The Pumpkin That Grew in a Tree Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will understand how a pumpkin grows.

 

Science Focus:

Pumpkin life cycle and parts

 

CCSS:

RI.1.8 Text evidence; SL.1.2 Discuss a video; L.1.4 Clarify words and phrases; RI.1.1 Key details; L.1.2.B End punctuation; RI.1.3 Sequencing; RI.1.10 Read and discuss first-grade texts

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  • Project or pass out the Predictions printable. Kids can do the first column.
  • After reading the issue, they can go back and do the second column. Then discuss what they learned. (SKILL: RI.1.8 Text evidence)
  • Play the vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are vines and sprout.
  • Before watching A Pumpkin Grows, ask kids to share where they think pumpkins come from.
  • After watching, let kids turn and talk with a partner about what they learned. (SKILL: SL.1.2 Discuss a video)
  • Read the issue together.
  • Get kids up and moving with the Dance Break video.
  • Then project and discuss the reading checkpoint skill sheet. Later, children can fill in their own copies. (SKILL: RI.1.1 Key details)
  • Kids practice end punctuation as they build a jack-o’-lantern with this fun game. (SKILL: L.1.2.B End punctuation)
  • With these differentiated skill sheets, children can simply number the pictures or write what happens in each step before putting them in order. (SKILL: RI.1.3 Sequencing)
Examples of drawings

Objective: Children will create their own jack-o’-lanterns with this project.

Materials: paper, crayons, any variety of art materials.

  • Give thanks use their creativity to design their own jack-o‘-lantern! The can simply draw a pumpkin on paper with crayons, giving it any shape and features they like. Depending on what art materials you have around, they can add to it in different ways:
    • Glue on torn orange and black tissue or construction paper.
    • Make the pumpkin on a paper plate.
    • Add stickers or glitter.
    • Give it a name!

(SKILL: L.1.1 Conventions of English when writing)