Don’t Touch This Frog! Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will analyze the reasons certain animals are pink and red.

 

Science Focus:

animal adaptations

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing, compare/contrast

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a bar graph

 

Vocabulary:

warning, mood, predators

 

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; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

 

Guided Reading Level:

M

 

Lexile level:

530L

Download TEKS Standards
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Provide students with some background on different colored animals.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video “An Animal Rainbow!” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What can an animal’s color tell us about it?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are warning, mood, and predators.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Can students think of any other red animals they know? What animals are pink?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2:  “Think about why an animal might be pink or red!” 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.

  • The “Carnival Hearts” game lets students enjoy a virtual carnival to hunt for Valentine’s themed objects!

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 warning, mood, and predators..

Editor’s Pick: Animal Adaptations/Writing (15 min.)

  • The Power of Red and Pink skill sheet allows students to imagine their very own animal—complete with a name and reasoning behind its body’s color!

ELA Focus: Compare/Contrast (15 min.)

 Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on animal adaptations:

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

  • Higher Lexile level: 630L
  • Lower Lexile level: 480L