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Children will identify how beavers solve problems when building their homes.
animal builders
key details, writing, vocabulary, problem/solution, text evidence
read a diagram
predators, dam, lodge
RI.2.1, RI.2.3, RI.2.4, RI.2.8, RI.2.10, L.2.1, SL.2.3
K
550L
Provide students with some background on animal builders.
Build background knowledge (10 min.)
Watch our video “Animals Can Build It!.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following questions:
Preview vocabulary (3 min.)
Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are predators, dam, and lodge.
Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)
Read together (20 min.)
Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions.
Use the online game-show to gauge comprehension and reinforce the issue’s content. Students can play by themselves or in teams. For each question they answer correctly, they win a point!
You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important Science and ELA skills. Here’s how.
Exit Ticket: Show What You Learned (5 min.)
ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)
Editor’s Pick: Problem and Solution (15 min.)
ELA Focus: Text Evidence (15 min.)
Here's one past issue you can use to extend your lesson on amazing animals that use teamwork:
You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here: