Lesson Plan
Newcomers
| Subject: | Literacy |
| Grade span: | 2 to 3 |
| Duration: | 55 minutes |
Description:
This lesson is one example of how you can implement a read-aloud. After reviewing the book cover and title, key themes, and any new vocabulary, read a book aloud. Pausing to ask questions throughout the story encourages students to engage the literature. A follow-up activity prompts students to extend what they know, apply it in writing or drawing, and make connections to their lives and world.Learning Goals:
- Read for a variety of purposes
- Read different kinds of literature
- Use different strategies to comprehend, interpret, and appreciate texts
- Use language, writing, and art to show understanding
Materials:
- Painted Words/Spoken Memories, by Aliki
- Going Home, by Eve Bunting
- Crayons, markers, and paper
Preparation:
- These books allow children to explore the experience of being new to a place or situation and to share their own stories about being newcomers. As you plan the read-aloud, think about your own experience as a newcomer to share with children.
- Review each story, noting key themes and new vocabulary
- Jot down questions to generate discussion and prepare for activity
What to Do:
- Review the title and cover of Painted Words/Spoken Memories, inviting students' predictions
- Read Painted Words/Spoken Memories aloud, pausing to ask questions and introduce any new vocabulary
- Share an experience or story of being a newcomer and invite children to share theirs
- Review the title and cover of Going Home, inviting students' predictions
- Read Going Home aloud, pausing to ask questions and introduce any new vocabulary
- Reread these lines from Spoken Memories: People were leaving our poor village. They were going to a new land, hoping for a better life. This will emphasize the connection between the two books.
- Ask students to find the connections and similarities between the two stories
- In Spoken Memories/Painted Words, Mari, the main character, shares her life story through art. Invite students to create drawings depicting their experiences as newcomers. Students can share and explain their pictures to the group.
Evaluate (Outcomes to look for):
- Student engagement and participation
- Comments and answers that reflect an understanding of the stories, key themes, and new word meanings
- Comments, answers, and drawings that reflect students' ability to connect the stories to their own lives and the world around them
