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Academic Standards

 

Learning Objective:

Children will compare different-sized pumpkins and determine their favorite.

 

Science Focus:

plants

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a diagram

 

Vocabulary:

weighs, forklift, float

 

CCSS:

RI.1.1 ask and answer questions; RI.1.4 determine meaning of words; RI.1.10 read informational texts; RF.1.2 vowels; SL.1.1 participate in collaborative conversations; L.1.1.F use adjectives

 

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Watch the video

Build background knowledge by watching “Investigate Pumpkins.” When you’re done, ask students: What is one new thing you learned about pumpkins?

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. Are students surprised to know pumpkins can be that huge? Have any students held a tiny pumpkin?
  • Then, before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, think about which pumpkin you would want."
  • Read each page stopping at the end of the page to discuss.
  • Next, read the horizontally adjacent texts to focus on comparing and contrasting. Pause to discuss each category.
  • Then students can share which size pumpkin they want.
  • Complete the page 4 activity as a group or individually.
  • When you’re done, do the Dance Break!

Deepen students’ learning with any of these supplemental activities:

Play the online game: Build Your Own Pumpkin

(skill: vocabulary)

Complete a hands-on activity: Paper Pumpkins

Kids use strips of paper to create their own paper pumpkin! (skill: fine-motor skills, following directions)

Read a paired text

Waiting is hard. But that’s exactly what one little pumpkin seed has to do in Little Boo by Stephen Wunderli! Students will relate to the little seed who can’t wait to be big and scary, while learning about the pumpkin life cycle.