Academic Standards
Learning Objective:
Children will understand how animals adapt to seasonal changes.
Science Focus:
seasons, animal behavior
Page 4 skill:
read a chart
Vocabulary:
layer, hibernate
CCSS (and states that have similar standards):
RI.K.1 key details, RI.K.4 vocabulary, RL.K.1 key details (literature), SL.K.1 collaborative discussions, SL.K.2 confirm understanding by answering questions
Watch the video
Watch the video
Build background knowledge about the autumn changes by watching “Autumn Is Here!” When you’re done watching, ask the following question: What happens in autumn where you live?
Preview new vocabulary words
Preview new vocabulary words
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce this issue’s featured words.
Set a purpose for reading
Set a purpose for reading
- Have students do a picture walk through the issue. Then read and discuss the cover. Ask students to predict what the squirrel’s new job is.
- Then, before turning to page 2, say, “In this article, we’ll learn about things that animals do in autumn to prepare for winter. As we read the article, think about how the animals get ready for winter.”
- After you read each box, check comprehension by discussing what each animal does in autumn. (For example, after the first box, ask what squirrels to do prepare for winter.) Then ask children how that helps the animal get ready for winter.
- After reading the sidebar, ask children to share what autumn changes they see in your area.
- Complete the page 4 activity as a group or individually.
- When you’re done reading, do the Dance Break!
- Show What You Know (skill: comprehension)
- Find the Nuts! (skill: visual discrimination)
Deepen students’ learning with any of these supplemental activities:
Play the online game: Autumn Find It
(skill: apply knowledge)
Complete a hands-on activity: Go Squirrel-Watching!
Kids will go outdoors to observe squirrels and record what they see. (skill: observation and recording)
Read a paired text:
In My Autumn Book by Wong Herbert Yee, a little girl creates a scrapbook to remember the joys of autumn.