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Academic Standards

 

Learning Objective:

Children will explore the behavior and body of a nocturnal animal, the tarsier.

 

Science Focus:

animal behavior, animal characteristics

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a bar graph

 

Vocabulary:

tarsier, nocturnal, insects

 

CCSS:

RI.1.1 ask and answer questions; RI.1.4 determine meaning of words; RI.1.10 read informational texts; RF.1.3 decode words; W.1.1 opinion writing; 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 about nocturnal animals by watching “Creatures of the Night.” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: Why do some animals stay awake at night?

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. How would students feel if they saw those big eyes in the dark?
  • Then, before turning to page 2, say, “As we read the article, think about whether tarsiers are more creepy, cute, or cool.”
  • As you read, pause after each box. Give volunteers the opportunity to share what they think about tarsiers. Then have students circle the words that show how they feel in each box.
  • Complete the page 4 activity as a group or individually.

Deepen students’ learning with any of these supplemental activities:

Play the online game: Help the Tarsier Make a Match

(skill: decode words)

Complete a hands-on activity: Tarsier Opinion Class Graph

Students examine what they think about tarsiers and present their opinion on a class graph. (skill: opinion writing)

Read a paired text

In Night Animals by Gianna Marino, a group of friends share a fear of night animals. But in a hilarious twist, one of the animals points out they are all night animals!