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Academic Standards

 

Learning Objective:

Children will sequence the steps of a pumpkin going from seed to jack-o’- lantern.

 

Science Focus:

plants

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Social Studies Focus:

production of goods

 

Vocabulary:

sprouted, harvest, customers, cashier, decorated

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.10 read informational texts; RF.2.4 read on-level texts; W.2.3 write sequence of events; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions; L.2.2 capitalization

 

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Watch the video

Build background knowledge about pumpkins by watching “A Pumpkin Grows.” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: What are some of the ways a pumpkin changes as it grows?

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 share what they know about pumpkins. Has anyone visited a pumpkin patch? bought a pumpkin? made a jack-o’-lantern?
  • Then before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, we are going think about all the steps on the pumpkin’s journey to the party.”
  • 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.
  • When you’re done, do the Dance Break!

Play the online game: Trick or Treat!

(skill: capitalization)

Read a paired text: Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum

Informational text Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin, Pie by Jill Esbaum will grow readers’ background knowledge, just as pumpkins grow from seed to sprout to fruit! Students will learn about the plant parts, their functions, varieties, and all the ways to use pumpkins.

Read an issue from the archive: “Mushy Pumpkin” (October 2022) 

What happens at the end of the party? “Mushy Pumpkin” (October 2022) sequences the steps of composting a pumpkin.