Brain Freeze! Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will read a procedural text about how to make ice pops.

 

ELA Focus:

Procedural texts

 

Science Focus:

States of matter

 

CCSS:

SL.1.2 Discuss a video; L.1.4 Clarify words and phrases; RI.1.1 Key details; RI.1.4 Vocabulary; RI.1.10 Read and discuss first-grade texts; W.1.2 Write explanatory text

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  • Watch our video How-to Writing.
  • Then ask, “What is something you’d like to learn how to do?” (Answers will vary.) (SKILL: SL.1.2 Discuss a video)
  • Play the vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are liquid, solid, and molds. (SKILL: L.1.4 Clarify words and phrases)
  • Read the issue together.
  • Then project and discuss the reading checkpoint skill sheet. Later, children can fill in their own copies. (SKILL: RI.1.1 Key details)

Kids practice the process of elimination in this fun logic puzzle game. (SKILL: Organize data)

  • Use the Word Work skill sheet to reinforce key vocabulary words from the issue. (SKILL: RI.1.4 Vocabulary)
Examples of completed skill sheets

Objective: Children will create their own how-to texts.

Materials: Make a How-to Text skill sheets, pencils, crayons

  • First, project the skill sheets and do the activity together with students. Choose a simple topic, such as “How to Draw a Picture.” Have children share their ideas as you fi ll in the sheet. Be sure to include sequencing words. You might end up writing something like this: 
    • First, get some crayons. 
    • Then, get some paper.
    • Next, pick up a crayon. 
    • Then, push the crayon across the paper. 
    • Repeat with different color crayons.
    • Finally, sign your name
  • Now hand out copies of the skill sheets. Children can choose to write about anything they know how to do. If they need help getting started, you can brainstorm ideas on chart paper, such as how to build a snowman, how to brush your teeth, how to make a snack, or how to choose a book.
  • When children are finished, display their work and encourage them to read their classmates’ instructions. They just might learn how to do something new! (SKILL: W.1.2 Write explanatory text)