Compound Word Hearts
1st Grade - 2nd Grade
Objectives Students will define “compound words.” Students will identify word parts in compound words and combine words to form compound words. Materials Needed Heart templates Construction Paper - 9" x 12" (pastel colors like pink and yellow) Scissors Markers or crayons Chart paper (optional) Tape Preparation Make a copy of the heart templates on construction paper. Cut out six hearts and write one of the following words on each heart: sail, up, card, stairs, board, and boat. Make more copies of the templates so you have one copy for each pair of students in your class.
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Simple Words Match-Ups
Pre-K
Objectives
- Children will identify short vowel sounds.
- Children will decode and recognize words.
- Children will associate words with objects.
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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Understanding Misused Words
4th Grade
Objective
- Correctly use frequently confused words—for example, “to, “too,” and “two” and “there,” “their,” and “they’re.”
Magical Multisyllable Words
3rd Grade
Objective
- Decode and build multisyllable words.
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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Rhyme Time: Word Families Lesson
1st Grade - 2nd Grade
Objectives Reading: Foundational Skills Orally producing single-syllable words by blending sounds, including consonant blends Decoding regularly spelled one-syllable words Knowing spelling-sound correspondences for additional common vowel teams Materials Needed Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss Word-building cards and answer key “Wonderful Word Families” reproducible Pocket chart Chart paper or whiteboard Scissors Marker Preparation Print the word-building cards and answer key. Cut out the title, word family and onset cards.
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Two-Syllable Words Memory Match
2nd Grade
Objective
- Decode regularly spelled two-syllable words.
Compound Word Match
2nd Grade
Objective
- Use knowledge of individual words to determine the meanings of compound words.
Root Word Scoops
2nd Grade
Objectives
- Identify frequently occurring root words and their inflectional forms.
- Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes.
Positional Word Play
Toddler
Objectives
• Toddlers will be introduced to positional words.
• Toddlers will build vocabulary.
Build-A-Word Shell Game
Kindergarten
Objective
- Children will build and read CVC words.
Stack & Build Sight Word Tower
Pre-K
Objectives
- Children will recognize and read high-frequency words.
- Children will develop vocabulary.
Identifying Words Through Pictures
Infant
Objectives
• Infants will develop print awareness.
• Infants will build vocabulary.
• Infants will imitate adults by pointing at pictures.
Action-Packed Action Words
1st Grade
Objectives Students will identify action verbs. Students will list action verbs that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Materials Needed Ten Naughty Little Monkeys by Suzanne Williams Ten Naughty Little Monkeys Word Cards Pocket chart Chart paper Marker Construction paper Markers or crayons Scissors Preparation: Print and cut apart the Ten Naughty Little Monkeys word cards and have them ready to place in a pocket chart. Introduction Ask students to raise their hands if they have ever heard the rhyme “Five Little Monkeys.” Remind students that the rhyme counts down from five monkeys to zero monkeys. Invite students to chant the rhyme with you: Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, One fell off and bumped his head. Mama called the doctor, and the doctor said, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!” Continue until you have chanted all six verses.
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Sight Word Splash
Pre-K
Objectives
- Children will recognize and read high- frequency words.
- Children will develop vocabulary.
- Children will develop gross motor skills.
Multiplication & Division Word Problems
4th Grade
Objective
- Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison.
Word Building Cones
Pre-K
Objectives
- Children will understand letter- sound correspondence.
- Children will practice spelling.
- Children will develop vocabulary.
Conversion Word Problems
5th Grade
Objective
- Solve word problems involving conversions.
Word Family Memory Match
Kindergarten
Objectives
- Children will recognize beginning letter sounds.
- Children will understand word families.
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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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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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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Word Building Fun
Pre-K
Objectives
- Children will understand letter-sound correspondence.
- Children will practice spelling.
- Children will develop vocabulary.
"Back to School" Poem Booklets: An Introduction to Poems and Storytelling
Kindergarten
Objectives Recognizing common types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems) Naming the author and illustrator of a story and defining the role of each in telling the story Recognizing and producing rhyming words Materials Needed Over in the Meadow by Olive A. Wadsworth with illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats Whiteboard, overhead projector, document camera or interactive whiteboard “Back to School” poem booklet Crayons Introduction Tell students that you are going to read a picture book called Over in the Meadow. Explain that the words are a poem that was written by author Olive A. Wadsworth. Point to the title page and indicate that the pictures were drawn by Ezra Jack Keats. Explain that adding pictures to the poem can help the reader understand more about what is happening in the story. Explain to students that authors, or writers, often write poems to communicate ideas or tell a whole story. Point out that many poems contain rhyming words and a certain rhythm to their sentences. Ask students to pay special attention to the rhythm of the poem and how some of the words rhyme. As you read, challenge students to find two words in the poem that rhyme.
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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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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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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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What’s Next? Sequencing Story
1st Grade - 2nd Grade
Objectives Reading Literature Retelling stories and demonstrating understanding of the central message or lesson Describing characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details Understanding and identifying sequence words (e.g., “first,” “next,” “then,” “finally”) Materials Needed Lost in the Fog booklet reproducible Lost in the Fog sequencing mat Lost in the Fog picture and sentence cards Best-Buy Scissors Lakeshore Glue Sticks Pencils Preparation Make a copy of the Lost in the Fog booklet reproducible, sequencing mat, picture cards and sentence cards for each student. Follow the directions to assemble each booklet. Introduction Give each student a booklet and ask students to follow along as you read the story aloud. Explain that authors use words like “first,” “next,” “then” and “finally” to help readers follow the order of events in a story. Challenge students to listen for these words as you read aloud.
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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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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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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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Alphabet Water Painting
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Objectives Reading: Foundational Skills Demonstrating knowledge of letter-sound correspondences Language Printing many upper- and lowercase letters Materials Needed Alphabet flash cards Dr. Seuss’s ABC book Chart paper Marker Paintbrushes Cups of water Scissors Introduction Choose a letter (or group of letters) that your lesson will focus on. Gather students together for circle time and read aloud Dr. Seuss’s ABC. After you read the book, reread the page with the letter that you’d like to emphasize. Talk about the sound that letter makes. Then say the words on the page that begin with the letter. Ask, “Do these words have the same beginning sound? What letter makes that sound?”
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Synonym & Antonym Spin
4th Grade
Objective
- Understand words by relating them to their opposites (antonyms) and to words with similar but not identical meanings (synonyms).
Winter Bear Warm-Up
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Objectives Reading: Foundational Skills Demonstrating understanding of the organization and basic features of print Following words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page Language Spelling simple words phonetically Materials Needed Winter Clothing Word Cards Winter Bear Warm-Up template Winter clothing cut-aparts Crayons Scissors Glue sticks Pencil Introduction Before you begin, print the downloadable Winter Clothing Word Cards. Ask students to think of clothing that people wear when it’s cold in winter. Tell them you are going to show them pictures of winter clothing, and you would like them to name the item in each picture. As volunteers name the items, point to the written word on the card and repeat it. Then place the word card in a pocket chart or attach it to a bulletin board for reference.
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Rhyming Sounds
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Objective CCSS Reading: Foundational Skills RF.K.2a: Recognize and produce rhyming words. Materials Needed Three plastic pails Rhyming Guide Picture Cards Rhyming Picture Cards Rhyming Sounds Match-Up Puzzle Cards Introduction Have students sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” aloud with you. Then ask students to sing the song aloud again and listen for words that rhyme, or sound the same at the end.
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The Heart of a Story: Characters, Setting and Events
1st Grade - 2nd Grade
Objectives Using illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting or events Using information from illustrations and words to demonstrate understanding of characters, setting or plot Materials Needed Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat Story Elements chart Chart paper, chalkboard or document camera Marker or chalk Story Elements spinner Story Elements story and questions Pencils Paper clips Introduction Read aloud Nate the Great and the Mushy Valentine by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat.
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Building Vocabulary: Prefixes
3rd Grade - 4th Grade
Objectives Identifying and knowing the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes Determining the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word Using common, grade-appropriate Greek and Latin affixes and roots as clues to the meaning of a word Materials Needed Prefix title cards Index cards Prefix die template Root-word die template Word meanings game mat Marker Tape or glue Scissors Paper Pocket chart or whiteboard Introduction Print and cut apart the prefix title cards. Hold up the cards one at a time for students to read. Tell students the meaning of each prefix: bi- = two im- = not un- = not mis- = wrong pre- = before re- = again Explain that knowing the meaning of the prefix can help them determine the meanings of words that have the prefix.
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Summarizing a Story
4th Grade
Objectives Students will listen to or read a story. Students will summarize the story in writing, using sequencing words in their summaries. Materials Needed “Found!” reading passage “First Snow” reading passage “Summarize a Story” reproducible Introduction Provide a copy of the “Found!” reading passage to each student. Display the passage on a projector or chart paper. Read the passage aloud and encourage students to read along with you. Tell students that you are going to demonstrate how to summarize the passage. Explain that you will break it down into three parts, describing what happens at the beginning, middle, and end. As you summarize aloud, underline important parts of the story and have students help you determine which events happen first, next, and last. For example, underline the first three sentences and say, “Robby found a wallet full of money that he could use to buy lots of things he wanted. Can anyone point to the sentence that tells what happens next?” (Answer: Suddenly, Robby saw that the wallet had a driver’s license in it with someone’s name and address.) Underline this sentence and offer a short summary, such as, “Robby found out whom the wallet and money belonged to.” Then ask, “In which sentence can we read about what Robby does at the end of the story?” (Answer: Robby wanted to be a good citizen, so he decided to return the wallet and the money.) Draw a line under the last sentence and say, “Robby decides to return the wallet to its owner.” Go over the three parts again so that the summary is very clear: “First, Robby found a wallet with money in it that he wanted to spend. Next, he found a name and address in the wallet. Last, Robby decides to return the wallet and money to its owner.” Invite students to ask questions about the process as you check for understanding.
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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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Over Your Head Vocabulary Activity
2nd Grade
Objective
- Use clues to determine the meanings of words.
Funny Fish: Comparing Two Objects
Kindergarten
Objective CCSS Math: Measurement & Data K.MD.A.2: Directly compare two objects with a measurable attribute in common to see which object has “more of”/“less of” the attribute, and describe the difference. Materials Needed Chart paper Funny Fish illustrations Shorter/Longer sorting mat Safety Scissors Lakeshore Glue Sticks Introduction Explain to students that when we compare two objects, we use special comparison words to describe how they relate to one another (such as smaller/bigger, shorter/taller, shorter/longer, lighter/heavier and so on). Write each comparison word on chart paper, accompanied by a simple illustration.
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What Goes Together?
Kindergarten
Objectives
- Children will sort and classify words.
- Children will build their vocabulary.
Spin & Find Vocabulary
2nd Grade
Objective
- Decode and sort words into different categories.
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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Prefix Clip It
3rd Grade
Objective
- Decode and build words with prefixes and suffixes.
Citizenship: Flag Day
2nd Grade
Objectives Identify and explain the meaning of national symbols (the American flag). Recite the Pledge of Allegiance and explain its general meaning. Materials Needed Pledge of Allegiance F Is for Flag by Wendy Cheyette Lewison Pencils Dictionaries (one for each pair of students) Introduction Invite students to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance aloud with you. Explain to students that to “pledge allegiance” to something means that you promise to be loyal to it. Ask, “Why do you think we say these words, promising to be loyal to our country’s flag? What is special about our country’s flag and what it represents?” Tell students that you are going to read aloud a story about the American flag and you would like them to listen for some explanations of what it represents to the United States of America.
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Creating Our Classroom Community
3rd Grade - 5th Grade
Objectives Understanding and appreciating the definitions of respect, peace and community, and giving examples of each concept in the classroom environment Creating classroom rules that emphasize respect for all classmates Working together in small groups to demonstrate and reinforce classroom rules Describing people, places, things and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly Materials Needed Chart paper Marker Slips of paper Introduction Point to the chart paper and ask students to explain each definition in their own words. Then invite other students to share examples of each word in action (e.g., someone showing respect for someone else, peace between different kinds of people, a sense of community in their neighborhood).
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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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Good Citizenship
Pre-K - 1st Grade
Objectives Understand that being a good citizen involves acting in certain ways. Learn examples of honesty, courage, determination, individual responsibility, and patriotism in American and world history from stories and folklore. Know beliefs and related behaviors of characters in stories from times past and understand the consequences of the characters’ actions. Materials Needed John, Paul, George and Ben by Lane Smith Whiteboard or chart paper Good Citizenship reproducible Crayons and pencils Introduction Ask students if they have any ideas about what it means to be a good citizen at school or in your community. Write students’ suggestions on a whiteboard or chart paper and guide students toward understanding that good citizenship is demonstrated through our actions toward other people and our environment. Give a short explanation of different character traits such as honesty, responsibility, respect, courage, determination, trustworthiness and so on. Have students match a couple of these words to the examples they gave of good citizenship.
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Partitioning Shapes
1st Grade
Objective
- Partition rectangles into equal shares and describe the shares using the words “halves,” “fourths,” and “quarters.”
Sentence Skewers
Kindergarten
Objectives
- Children will build complete sentences.
- Children will recognize high-frequency words.
Rainy-Day Writing
3rd Grade - 5th Grade
Objectives Writing Writing narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details and clear event sequences Using narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description and pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations Using concrete words, phrases and sensory details to convey experiences and events precisely Materials Needed Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett Chart paper or whiteboard Pre-writing graphic organizer Umbrella book reproducible Pencils Crayons or markers Stapler Introduction Read Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs aloud.
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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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Pumpkin Measurement
3rd Grade
Objectives Students will listen to a story about pumpkins and learn more about them. Students will learn and understand measurement vocabulary words. Students will estimate—and then measure—the weight, height, circumference, radius and diameter of a pumpkin. Materials Needed Pumpkins by Ken Robbins Small- to medium-sized pumpkins (one for each small group of three to four students and one medium pumpkin for the class) Pumpkins should vary in size as much as possible. Scale Sharp knife (for teacher or adult use only) Rulers String or yarn Pencils Pumpkin Measurement Record Sheet Introduction Read aloud Pumpkins by Ken Robbins. Hold up a medium-sized pumpkin and ask students to estimate, or guess, how much the pumpkin weighs. (Students’ estimates will probably vary widely.) Explain to students that having a starting point of knowledge before estimating will help estimates be more accurate. For example, if students know how much the pumpkin in your hands weighs, this knowledge will help them estimate the weight of smaller or larger pumpkins. Weigh your pumpkin on a scale and tell students the weight. Explain that you’ll be using this measurement in the next activity.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
4th Grade
Objectives Students will match ecology vocabulary words to their corresponding definitions. Students will actively research ecology terms and demonstrate hands-on understanding of a variety of environmental issues that impact their community. Materials Needed Earth Book for Kids by Linda Schwartz Ecology Word and Meaning cards Pocket chart or bulletin board Scissors Pencils Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! graphic organizer Before You Begin Copy and cut out a set of Ecology Word and Meaning cards for each student. Make several copies of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! graphic organizer. Introduction As an introduction to Earth Day, read aloud Earth Book for Kids by Linda Schwartz.
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Quick Pick Vocabulary
1st Grade
Objective
- Identify real-life connections between words and their use.
Prefix & Suffix Puzzles
3rd Grade
Objective
- Determine the meaning of the new word formed when a known affix is added to a known word.
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.
Gumdrop Geometry
4th Grade
Objectives Students will identify geometry terms and correctly match them to corresponding figures. Students will build and identify angles, 2-D shapes and 3-D shapes. Materials Needed Geometry Match-Up Cards Geometric Figure Building Cards Recording sheet reproducible and answer key Toothpicks Gumdrops Paper plates Scissors Tape Pencils Preparation: Print and cut apart the Geometry Match-Up Cards. Put a loop of tape on the back of each card. Display the cards on the classroom board (or use a document camera), grouping the word cards on one side and the picture cards on the other side. Print a copy of the recording sheet reproducible for each student.
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Money Mania
2nd Grade
Objective CCSS Math/Measurement and Data: 2.MD.8 Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately. Example: If you have 2 dimes and 3 pennies, how many cents do you have? Materials Needed The Coin Counting Book by Rozanne Lanczak Williams or The Penny Pot by Stuart J. Murphy Coin counting chart Money problem-solving cards and mat Money problem-solving answer key Plastic coins (pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters) and dollar bills, or paper coins and dollar bills Race to the Bank spinner game mats Paper Pencils and paper clips Introduction Give pairs or small groups (three or four) of students coins with at least 25 pennies, 20 nickels, 15 dimes and four quarters to use as manipulatives. Read aloud The Coin Counting Book by Rozanne Lanczak Williams or The Penny Pot by Stuart J. Murphy, pausing to encourage students to count out the appropriate coins in the book and add them together as you read.
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Using Context to Self-Correct
2nd Grade
Objective
- Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding.
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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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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Menu Math
3rd Grade - 4th 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
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Elapsed Time
3rd Grade - 4th Grade
Objectives CCSS Math: Measurement & Data 3.MD.A.1: Tell and write time to the nearest minute and measure time intervals in minutes. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals in minutes, e.g., by representing the problem on a number line diagram. 4.MD.A.2: Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale. Materials Needed Lakeshore Magnetic Teaching Clock Lakeshore Student Clocks - Set of 12 “Elapsed Time Word Problems” activity page Elapsed time worksheet Introduction Ask a student what time school starts. Write this time on the board under the heading “Start Time.” Then ask another student what time school ends. Write this time next to the start time under the heading “End Time.” Ask, “From the time school starts to the time it ends, how much time elapses, or passes?” (Invite students to respond and explain their reasoning and calculations.) Hold up the teaching clock and demonstrate how to set the clock at the start time and count the hours and minutes until the end time. (Hint: Move the hour hand first and have students count the hours aloud with you. Then move the minute hand and have them count the minutes.) Explain to students that you are going to teach them some strategies to help them calculate elapsed time.
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Write-A-Sentence
1st Grade
Objective
- Use an illustration and a word bank to write complete sentences.
Prefix Make-A-Match
1st Grade
Objective
- Determine the meaning of a new word formed when a known prefix is added to a known word.
Autumn Owls Beginning Addition
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Objectives Counting & Cardinality Understand that the last number name said tells the number of objects counted. The number of objects is the same regardless of their arrangement or the order in which they were counted. Operations & Algebraic Thinking Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem. Materials Needed Large number cards Autumn owl Autumn Owls Addition worksheet Construction paper Scissors Chart paper or whiteboard Bulletin board (optional) Stapler (optional) For the Extension Activity: Autumn Owls Partner Game Scissors Paper clips Pencils Zip-close bag Introduction Hold up the large number cards one at a time, going in order from 0 to 10. Prompt students to say each number aloud with you. Then mix up the cards and have students practice identifying the numbers out of order.
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Make-Your-Own "Spilt Milk"
Toddler
Objectives
• Toddlers will build vocabulary through word repetition.
• Toddlers will build oral language skills.
• Toddlers will be exposed to books and print.
Vocabulary Building: Using Context Clues
3rd Grade - 4th Grade
Objectives Language Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or restatements in text) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. Materials Needed Whiteboard and dry-erase marker (or chalkboard and chalk) Word Detective Activity reproducible Introduction In a low voice, say to students, “If you can hear me, please raise your snooble.” Students will likely giggle or give you a quizzical look, but simply repeat the instruction until one or two students begin raising their hands. Acknowledge their correct responses with a smile or nod. Once other students begin to catch on, confirm that the nonsense word “snooble” meant hand. Ask a volunteer to explain how she guessed the correct meaning of the nonsense word.
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Valentine Add & Solve
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Objective Operations & Algebraic Thinking Solving addition and subtraction word problems using objects or drawings Materials Needed “Valentine Add & Solve” mat Number tiles template Addition strips template Candy hearts, small red buttons or pom-poms (10 per student) Posterboard Pocket chart Tape Glue Scissors Preparation Print the “Valentine Add & Solve” mat, number tiles template and addition strips template. Make enough copies for yourself and each student in your class. Then cut out the number tiles and addition strips. Take one mat, one set of number tiles and one set of addition strips and mount them on posterboard so you can use them in a pocket chart.
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Mystery Coins
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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Ants Go Marching
3rd Grade
Objectives CCSS Math/Operations & Algebraic Thinking 3.OA.A.1: Interpret the products of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 5 x 7 as the total number of objects in 5 groups of 7 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a total number of objects can be expressed as 5 x 7. 3.OA.A.2: Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers, e.g., interpret 56 ÷ 8 as the number of objects in each share when 56 objects are partitioned equally into 8 shares, or as a number of shares when 56 objects are partitioned into equal shares of 8 objects each. For example, describe a context in which a number of shares or a number of groups can be expressed as 56 ÷ 8. 3.OA.A.3: Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. Materials Needed One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor Pinczes Ant counters or raisins Multiplication activity cards Ants Go Marching multiplication page (multiple copies for each student) Introduction Read aloud One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor Pinczes.
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Beginning Sounds Hunt
Pre-K - Kindergarten
Objectives Students will recognize beginning sounds and identify the letters that represent the sounds. Students will write letters that represent beginning sounds. Materials Needed Items you might take to the beach (such as a hat, a towel, sunglasses and a beach ball) Beginning Sounds Picture Cards Beginning Sounds Letter Cards Pocket chart (or clear tape and a chalkboard or whiteboard) Cardstock or posterboard Scissors “Beginning Sounds” reproducible Preparation: Print the Beginning Sounds Picture Cards on heavy cardstock and cut the cards apart. (Or cut out the cards and glue them onto posterboard.) Then print and cut out two sets of the Beginning Sounds Letter Cards. Choose the letter sounds you wish to work on and display one set of those letter cards in a pocket chart and hide the second set of those letters around the classroom. Set the picture cards near the pocket chart so they are ready to display during the lesson. (If you do not have a pocket chart, simply tape the letter cards to a chalkboard or whiteboard. Place a loop of tape on the back of each picture card so they are ready to display during the lesson.) Introduction Display a few items you might bring to the beach, such as a hat, a towel, sunglasses and a beach ball. Take the hat and hold it up for students to see. Say the word “hat,” emphasizing the beginning sound. Ask a volunteer to name the letter that makes the beginning sound in “hat.” Repeat this exercise for the rest of the items. Make sure students understand that the first letter of each word represents its beginning sound.
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Equation Match-Ups
5th Grade
Objectives
- Work with variables and expressions.
- Understand how to solve simple problems.
- Write equations to solve word problems.