Observation Lesson in Literacy with connection to science curriculum - 5/07

Observation Lesson
Lisa Hernandez Rooney
Kindergarten Viola Elementary School
Writing Workshop
Date: May 31, 2007

Learning Standards – ELA Core Curriculum

Standard 2: Literary Response and Expression Listening – appreciate and enjoy literary works through a shared reading and group discussions. Speaking – interpret words of characters; express feelings about the story; describe the actions of the character.

Standard 3: Critical analysis and evaluation Listening – form an opinion, evaluate. Speaking - express an opinion about a story. Writing – write to share what they know and what they learned.

Social Studies Core Curriculum Part 1
Children learn about themselves and others. The classroom and school become a source of social studies learning.

Purpose:

The purpose of this reading and writing activity is to provide another opportunity for the children to hear, discuss, and write about some characteristics of friendship. This is done through a shared reading of a book, group discussion, and independent writing in the May journal.

Although in this lesson we read a fiction book about fish, it provides a familiar connection to our current science curriculum of the study of fish. We have been reading non-fiction books about fish and using the FOSS kit, Animals Two by Two, to observe goldfish and guppies and describe and draw their appearance; to study and discuss goldfish and guppy behavior, and learn what a fish needs to live. There is a follow up activity: the students will make there own rainbow fish and include one silver scale to symbolize sharing; these will be displayed on the bulletin board and will be sent home at the end of the first week of June with their May Journals.

Objectives:

The learning objectives are to enjoy and comprehend the story – “Rainbow Fish,” discuss characteristics of friendship, and write and illustrate a journal entry about friendship.

Materials:

The book – “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister; the children’s May journals; a Mr. Spacey for each child (a word spacing tool); pencils and crayons; fish stencils, scissors, scales, and glue.

Procedures:

1. Children are sitting on the rug facing the teacher; teacher introduces the book and asks the children to share their memory of this familiar story.
2. The teacher states the main purpose of reading this book.
3. The teacher reads the story.
4. Teacher directs questions and guides discussion about the story; children are encouraged to share ideas for being a good friend.
5. The teacher directs the children to think of one or two things they can do to be a good friend. The children pretend to put on their thinking caps and think about their idea and sentence(s.)
6. Children move to the tables to write their journal entry.
7. Teacher facilitates by re-directing, prompting, and guiding the student or students through the writing process.
8. Informal Assessment: Teacher will make notes on the Observation Chart for each student; she will include information on areas of strength and weaknesses.
9. Students who finish early may begin to make their rainbow fish.
10. Conclusion: 2 to 4 students will share their writing with the class.