Lesson 1

Title:  Meet the Author

Grade level:  3-5

Subjects:  Language Arts, Science

Learner Outcomes:
    1.  The learner will research the author of Charlotte's Web.
    2.  The learner will brainstorm a list of farm animals that could be at a farm.
    3.  The learner will make a folder to be used as a journal for vocabulary development and story summaries.
    4.  The learner will choose one animal from a list of farm animals and think what that animal could say if he could talk.
    5.  The learner will look at the cover of the book and the table of contents and predict what the book will be about.

Duration of lesson:   2 or 3 - 50 minutes sessions

Materials:  enough copies of Charlotte's Web for each child in the class, pocket portfolio folders, paper, markers, crayons, or colored pencils, glue, scissors

Technology Tools/Courseware: multimedia computer, computer overhead projector

Teacher Notes: Be careful when searching for author information on E. B. White, as some of it is not appropriate for children.

Procedures:
    1.  Tell class that they are going to read Charlotte's Web.  Pass out books and allow the children to look at the cover and the table of contents and predict what the story is about.  Give the children a folder and some composition paper to make a journal.  Write the predictions on the first page.  Make and color a picture that would go along with what they think the story will be about.  Glue onto the front of the folder.
    2.  Introduce the author, E. B. White, and talk about the reasons that he wrote Charlotte's Web.
    3.  Brainstorm animals that might be seen on the farm.  Write the animals' names on a piece of paper, making sure to have enough slips for each child.  Fold, place in a hat.  Allow each student to pick a slip.  Take turns saying things that their animal might say if the animal could talk.  Allow other children to try to guess who the animal is.  The child guessing the correct animal would be next.  Allow all children to have a chance to "talk" like his/her animal.

Modifications: Have someone read the story to any child who has trouble reading the book because of reading .

Enrichment Activities: Make a booklet from 6 sheets of Xerox paper stapled on the side and draw pictures that show adult and baby animals in their habitats.  Write a brief paragraph about the picture.  Make a front cover.  Add title and author/illustrator's name.  Share with other children.

Evaluation/Assessment:  completion of folder and picture, teacher observation, student participation

WV State IGOs,:  Language Arts 3.15, 3.17, 3.24, 3.44, 3.81, 4.15, 4.17, 4.29, 4.52, 4.90, 5.12, 5.13, 5.14, 5.158, 5.161, 5.55, 5.15, 5.16, 5.17, 5.18, 5.20, 5.22, 5.23, 5.24, 5.25, 5.28, 5.31 Science 5.32, 5.33

National Standards

References:  E. B. White, http://www.edupaperback.org/authorbios/White_EB.html

Authors:  Lula Speelman, Jackie McCrum, Cathy Robinson
 
 


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Introduction
 Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5