Alma’s Colors Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will explore the life and legacy of artist Alma Thomas.

 

Social Studies Focus:

Women's History Month

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a timeline

 

Vocabulary:

create, sculpt, retire

 

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: 

480L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on Alma Thomas.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "5 Things to Know About Alma Thomas." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is your favorite thing about Alma’s paintings?

 

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. What do students like to paint or draw?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2:“Think about the different ways Alma created.” 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. 

Review Vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are create, sculpt, and retired.

Assessment (15 min.)

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

  • Students identify new vocabulary words by matching artist tools in the “Artist Concentration” game.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here's how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words create, sculpt, and retire.

Editor’s Pick: Writing (15 min.)

  • Students examine their relationship with art and reflect on their own creativity with the Artist’s Process skill sheet.

ELA Focus: Writing/Art (15 min.)

  • The My Torn Art Collage skill sheet allows students to step into Alma’s shoes. Students will follow the steps to think like an artist, illustrate their feelings, and describe their work.

Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on Women's History Month:

  • “Blast Off, Mae!” March 2021. Follow the journey of Mae Jemison, who followed her dream and became the first Black woman in space!
  • “A Math Star,” March 2019. This issue examines the incredible accomplishments of mathematician Katherine Johnson.

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

  • Higher Lexile level: 540L
  • Lower Lexile level: 370L