Grade(s):
1st Grade
Subject(s):
ELA, SocialStudies
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PEAK / Gifted
Summer School
Title:
Little Famous Americans
Timing:
1 month
Driving Question:
How can we as first graders make contributions, as famous Americans/community helpers have, that positively impact others?
Project Description:
Students will research and learn about famous Americans and their contributions through a variety of nonfiction texts and resources. We will also be attending a MLK play at the Folly Theatre. They will then apply their knowledge to their own life and develop a way that they can positively impact others and make a difference, as famous Americans did. Students will also learn about community helpers within our community, their roles, and contributions they make.
Project Focus Questions:
- What are contributions?
- Who are famous Americans?
- What makes them famous/how did they make an impact?
- How can you use your passions, talents, and interests to make a difference in the world?
- What is a community helper?
- How are famous Americans and community helpers alike and different?
Final Product(s):
Informational text writing piece
Wax Museum presentation
Students will come up with a way to positively impact others/make a difference in the world, as the famous Americans they learned about did. They will determine how they wish to showcase this (an action they do, something they make/create, video, role play/skit, etc.).
Student’s nonfiction writing pieces will be individual, but they could potentially pair up to do the public product if their interests are similar.
Essential Standards:
*R.3.C Read, infer, and draw conclusions to:
Ask and answer questions to clarify meaning
Identify main ideas and provide supporting details
*W.1.D With assistance from adults/peers:
Use a variety of conventional/digital tools to produce and publish writing
*L.1.A In speech and written form, apply standard English grammar to:
Use nouns and actions verbs that designate past, present, and future in sentences
*L.1.B In written text:
b. use ending punctuation
c. capitalize the first letter of others’ first and last names
e. spell words using regular spelling patterns
*SL.3.A Speak clearly and to the point, using conventions of language when presenting individually or with a group by:
Taking turns speaking, according to classroom expectations
Building on others’ talk in conversation by responding to comments of others
*H.3 History:
Knowledge of continuity and change in the history of Missouri and the United States
c. Describe the contributions of people typically studied in K-5 programs associated with national holidays
Potential Community Outreach:
Inviting community helpers to our school to share and speak about their jobs/contributions.
Presentations and sharing with grade level buddies.
Teacher Reflection:
Reflection Questions: Reflect throughout the project
What are some character traits of _______? How did that help them impact the world, achieve their goals, and make a change?
What is really important to you? (character trait)
What is the purpose behind your contribution/help others?
Supporting Documents (optional):
Entry Event:
-Ask students: How do people change the world?
*record responses on chart
-Show Kid President video about changing the world:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z7gDsSKUmU
-Use as an example: When you think of (your principal) what character trait do you think of?
(discuss the difference between physical features versus what a character trait really is)
-What are common character traits of famous Americans we have learned about? (make chart of brainstormed ideas)
-When students choose their famous American to write about, they will use PebbleGo and can go to athletes, explorers, inventors, presidents & first ladies, scientists, women, African Americans
Famous Americans to introduce to students (teacher led - students will not choose these for their own projects):
Famous Presidents: George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt
Famous African Americans: MLK, Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks
Authenticity: The Americans we are learning about are real-life and actually impacted the world (discuss how life would be drastically different today if it wasn’t for them). Students will understand that they can make a positive impact, even at this age. It sparks interest and identity within themselves.
Resources Needed:
BrainPOP Jr. https://jr.brainpop.com/
PebbleGo https://www.pebblego.com/choose
Books on famous Americans from LMC
Images:
#1
#2
#3
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