Getting Acquainted with Beagles
Lesson # 1

Grade Level: 3-4

Subjects Integrated: Language Arts, Technology, Art

Learner Outcomes:

Students will develop background for story through real experiences with a beagle.
Students will develop background for story through Internet experiences about beagles.
Students will ask questions of guest from community.
Students will draw and write to show what they learned.

Time Frame: 90 minutes

Materials: Drawing paper, crayons, notebook paper, pencil

Technology Tools: Computer with Internet access, scan converter or projection device such as data projector or LCD panel

Teacher Notes: It would be beneficial to bookmark the web sites before activity begins. Also, the teacher should ask or check to make sure students do not have allergies to dogs.
Prepare students for appropriate behaviors and interaction with their canine guest.

Procedures:
    1.  Arrange for a beagle to visit the classroom. Take digital pictures for display during
        step three.    Ask the owner to present general information about dogs as pets as well
        as specific information about beagles.  After presentation allow students to ask
        questions about beagles.

    2.  Find out more about beagles by exploring web sites.
                Beagles on the Web
             The Regal Beagle
             Meet Agriculture's Beagle Brigade

        Use a scan converter or other projection device to share and discuss this information
        with the class.  If computer lab is available this activity can occur in the lab with
        students working in pairs or small groups.
 
    3.  Ask students to draw the beagle that visited and write a short paragraph that tells
        some things that they learned from the guest or from the Internet sites.
 
Modifications: Students who might be visually impaired or have trouble seeing the screen, may sit as close as they need.  Material will be read to all students for those auditory learners as well as those with reading difficulty. Dictation may be taken for those students with severe writing difficulties.

Enrichment Activities: Students may share stories about their own pets either in small groups or as a whole group activity.  Another option would be to let them write a story about their pet.  Creative writing could also be incorporated with the students' drawings of the beagle.  All stories could be word processed if time allows with images incorporated by scanning or digital camera.

Evaluation/Assessment:  Drawing can be assessed for observation of color, shape, and size of dog. Paragraphs can be assessed for listening comprehension, writing, grammar, applied spelling, and handwriting skills.  Participation in discussion can be assessed for listening and oral language. Assessment Chart.

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives

National Standards for the Visual Arts

Content Standard

Achievement Standards


References:

Beagles on the Web
The Regal Beagle
Meet Agriculture's Beagle Brigade
Assessment Chart

Created by:
Clorinda Ammons
Dale Hawkins
Precious Werner
  Suncrest Primary School


 
 
 
Introduction
to Unit
Lesson 1
Getting Acquainted
with Beagles
Lesson 2
Guided Imagery
Lesson 3
Using Comprehension Strategies --
Characterization
Lesson 4
Using Comprehension Stategies --
Prediction
Lesson 5
West Virginia Internet Challenge
Lesson 6
Math  Connections
Lesson 7
Reader's Theater
Lesson 8
Create a Character
Pre-Writing
Lesson 9
Create a Character
Writing Process
Lesson 10
Create a Character
Character Presentation
Lesson 11
Creating Invitations