A guide for using our resources

Children will explore the phenomenon of a total solar eclipse.

Vocabulary: eclipse, rare, partial

Science Focus: solar eclipse

CCSS (and states that have similar standards): RRL.1.1 key details; RF.1.2 vowel sounds; ; W.1.2 writing; RI.1.10 read and discuss first-grade texts; SL.1.2 ask and answer questions

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• This book celebrates the wonder of this phenomenal event. Follow the poetic text and beautiful illustrations to discover people and animals everywhere preparing for the solar eclipse that will happen for a few beautiful minutes!

• Tell students that sometimes Y can make the long i sound. This sometimes happens when it is at the end of a one-syllable word. Each box in this issue has at least one one-syllable word ending in y. Ask students to hunt for the word and circle it. When they find it, have volunteers share the word and have the whole class practice reading it! Words include: sky, fly, by, and why.

Skills: fine-motor, engineering

Materials: shoebox with lid removed, piece of white paper, aluminum foil, tape,

pin, scissors, flashlight

• Review with students that it is never safe to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Tell students that they will make something that can help them be safe and see what happens during the eclipse.Give each student a My Self-Portrait skill sheet and pencil.
• Provide each student with a shoebox and white paper. Have them cover one end of the inside of the box with the white paper and fasten it with tape. Check that the paper is securely attached and cut a large square out of the opposite end. Have students can cover the square hole with aluminum foil. Check the box again, and make a small hole in the center of the aluminum foil.
• Have students practice using their new viewers while having a class celebration for the upcoming event! Turn off the lights and direct students to hold the box with the opening facing down and look at the white paper. Use a flashlight to be the sun and shine the light into each viewer’s pinhole. Have students practice keeping their back to the light and looking only at the white paper (not the foil!). Use your hand to move over the light and be the “eclipse”!