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Academic Standards

 

Learning Objective:

Children will follow the rescue of an emperor penguin and understand what penguins need to survive.

 

Science Focus:

penguins, habitats

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a diagram

 

Vocabulary:

waddle, frigid

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.5 text features; RI.2.10 read informational texts; W.2.2 writing; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions; L.2. punctuation

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Watch the video

Build background knowledge about penguins by watching “World of Penguins.” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: What is one thing you learned about penguins?

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 penguin. How will he get back home?
  • Then before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, think about why it is important for Gus to get back home.”
  • 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 reading, do the Dance Break!

Play the online game: Penguin Punctuation

(skill: punctuation)

Read a paired text: Blown Away by Rob Biddulph

Students will enjoy this rhyming tale about a penguin and his friends who get carried far away by a kite but have a clever solution to get back to their icy home.

Read an issue from the archive: “A Chick Grows Up” (January 2019)

Learn more about emperor penguins! Use the issue “A Chick Grows Up” (January 2019) to sequence a penguin’s life cycle and describe what happens at each stage.