Up and Away! Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will discuss what makes a kite stay in the air.

 

Science Focus:

wind, engineering

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing, text evidence

 

Page 4 Skill:

logic puzzles

 

Vocabulary:

gravity, lift, soar, balanced, symmetrical

 

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; W.2.2 write informative texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

 

Guided Reading Level:

M

 

Lexile level:

560L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on kites.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video “The Secrets to Kite Flying.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following:

  • Name one force that helps a kite fly.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Have students ever seen or flown a kite?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2:  “Think about what makes a kite stay in the air.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think skill sheet. 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 gravity, lift, soar, balanced, and symmetrical.

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 will practice identifying correct punctuation while making kites fly with the “Let’s Fly a Kite” game.

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 gravity, lift, soar, balanced, and symmetrical.

Editor’s Pick: Informative Writing/Text Evidence (15 min.)

  • The A Letter From Norbert Know-It-All skill sheet provides a fun way to teach text evidence. Students will enjoy hearing this very confused character’s ideas about kites before correcting his errors. Send Norbert responses to [email protected]. Norbert will write back!

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Students demonstrate their understanding of symmetry by completing the picture in the Kite Symmetry skill sheet.

 Here is a past issue you can use to extend your lesson on windy weather:

  • “Wild, Wild Wind,” March 2018. This issue explores the various effects of wind—both instantaneously and the changes it can create over time.

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

  • Higher Lexile level: 600L
  • Lower Lexile level: 460L