![[Illinois Learning Web: Classroom Resources]](../classroom.gif)
Classroom Resources || Professional Resources || Illinois Schools || Education Data
Sample Lesson Plan
Using Literature to Teach Elementary School Math and Science
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Education
ED312, Spring 1996; Professor Maria Varelas
Lesson by Efi Delgado
- Kindergarten through second grade
- Basically, the book teaches the different names of the shapes and animals. It is straight forward in what it is trying to teach. One thing that I do dislike about it is that there is no story line to it. But this can be an advantage at the same time, because it can allow the students to make up their own stories.
- Materials Needed: - Construction paper (various colors) -Scissors -Glue -Loose leaf paper -Copies of different shapes (cut-outs) I would start off the math lesson by introducing the book to the whole class. First, as I would turn each page of the book I would ask my class if they can identify each different shape that helps to form each animal from the zoo. I would try to start a discussion of the different characteristics that makes each of the shapes unique. I could also ask the children to think of different things that are made up by these shapes such as, a baseball field resembles that of a shape of a diamond. The next step that I would take is to pass out the various colors of construction paper and the cut- outs of the shapes. The children are then to cut out their own shapes from the construction paper. After thy have done this, I would have them work individually in their own seats and make different animal images, by using the book as reference on how to put different shapes together to form an object or an animal. But first I would demonstrate in front of the class how to make the animal images using the shapes and construction paper. From this the chidlren can be able to see how many different shapes are needed to make the animal image. For example, in order to make a tiger the child woulld need the shapes of a circle, square, and triangle. The spelling section would consist of the student being able to write the names of the diffferent shapes, animals, and even the colors. For the writing part the children could write their own stories using the vocabulary words. This might be a bit to hard for the children in kindergarten but I could let them try by using their inventive spelling technique. Finally, for the science section the students could do some research on the different animals mentioned. I realize that the science part may be a bit too hard for them but it can be possible. I could also have a discussion in the classroom with them about the characteristics of the different animals in a zool. From this lesson I would also plan a field trip to take them to a zoo, so they can visually see the animals. This activity would allow the studetns to critically think of the different animals in the zoo, while at the same time use shapes to make their own animals. This will be a fun activity because children at that age period can relate to animals from the zoo, since they visit it with their parents. I also thought that the idea of including art would make it more interesting. The way that I would know if this activity was successful would be to assess the children in being able to identify the different shapes. I would do this by having them take a test. I would pass out sheets of paper and have them listen to the shape that I say out loud and then they would have to draw it. For second graders I would ask them to write the name of the shape, draw the shape, and describe it. If I got at least eighty percent of the class to pass the test then I would think that my lesson was successful.
[What's New || Search || Home || Index || Email ILW ]
Last updated: 9/7/96
URL: http://www.uic.edu/~tej/ilw/
Please address comments and questions to: ilw@uic.edu