will recall and identify customs and traditions associated with this holiday. Students will create and use a dragon puppet to celebrate Chinese New Year. Materials Needed Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-The-Flap Book by Joan Holub Dragon puppet template Chart paper Marker Red construction paper (cut into 12" x 2" strips) Glue Crayons Glitter (optional) Chopsticks (two per student) Curling ribbon Tape Scissors Introduction Read aloud Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book by Joan Holub. As you read, invite student volunteers to take turns lifting the flaps on each page. Discuss with students what is found beneath each flap.

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Reading Reflections

5th Grade

Objectives CCSS Reading/Literature: RL.4.2, RL.5.2, RL.5.6 Determine a theme of a story, drama or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. Determine a theme of a story, drama or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described. Materials Needed Document camera or whiteboard “Arithmetic” by Carl Sandburg Read and Respond record Introduction Explain to students that, just as an author expresses ideas in the form of a story, a poet expresses thoughts and ideas in the form of a poem. Point out that, while a poem does not always have to rhyme, it consistently expresses a poet’s ideas or thoughts about a topic—often using very little space. Challenge students to listen carefully as you read aloud a poem by Carl Sandburg called “Arithmetic.” Remind students that “arithmetic” is another word for “math.” Ask students to think about what the poet is trying to say and what theme, or “big idea,” he is trying to share about arithmetic/math.

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Introducing Emotions Through Pictures

Infant

Objectives

• Infants will be exposed to expressions of emotions.
• Infants will build social cognition and process social information.

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If You're Happy and You Know It

Infant

Objectives

• Infants will be introduced to vocabulary related to feelings and emotions.
• Infants will develop social-emotional skills.
• Infants will develop language skills.

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Everyday Learning Activities

2nd Grade

Here are some fun ways you can incorporate learning into your everyday routines!

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Storytelling Baskets

Toddler

Objectives

• Toddlers will build oral language and vocabulary skills.
• Toddlers will retell stories.
• Toddlers will be exposed to books and print.

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4th Grade

Objectives

Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric current.
Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

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Fall Skip-Counting Fun

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Using strategies to add and subtract fluently within 20 Skip-counting by 2s, 5s, 10s and 100s Understanding that skip-counting is a faster way to count objects in a group Materials Needed Christopher Counting by Valeri Gorbachev Acorn Number Cards Counting by 2s Number Line Pumpkin Number Cards Counting by 5s Number Line Lakeshore Glue Sticks Fall Skip-Counting Fun Addition Practice Pointer or yardstick Scissors Introduction Read Christopher Counting by Valeri Gorbachev. Talk to the students about how excited the main character is about counting. Ask, “What are some objects that Christopher counted?” Then ask, “What are some objects that you can count?” Point out that Christopher was counting by 1s. Explain that students can count objects faster by skip-counting.

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My Winter Acrostic

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Objectives Reading: Literature Reading and comprehending grade-appropriate literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry Writing Writing an acrostic poem Materials Needed Animal Acrostics by David Hummon or Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur My Winter Acrostic template Winter Acrostic Organizer template Dark-blue construction paper - 9" x 12" Crayons or colored pencils Pencil Chalk or write & wipe marker Chalkboard or write & wipe board Introduction Hold up the book Animal Acrostics by David Hummon or Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur. Then explain that the first letter of each line in an acrostic poem spells out a “topic” word that ties all the lines of the poem together. (It’s helpful to demonstrate the concept on a chalkboard or write & wipe board.) Read a few examples from the book and show students how acrostic poems are arranged on a page. (You may want to reproduce one on the board or a large poster so students can refer to it throughout the lesson.)

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1, 2, Bee, Sing with Me

Infant

Objectives

• Infants will explore numbers through music and rhyme.
• Infants will be introduced to rhythm, sound, and timing.

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Our Wonderful Water Cycle

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Students will identify and explain the stages of the water cycle. Students will understand evaporation, condensation and precipitation. Materials Needed Slow cooker with lid Water Posterboard or chart paper Marker Water Cycle Spinner Crayons Scissors Metal fasteners Introduction Set up a slow cooker in the front of the room (out of reach of students) and pour water into it. Set the temperature on high and ask students to observe what happens when the water heats up. (They will see steam rising.) Next, place a lid over the top and ask them what they think will happen to the water that is rising. (It will gather together on the lid.) Finally, ask students to predict what will happen to the water droplets on the inside of the lid when you lift the lid off of the pot. (They will drip downward.) Tell students that you have just demonstrated a process called the water cycle.

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Pumpkin Seed Count and Compare

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Students will estimate how many seeds are in a pumpkin and compare their estimates to the actual results. Students will count by twos, fives, and tens. Students will use the greater than, less than and equal symbols to compare numbers. Materials Needed How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara Pumpkin Knife (for teacher use only) Newspaper 3 index cards Comparing Seeds reproducible Preparation: Purchase a pumpkin from a local grocery store or pumpkin patch. Bring it to school, along with a sharp knife and some old newspaper. Spread out the newspaper to protect your workspace. Then cut out the top of the pumpkin. Leave the top on until instructed to remove it during the lesson. Finally, take the index cards and write the greater than symbol on the first card, the less than symbol on the second card, and the equal sign on the third card. Introduction Display the pumpkin and ask students to tell you what’s inside (seeds). Ask students if they can estimate, or guess, how many seeds there are. Write their guesses on the board or on chart paper. Tell students that you are going to read a story about a class that does the same activity that you will do with students today. Ask students to listen for ideas on how to count the pumpkin seeds. Then read aloud How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? When you have finished reading, ask students to share their observations about the book, including ways to count the pumpkin seeds.

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Character Building: Bullying

3rd Grade - 5th Grade

Objectives Students will listen and respond to literature read aloud by the teacher. Students will share interpretations of lessons in a story and learn to apply these lessons to their own lives. Materials Needed A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon Chalkboard, sentence strips or interactive whiteboard Notebook paper Introduction Ask students if they have a favorite food that might surprise others, like broccoli, spinach or beets! Invite volunteers to tell the class what this surprising food is. Tell students that you are going to read a story in which the main character has an odd choice for a favorite food. Ask students to pay special attention to what happens to this character, how her classmates react to her, and what she does to solve her problem. Read aloud A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon.

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Drawing Conclusions: Detecting Character Traits

3rd Grade - 4th Grade

Objectives Students will draw conclusions about a person’s character traits based on information in a reading passage. Students will identify character traits and provide evidence to support their conclusions. Materials Needed “Phone Plan” reading passage Chart paper Blue ribbon reproducible Novel or selection the class is currently reading

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Eating Right: Healthy Choices

Pre-K

Objectives Identifying healthy foods and unhealthy foods Sorting and classifying a variety of foods into the appropriate food groups Materials Needed The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Chart paper or whiteboard MyPlate graphic organizer Food pictures Nutrition puzzles Best-Buy Scissors Lakeshore Glue Sticks Introduction Read aloud The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Have students identify which foods in the book are healthy and which are not. Chart their responses on chart paper or on a whiteboard.

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Past, Present, or Future? Progressive Verb Tenses

4th Grade

Objective

Form and use the progressive verb tenses—for example, “I was walking,” “I am walking,” and “I will be walking.”

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Different Types of Nouns

1st Grade

Objectives CCSS Language L.1.1.B: Use common, proper, and possessive nouns. L.1.2.A: Capitalize dates and names of people. L.2.2.A: Capitalize holidays, product names, and geographic names. Materials Needed Whiteboard or chart paper Blank writing paper Noun sorting mat and answer key Noun list Scissors Glue Pencils Introduction Write the following two sentences on the board or chart paper: The girl walked her dog. Lucy walked her dog Rufus. Ask students, “What is the difference between these two sentences?” Allow them to give various answers (one is more specific than the other, one uses names, etc.). Explain that nouns can be either common nouns (people, places, things or ideas) or proper nouns (the names of specific people, places, things or ideas), and that we typically capitalize proper nouns. That’s why the names “Lucy” and “Rufus” are capitalized.

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Everyday Learning Activities

Infant

Here are some fun ways you can incorporate learning into your everyday routines!

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What Makes a Shadow?

1st Grade

Objectives Understanding that shadows are formed when an object blocks a light source, such as the sun Explaining how their own shadows change shape and size Materials Needed Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch What Makes a Shadow? reproducible Chalk Introduction Tell students that you are going to read a book about a bear and his shadow. Encourage them to pay close attention to what the bear’s shadow does in the story. Read aloud the book Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch. Then ask students the following questions: What makes Moonbear’s shadow? Why does Moonbear want to get rid of his shadow? How does he try to get rid of his shadow? Why doesn’t it work? What happens to Moonbear’s shadow when he hides behind a tree? Why? Why does Moonbear’s shadow disappear when he buries it? Why does Moonbear’s shadow appear larger during certain times of the day and smaller during other times?

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What's on the Inside?

Pre-K

Objectives

Understand that even though people are different, they also have a lot in common.
Foster a culture of belonging and inclusion.

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Multiplication Mania

3rd Grade

Objectives Students will find the product of a single-digit number and a double-digit number. Students will understand how rearranging the numerals affects the product of a single-digit number and a double-digit number. Materials Needed Baseball number cards template Multiplication Mania reproducible Scissors Introduction Write the problems 23 x 9 and 93 x 2 on the board. Ask students, “Do you notice anything similar about these two problems? Yes, they both use the same numerals but in different places.” Invite students to make a guess as to which product will be greater. Give them time to find the answers (23 x 9 = 207 and 93 x 2 = 186). Then ask students if they can think of different ways to arrange the three numerals so that the product would be greater than 207 or less than 186. Invite students to use a pencil and paper to work out some possible problems and their answers (such as 39 x 2 = 78, 29 x 3 = 87, 92 x 3 = 276 and 32 x 9 = 288).

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The Sea and Me: A Measurement Lesson

3rd Grade

Objective Students will use measurement skills to compare the relative size of sea animals. Materials Needed Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is? by Robert E. Wells Adding machine paper roll Tape measure 6 rocks (as paperweights) Butcher paper sheets (large enough for students to lie down on) “The Sea and Me” Record Sheet Rulers Pencils Scissors Preparation: Cut a strip of adding machine paper to match the average length of each sea animal below: Blue Whale: 94 ft. Orca: 32 ft. Bottlenose Dolphin: 12 ft. Label each strip with the name of the animal. (Do not write the length of the animal on the strip.) Introduction Tell students that they are going to learn about measurement and relative size. Then read Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is? by Robert E. Wells. After you have finished the book, ask students to share examples of relative size that are given in the book (e.g., a blue whale is big compared to other animals but small compared to Mount Everest). Finally, tell students that they are going to compare the sizes of three sea animals. Then they will compare their own size to the three animals.

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Parts of a Whole

2nd Grade

Objectives Students will understand that fractions are equal parts of a whole. Students will identify the numerator and denominator of a fraction. Students will match fractions to shaded parts of a circle. Materials Needed Apple Fractions by Jerry Pallotta Apple Knife Fraction match-up puzzles Fiskars Classroom Scissors Introduction Read aloud Apple Fractions by Jerry Pallotta to introduce fractions as parts of a whole.

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Pick a Book Out of a Hat!

Toddler

Objectives

• Toddlers will be exposed to books and print.
• Toddlers will develop language skills.

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Make a Pout Pout Face

Pre-K

Objectives

Children will be aware of the feelings of others.
Children will identify feelings and emotions.
Children will recognize facial characteristics associated with emotions.

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Author’s Purpose PIE

1st Grade

Objectives Reading Literature Explain major differences between books that tell stories and books that give information, drawing on a wide reading of a range of text types. Reading Informational Text Identify the main purpose of a text, including what the author wants to answer, explain or describe. Materials Needed Author’s Purpose PIE chart Interactive whiteboard or chart paper Various informational, persuasive and entertaining texts Sticky notes (enough for each small group) PIE reading passage cards PIE sorting mat and answer key Glue (optional) Introduction Explain to students that authors have many different reasons for writing. For example, an author might write to inform or explain something to the reader about a topic, to persuade someone to think about an idea or convince them to do something, or simply to tell an entertaining story. Tell students that these varied reasons for writing are called the author’s purpose. Students can recall the three main purposes by remembering the acronym PIE—Persuade, Inform, Entertain. Emphasize that being able to identify the author’s purpose in writing helps us connect with the text and understand what the author wants us to know.

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Infant

Objectives

• Infants will build vocabulary.
• Infants will engage in pretend play.
• Infants will be introduced to the rhythms of conversation.

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Five Little Ducks Prints

Toddler

Objectives

• Toddlers will build vocabulary through word repetition.
• Toddlers will build oral language skills.
• Toddlers will be exposed to books and print.

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Equivalent Fractions

4th Grade

Objectives

Explain why fractions are equivalent (i.e., 1/2 = 2/4).
Recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

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Prefix & Suffix Puzzles

3rd Grade

Objective

Determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word.

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What’s the Weather?

Kindergarten

Objectives Students will observe and describe the weather. Students will compare and contrast weather conditions from one day to the next. Materials Needed Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub Weather cards Weather Report sheet Indoor/outdoor thermometer Preparation Make five copies of the Weather Report sheet for each student and staple each set together. Introduction Tell students that February 2 is Groundhog Day. Explain the legend that goes along with this funny holiday. Every year on this date, a famous groundhog called Punxsutawney Phil emerges from the ground to “predict” the weather. If the groundhog sees his shadow, he is frightened and runs back underground. This means there will be six more weeks of winter. However, if the groundhog does not see his shadow, we will have an early spring! Next, read aloud Groundhog Weather School by Joan Holub.

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Multiples & Factors

4th Grade

Objectives

Find the factor pairs for a whole number within 100.
Determine if a whole number within 100 is a multiple of a given one-digit number, and whether a whole number within 100 is prime or composite.

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Rolling for Number Sense: Even and Odd Numbers

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Students will classify numbers as even or odd. Students will recognize that even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 and odd numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. Students will add numbers with sums up to 12. Materials Needed Dice Manipulatives Paper and pencils “An Odd Valentine” reproducible Red and blue crayons (one of each for each student) Introduction Introduce the concept of odd and even numbers. Tell students that even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. Odd numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. To help students understand the concept, explain that an even number of objects can be divided equally between two people. Say to students, “If there are four cookies on a plate, two friends can divide them equally—each child can have two cookies. Four is an even number! But if there are three cookies on the plate, the two friends cannot divide them equally. Each child can have one cookie, and they would have to break the third cookie in half. Three is not an even number.”

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Bushels of Sight-Word Fun

Kindergarten - 1st Grade

Objectives Recognizing and reading grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words Decoding regularly spelled one-syllable words Materials Needed Apple sight-word cards Construction Paper - 9" x 12" (red) Basket or bin Scissors Introduction List the sight-words on the board. Tell students you are going to practice recognizing sight-words. Have them repeat each word aloud as you point to it.

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First Day Friendship Building

1st Grade

Objectives Introducing themselves to classmates Sharing something unique about themselves and learning something special about their classmates Understanding that they will work together as a community throughout the school year Describing people, places, things and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly Materials Needed First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg Ball of yarn Puzzle piece template Construction paper (white) Scissors Crayons or markers Stickers (optional) Introduction Read aloud First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg to your students. After reading, ask students to raise their hands if the book’s ending surprised them. (The main character in the story was the teacher, not a student!) Invite them to share why they, their classmates, or their teacher may feel nervous about the first day in a new classroom. Encourage them to share ideas of ways to overcome this feeling.

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Literal vs. Nonliteral Meanings

3rd Grade - 4th Grade

Objective CCSS Language/Vocabulary Acquisition and Use: L.3.5.a, L.4.5.b Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings: a. Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps). Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings: b. Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms. Materials Needed Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish Chart paper and marker or chalkboard and chalk or document camera Illustrating Idioms page Wrap-Around Language Idiom cards and answer key Markers or Crayons Best-Buy Scissors Before You Begin Explain to students that words or phrases can have literal or nonliteral meanings. Tell them that a nonliteral meaning is when a phrase means something other than the exact words in it. Explain that authors sometimes use nonliteral meanings in their writing as a way to make a comparison or an exaggerated statement about something. For example, an author writing that someone is a “night owl” is really saying that this person is awake and active at night (nonliteral meaning) rather than stating that the person turns into an animal at night (literal meaning). Tell students that you are going to read the story Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish. Ask students to actively listen for the idioms, or nonliteral phrases, that are used in the story. Introduction Begin reading aloud to the class Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish. As you read, pause to point out one or two forms of figurative language (e.g., “change the towels” on p. 16 or “draw the drapes” on p. 25) that cause confusion for Amelia. Ask students to explain and describe what they really mean, as opposed to Amelia’s literal interpretation of the phrases. Before you continue with the story, ask students to pay special attention to some of the other forms of figurative language in the story as Amelia encounters them.

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Comparing Whole Numbers

4th Grade

Objective CCSS Math: Number & Operations in Base Ten 4.NBT.A.2: Read and write multi-digit whole numbers using base ten numerals, number names and expanded form. Compare two multi-digit numbers based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons. Materials Needed Interactive whiteboard or chalkboard Large number cards Cardstock or Construction Paper - 9" x 12" (optional) Place value charts Preparation Make two sets of the number cards. (For durability, you may want to mount them onto sturdy construction paper or cardstock and laminate them.) Introduction Display the following symbols on an interactive whiteboard or chalkboard: > Invite students to discuss what each symbol means (greater than, less than and equal to). Remind students that these symbols are used when comparing two numbers to determine which is larger (greater than) or smaller (less than) or if they are equal.

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Infant

Objectives

• Infants will be introduced to friendship and affection.
• Infants will build vocabulary.

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Introduction to Idioms and Multiple Meanings

1st Grade

Objectives Students will discuss and decode the meaning of idioms and figures of speech from the book Amelia Bedelia. Students will demonstrate an understanding of figures of speech by interpreting their meanings. Materials Needed The book Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish Whiteboard and dry-erase marker (or chalkboard and chalk) Interpreting Idioms Reproducible Scissors Box or hat Introduction Ask students if they have ever heard a joke that made them laugh their heads off! Ask volunteers to share the joke with the class. Then ask students, “When we say ‘I laughed my head off,’ do we really mean that we laughed so hard that our heads fall off our bodies?” Once students have responded—and giggled a little—tell them that this kind of expression is called an idiom, or a common phrase that means something different than what it says. Hold up the book Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish. Explain that Amelia Bedelia is a character who often gets confused by idioms or words that have more than one meaning. Before you begin reading the story aloud, tell students to listen for Amelia’s misunderstandings and try to figure out what Amelia Bedelia should really be doing.

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Match & Drop Color Sorting

Infant

Objectives

• Infants will be introduced to colors.
• Infants will practice sorting by color.

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Everyday Learning Activities

1st Grade

Here are some fun ways you can incorporate learning into your everyday routines!

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Long Vowel Combinations

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives CCSS Reading: Foundational Skills RF.1.3b: Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words. RF.1.3c: Know final -e and common vowel team conventions for representing long vowel sounds. RF.2.3b: Know spelling-sound correspondences for additional common vowel teams. Materials Needed Chart paper, overhead projector or interactive whiteboard Long Vowel Words building board Long vowel picture cards and letter tiles Word Ladder activity pages Three-In-A-Row game components (game board, spinner and word list) Small scraps of paper or game markers (e.g., coins, chips, etc.) Classroom Pencils Paper clips Introduction Write the following words on chart paper: tap hop fin Ask a volunteer to read each word aloud. Point out that the vowel sound in each word is a short vowel (as in “apple,” “object” and “igloo”). Next, write an “e” at the end of each word to form the words “tape,” “hope” and “fine.” Tell students that this final -e (sometimes called a “magic e”) changes the vowel sound from short to long.

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Vocabulary Building: Animal Alliteration

3rd Grade - 4th Grade

Objectives Students will identify alliteration as a literary tool. Students will build their vocabulary by listing descriptive words that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Materials Needed Animalia by Graeme Base “Alphabet Alliteration” pre-writing sheet Construction paper Markers or crayons Dictionaries Introduction Introduce students to the concept of alliteration by realing aloud Animalia by Graeme Base. Ask, “What did you notice about the animal names and the words that the author is using to describe them?” (The words begin with the same letter.) Explain that this is called alliteration. Tell students that alliteration is a literary tool that writers use to add emphasis to words or create a certain mood or rhythm in their writing.

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Float Your Boat

Kindergarten - 1st Grade

Objectives Students will predict how many pennies an aluminum foil boat will hold before it sinks. Students will test their predictions and record the results. Materials Needed Float Your Boat Record Sheet Aluminum foil Small plastic tubs Pennies Introduction Prompt students to raise their hands if they have ever traveled aboard a boat. Invite students to share what kind of boat it was (such as a rowboat, sailboat, canoe or cruise ship) and about how many passengers were on board. Ask students, “Can you ever have too many people aboard a boat? How do you know? What might happen?” Invite students to hypothesize and share their reasoning. Guide them to the conclusion that too much weight may cause a boat to sink.

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Comparing Living Things

1st Grade

Objectives Students will listen to a story that is read aloud and recall events from the story. Students will understand that trees and other living things have patterns that they follow from one season to the next. Students will learn about hibernation. Students will research different types of animals and compare and contrast the animals. Students will extend their learning by creating a book that illustrates the differences between two animals. Materials Needed Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson Tree Squirrels and Ground Squirrels graphic organizer Bears and Bats graphic organizer Foxes and Rabbits graphic organizer Hamsters and Mice graphic organizer Construction paper (white) Stapler Best-Buy Crayons or Best-Buy Colored Pencils Scissors Preparation Cut the white construction paper into 4.5" x 6.5" rectangles. Staple six to eight rectangles together to make booklets for the class. (You will need four booklets for four groups of student researchers.) Make several copies of each graphic organizer. Introduction Invite students to gather on the floor in front of you as you read aloud Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson. Ask students the following questions: What is Fletcher’s problem in the story? (Answer: Fletcher was sad that the leaves were disappearing from the tree. He did not understand that the leaves were falling off the tree in preparation for winter.) What does Fletcher discover when he goes to visit the tree at the end of the story? (Answer: It is covered with shimmering icicles and is just as beautiful as it was before.)

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Bundles of Beans: A Place Value Lesson

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives Students will understand place value. Students will explore the relationship between ones, tens, and hundreds. Materials Needed Place value work mat Spinner template Large dried beans (over 100 for each student) Craft Sticks (10 for each student) Glue Paper clips Pencils Introduction On chart paper or a chalkboard, draw a chart with three columns. Label the columns from left to right: hundreds, tens, and ones. Hold up a bean and ask students, “How many beans do I have?” Then write the numeral 1 in the ones column on your chart. Say, “If I add two more beans, how many will I have?” Write the numeral 3 beneath the 1 in the ones column. Explain, “When we have a number that is less than 10, we can show it by writing it in the ones column.” Then ask, “But what if I have 14 beans? Each of these columns can only hold one numeral. So how can I show 14 on my chart?” Write a 1 in the tens column and a 4 in the ones column. Reinforce the concept by pointing to each numeral and saying, “This means I have one ten and four ones—14.”

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Amazing Ocean Animals

3rd Grade

Objectives Understanding and explaining how blubber helps sea mammals adapt to cold temperatures in the ocean Identifying the mammals among a variety of ocean animals Materials Needed Ocean Animal Picture Cards Thin rubber gloves (one per student) Vegetable shortening Bowls of cold water Quart-size zip-close bag Pencils and paper Scissors Before You Begin Download, print and cut apart the set of Ocean Animal Picture Cards. Fill the zip-close bag with shortening. Introduction Hold up each ocean animal picture card, asking students to guess which animals are mammals (the whale, dolphin and walrus). Explain that whales, dolphins and walrus are not fish, but mammals that have adapted to live in the ocean. Tell students that mammals are warm-blooded and that their body temperatures must remain constant, even in the cold ocean environment. Explain that one important adaptation of ocean mammals is the blubber, or thick layer of fat, that these animals have beneath their skin.

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My Gift to the World Opinion Writing

1st Grade - 2nd Grade

Objectives CCSS Reading: Writing W.1.1: Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion and provide some sense of closure. W.2.1: Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply reasons that support the opinion, use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion and reasons, and provide a concluding statement or section. Materials Needed The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein “My Gift to the World” writing frame Bow template Holiday wrapping paper (in a variety of styles) Best-Buy Crayons Construction Paper - 9" x 12" Lakeshore Glue Sticks Safety Scissors Chart paper or whiteboard Preparation: Cut the wrapping paper into 10" x 13" sheets. Introduction Read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Ask, “What are some of the gifts that the tree provides in the story?” (Possible answers include shade, apples and branches to swing on.) Then ask, “How does the tree feel when he sees the boy enjoying his gifts?” Discuss how giving gifts can often feel more rewarding than receiving gifts.

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Multistep Word Problems

3rd Grade

Objectives CCSS Math: Operations & Algebraic Thinking 3.OA.D.8: Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. 4.OA.A.3: Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. Materials Needed Cardboard box or posterboard, cut into an outline of a bus (optional) Whiteboard or chart paper Tim’s Yard Work flyer Neighborhood Jobs reproducible Neighborhood Jobs Answer Key Preparation Print out a copy of the Tim’s Yard Work flyer and the Neighborhood Jobs reproducible for each student in your class. (You can also display the flyer on a document camera.) Introduction Instruct students to listen very carefully to the following story problem: Mr. Smith is driving a bus. At first, the bus has no passengers. At the first stop, 10 passengers get onto the bus. At the second stop, 2 passengers get off the bus. Then 4 passengers board the bus. At the third stop, half the passengers get off the bus. Pause for a few seconds. Then ask, “Now...what is the name of the bus driver?” Most students will likely react with surprise at this question, but a few will remember that you stated who was driving the bus at the beginning of the story problem. Affirm that the name of the bus driver is Mr. Smith. Ask students to raise their hands if they were calculating the number of passengers getting on and off the bus. Explain that, although this story problem was a riddle with a surprising twist at the end, those with their hands raised were actually calculating a multistep math problem that involved addition, subtraction and even division. Point out that this exercise is also a good example of why it is helpful to read the whole problem first in order to find out what information is needed to answer the question.

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Muffin Tin Math

Toddler

Objectives

• Toddlers will be introduced to one-to-one correspondence.
• Toddlers will count quantities.
• Toddlers will develop fine motor skills.

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Toddler

Objectives

• Toddlers will identify feelings and emotions.
• Toddlers will receive emotional support, even if they are not yet able to communicate their needs.

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