Veronica's Week 10 Post

Topic: Content Related Vocabulary Words
Grade: Second grade
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Introduce the topic: Book- The Valentine Bears by Eve Bunting will be read the day before Valentine's Day. Before story is read, students will be asked to look at the cover and predict using context clues from the picture to tell what the story will be about.

Share Examples: Students and I will make a text to self connection that as bears need to hibernate and get their rest during the whole winter season. Humans need their daily rest of 6-8 hours of sleep everyday.

Provide Information: I can also provided additional information to students about bears and hibernating through informational text. There will also be information text at their reading level so the students can read on their own as well. Together, we will explain and determine the meaning of each words that pertain to bears and their environments.

Guided Practice: At centers, students will be able to use word sorts within the vocabulary presented. They can determine which word fits in the group based on their meaning. Students will also have a cut and paste of matching, this page will also include space to write a few words that describe the picture.

Assess Learning: Learning assessment will be done in students' writing journal. During the last day of the week or when the mini lesson on bears is over, students will have a morning journal message to write their Kindergarten reading buddy, everything they know about Bears. Students will be informed to include the vocabulary they learned. I will be assessing whether or not students used the vocabulary correctly and if they understood the definitions.

Jami's Comment:
First of all I love the idea of the bears and how you associated it with Valentines Day. Very cute! I really think that this is something that students really enjoy and from what I have witnessed they pay more attention when reading books that deal with a holiday or some event taking place. I did a lesson not too long ago that dealt with text to self connections. They seemed to do pretty well with this. It is very important for students to be able to see text to self connections. I also think when they see something in a character that has to do with themselves they comprehend the book much better. I think word sorts are a good idea when working with young children. This helps with vocabulary in your case, but also comprehension. If students are cutting and pasting words or phrases they have to have some sense in what they are doing. For comprehension the students could cut out words or themes from the book and place them in the correct order. This way students are being forced to think about the book and sequencing in a fun way. I also like the idea of having the Kindergarten reading buddies. I think it is very important for children to be able to talk through what they have learned. They may be able to write it out-or put words or phrases in order, but do they really understand it? By having them explain it to someone else it forces them to think about it and express what they have learned. This is great for both the Kindergartner and Second grader. I think this also forms a type of friendship between the two. Cute idea, I really like it!! :)