Summer Survival Guide Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will examine three strategies for staying safe in the summer.

 

Health and Safety Focus:

summer safety

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, cause / effect

 

Page 4 Skill:

nonfiction text features

 

Vocabulary:

prevent, reapply

 

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

Lexile Level: 

510L

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Provide students with some background on summer safety.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video “High Five for Summer Safety." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one way you will stay safe this summer?

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. What kind of gear do the kids on the cover have? How is each item helpful?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: “Think about how you can plan ahead to stay safe all summer.”

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. 

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are prevent and reapply.

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 “Summer Search and Find” game is a great way to build vocabulary while celebrating summer fun and safety! Students search a busy scene to find bikes, scooters, helmets, sunscreen, a lifeguard, and more.

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

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work skill sheet to deepen students’ understanding of the words prevent and reapply.

Editor’s Pick: Cause/Effect (15 min.)

  • The Summer Safety Guidebook skill sheet prompts students to think about how to prevent common summer bummers and create their own guidebook as they get ready for a safe summer!

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Students will review vocabulary by hunting for words from their issue with the Summer Word Search skill sheet.

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

  • “Save Your Skull!,” May/ June 2021. Students will learn the history of bike helmets.
  • “Do Pigs Use Sunscreen?,” May/ June 2022. This issue explores ways that animals and people stay safe.

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

  • Higher-Lexile level:550L
  • Lower-Lexile level: 440L