Lesson 1: Common Core Connection

I chose the following standard from the South Dakota Department of Education website. (http://doe.sd.gov/octe/commoncoreStandards.aspx)

2.W.2 Write informative/ explanatory texts in which they introduce
a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.

World Book Online for Kids would be a great resource for kids to gain information before writing for this standard.  I would demonstrate the steps on how to access the World Book information on the Smartboard, pick a topic in the plants and animals section, and then would demonstrate how to gather facts.  I would give the students a graphic organizer to help guide their research. On the back of the organizer I would have an outline of how to set up a paragraph. Again, using the Smartboard, I would demonstrate how to gather facts and put them in written order using “our own” words. Then I would then have them work in groups on the computers to research a different plant or animal together. Once the students had their facts, I would have each student individually write a paragraph about the researched topic.