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Academic Standards

 

Learning Objective:

Children will explore possible reasons for one snowy owl’s unusual feathers.

 

Science Focus:

animal adaptations, scientists

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

prey, species, dye

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.7 diagrams; RI.2.10 read informational texts; RF.2.3 vowels; RF.2.4 read on-level texts; W.2.1 writing; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

 

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Watch the video

Build background knowledge about owls by watching “Owls Do the Strangest Things.” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: What is one strange thing that owls do?

Preview new vocabulary words

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce this issue’s featured words.

Set a purpose for reading

  • Have students do a picture walk through the issue, then read and discuss the cover. Ask students to make predictions about the owl. Why do they think it is bright orange?
  • Then before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, think about the different reasons the owl could be orange.”
  • Use the Read and Think skill sheet to check comprehension as you read the issue as a class. At each stopping point on the sheet, pause to discuss the questions. Students can fill out the sheet as you go along.
  • Then complete the page 4 activity as a group or individually.

Play the online game: Owl on the Prowl

(skill: vowel sounds)

Read a paired text: Look Again: Secrets of Animal Camouflage by Steve Jenkins

One way animals survive in their environment is by staying hidden from predators or prey. This book is packed with ways animals across many species and in various habitats camouflage themselves.

Read an issue from the archive: "The Secret of the Fallen Log" (October 2023)

Follow the story of an owlet rescue and identify the contribution of each rescuer with the issue “The Secret of the Fallen Log” (October 2023).