Title: Exploring Legends
Grade Level: 3
Subject(s): Reading, English, Social Studies
Learner Outcomes:
The student will be able to:
-
state the story elements of a legend
(Ex. setting , characters, problem, solution)
-
understand the importance of legends
in Indian culture
-
state the author's purpose in telling
legends
Duration of Lesson: 3 days (45 minutes each)
Materials:
*NOTE: Materials should be purchased or secured before
starting the unit.
Technology Tools / Courseware:
-
Internet links
-
computer software, such as Kidspiration
-
Multimedia computer with Internet
access
-
Printer
Teacher Notes:
-
Arrange room so students can work
in pairs
-
Assign group so that there is a
strong, medium/slower reader
-
Discuss rules for working in pairs
Procedures:
Day 1
-
Discuss Native American culture
and the part legends play.
-
Read The
Story of the Jumping Mouse to students
-
Model making a Story
map on overhead with students
-
Discuss reasons why Native Americans
would tell this kind of story
-
Have students search the following
links to find legends from their area:
Native American
Lore Indian Page
First Americans
Native American
Bedtime Story Collection
Native American
Legends of the Pacific Northwest
Day 2:
-
Have each pair of students read
legends chosen from their search
-
Using Kidspiration
or other graphic organizer software, make story map of a legend
Day 3:
-
On chart paper teacher will fill
in the matrix of each story element
as students report
-
Compare and contrast the legends
-
Discuss what they all seem to have
in common and what makes them different from each other
Modifications:
-
Teacher can read a variety of legends
to the students or have them on tape.
-
Have students draw pictures of each
story element
Enrichment Activities:
-
Have a local storyteller come in
to share Native American legends
-
Write and perform a puppet show
or skit about the legend
-
Have students share legends with
a younger class
Evaluation / Assessment:
-
Teacher observation
-
Completed Story
map
-
Student Participation
State and National Standards:
West Virginia
Instructional Goals and Objectives
Reading/Language Arts IGOS : 3.2,
3.8, 3.14, 3.15, 3. 17, 3.26
Computer/Technology IGOS: 3.54, 3.86
Social Studies IGOS: 3.40
National Standards
History:
-
Understands family life now and in the past, and family life
in various places long ago
-
Understands the history of a local community and how communities
in North America varied long ago
-
Understands how democratic values came to be, and how they
have been exemplified by people, events, and symbols
-
Understands the folklore and other cultural contributions
from various regions of the United States and how they helped to form a
national heritage
Language Arts:
-
Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process
-
Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret
a variety of literary texts
-
Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret
a variety of informational texts
Technology:
-
Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs
References
a. resources cited:
The
Story of the Jumping Mouse by John Steptoe
Kidspiration
b. additional resources:
Authors: Bev
Spencer, Karen Kersey, Gina
Underwood
Alban Elementary School
