Pumpkin Racer? Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will discover one town’s tradition of pumpkin boat racing.

 

Science Focus:

giant pumpkins, engineering

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a life cycle

 

Vocabulary:

shell, pulp, sturdy

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.3 describe steps in a technical procedure; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.7 diagrams; RF.2.4 read on-level texts; W.2.2 write informative texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

 

Lexile Measure: 

500L

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Provide students with some background on giant pumpkins.

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "Paddle That Pumpkin!” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • If you were making a pumpkin boat, how would you decorate it?

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Do any students want to sit in a giant pumpkin? Do they think Blair will get to join the race?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2:“Think about whether you would like to race a pumpkin boat.” 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. 

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are shell, pulp, and sturdy.

Assessment: Reading Quiz 

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

How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? by Wendell Minor(20 min.)

This engaging read-aloud takes readers on a journey from sea to shining sea discovering familiar landmarks and landforms while highlighting incredible things you can do with giant pumpkins!

  • The “Make Jack-o’-Lanterns” game gives students 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 shell, pulp, and sturdy.

Editor’s Pick: Writing (15 min.)

  • The Plan Your Pumpkin Boat skill sheet provides scaffolding for students to design and illustrate their own giant pumpkin boat.

ELA Focus: Read a Diagram (15 min.)

  • Students will analyze a diagram and identify parts of a pumpkin with the Pumpkin Diagram skill sheet.

 Here is a past issue you can use to extend your lesson on giant pumpkins:

  • “GIANT Pumpkin,” October 2017. Students will learn about giant pumpkins and what it takes to grow them.

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