Garden Gobbler Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will identify reasons why groundhogs eat so much.

 

Science Focus:

animal behavior

 

Social Studies Focus:

Groundhog Day

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, persuasive writing, diagrams

 

Page 4 Skill:

nonfiction text features

 

Vocabulary:

burrows, hibernate, devour, legend

 

CCSS:

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

 

Guided Reading Level:

L

 

Lexile level: 

540L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on Groundhog Day.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "What Is a Groundhog?" After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one new thing you learned about groundhogs?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are burrows, hibernate, devour, and legend.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Allow students to share their predictions about what happened to the garden!
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2:“Think about why groundhogs are so hungry.” 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 win 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 burrows, hibernate, devour, and legend.

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

  • The Dear Farmer . . . skill sheet lets students imagine they are a groundhog trying to convince a farmer to let it eat from the farmer’s garden!

ELA Focus: Diagrams (15 min.)

  • Students can analyze a diagram of a groundhog’s body and demonstrate their comprehension with the Groundhog Diagram skill sheet.

Here is a past issue you can use to extend your lesson on Groundog Day:

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

  • Higher Lexile level: 600L
  • Lower Lexile level: 450L