Mushy Pumpkin! Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will sequence the steps of composting a pumpkin.

 

Science Focus:

plant life cycle

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, text evidence, writing, sequencing

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

mold, compost, nutrients

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine the meanings of words; RI.2.5 use text features; RI.2.8 text evidence; RI.2.10 read informational texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions; W.2.2 informative texts

 

Guided Reading Level: 

K

 

Lexile Level: 

500L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on pumpkins.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "A Pumpkin Grows." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one thing you learned about pumpkins?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are mold, compost, and nutrients.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. How could this mushy pumpkin be useful?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: “Think about how you can make an old pumpkin useful.” 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 “Make Jack-o’-Lanterns” game gives kids a review of capitalization skills as they build jack-o’-lanterns.

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 mold, compost, and nutrients..

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

  • Use the A Letter to Norbert Know-It-All skill sheet for a fun way to teach text evidence! Read Norbert’s letter to kids. They will see that he is definitely NOT an expert! They can use what they learned in the issue to set him straight. Send Norbert a response at [email protected]. Norbert will write back!

ELA Focus: Sequencing (15 min.)

  • The From Old to New! skill sheet has children order the steps of turning an old pumpkin into new compost.

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

  • "Rotten Science,” October 2018. This issue explores how pumpkins break down.
  • “Grow, Grow, Grow Your Boat!,” October 2020. This issue teaches kids how giant pumpkins are grown and carved into boats for races!

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

  • Higher-Lexile level: 620L
  • Lower-Lexile level: 440L