Busy Autumn Squirrel Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will identify ways that squirrels prepare for the winter.

 

Science Focus:

animal behavior, seasonal changes

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing, diagrams

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a map

 

Vocabulary:

store, prefer, sorts, memory

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine the meanings of words; RI.2.5 use text features; RI.2.7 diagrams; RI.2.10 read informational texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions; W.2.2 informative texts

 

Guided Reading Level:

K

 

Lexile level: 

520L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on squirrels.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "Nuts About Squirrels." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is your favorite thing that squirrels do?

 

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are store, prefer, sorts, and memory.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. What do kids think the squirrel is holding? A nut!
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: “Think about why the squirrel works hard to put away food for the winter.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

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. 

Assessment: Reading Quiz

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

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 earn a point.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here's how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words store, prefer, sorts, and memory.

Editor’s Pick: Nonfiction Writing (15 min.)

  • With the Be a Reporter! skill sheet, kids fill in the blanks to complete a news segment about squirrels!

ELA Focus: Diagrams (15 min.)

  • The Squirrel Diagram skill sheet presents a diagram of a squirrel’s body. Children read the diagram to answer the questions.

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher Lexile level: 580L
  • Lower Lexile level: 470L