Two All-American Animals Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Students will compare and contrast two American symbols, the eagle and the bison.

 

Social Studies Focus:

American symbols

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

symbols, aerie, eaglets, wade, prairies, herd, calves, resilience

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.10 read information texts; W.2.2 write informative texts; SL.2.1 collaborative discussions; L.2.2 capitalization

 

Lexile Level:

540L

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Provide students with some background on American symbols.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video “American Symbols.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What are some important symbols of America?

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue and discuss the cover. What similarities and differences between the animals can students identify from the photos?
  • Next read the As You Read prompt on the cover: “Think about how these two animals are alike and different.” 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 words are symbols, aerie, eaglets, wade, prairies, herd, calves, and resilience.

Assessment: Reading Quiz

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

Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald? by Martha E. H. Rustad (20 min.)

This nonfiction picture book will treat readers to facts about eagles and the history of this famous bird becoming an American symbol.

  • In the “Collect the Snapshots” game, students answer capitalization questions to collect photos of famous American places.

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 symbols, aerie, prairie, herds, and resilience.

Editor’s Pick: Self-Awareness (15 min.)

  • Your students have learned that bison and eagles are symbols of America. But what animal would make a good symbol for themselves? Have them find out with the A Symbol for You! skill sheet.

ELA Focus: Writing (15 min.)

  • Students will gather facts from the issue and organize them to make their very own mini book with the My American Animal Book skill sheet. The class can be broken into two groups, each researching a different animal, or each student can make two books!

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

  • “A New American Symbol,” February 2018. Students can dive deeper into one of the animals they have read about. Use this issue to share more facts about the bison.
  • “Raise Your Hand!,” February 2021. Introduce students to a different kind of symbol of America. This issue explores the history of the Statue of Liberty.

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

  • Higher-Lexile level: 660L
  • Lower-Lexile level: 490L