Things That Go Bump and Awooo in the Night Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will identify the sounds that different nocturnal animals make.

 

Science Focus:

nocturnal animals

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

communicate, nocturnal

 

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.2.9 compare/ contrast; RI.2.10 read informational texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions; W.2.3 narrative writing; W.2.8 answer questions

 

Guided Reading Level:

K

 

Lexile level:

460L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on spooky animals.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "The Truth About Creepy Creatures." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • Describe one creature you learned about.

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are communicate and nocturnal.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Can children find the animals in the dark?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 3: “Think about what animal sounds you have heard at night.” 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 ELA skills. Here’s how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words communicate and nocturnal.

Editor’s Pick: Writing (15 min.)

  • The Rascally Raccoon skill sheet invites children to write a story about a raccoon using the pictures provided.

ELA Focus: Gather Information (15 min.)

  • The What’s That Sound? skill sheet asks children to fill in a chart about nocturnal animal sounds.

 Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on nocturnal animals:

  • “Ghost in the Night,” October 2017. This issue teaches children all about the ghost bat.
  • “Look Out, Mouse!,” October 2020. When an owl and a mouse meet in the night, who will win?

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

  • Higher Lexile level: 520L
  • Lower Lexile level: 400L