Lesson Plan for “Some Monsters are Different”
Purpose:
The purpose of this lesson is for students to recognize the differences that make people special and how these contribute to our community.
Social Studies SOL 1.12The student will recognize that communities in Virginia
a)have local governments;
b)benefit from people who volunteer in their communities;
c)include people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles.
Objectives:
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding for the differences that make people special by drawing and writing about a special trait. Understanding will be measured by completion of the assignment.
Procedure:
Introduction ( 5 min)
Today we are going to read a book called “Some Monsters are Different”. This is a book about some of the things that make us different. Let’s look at some pictures from the book. What do you think makes some of the monsters different?
Development (15 min)
Read the book.
Review the book:
What were some things that were special about the monsters?
Now we are going to brainstorm some more ideas of things that make us different. Can you raise your hand and tell me something that makes you special? (Write down answers on the board).
How should we treat people that are different than us?
Now we are going to make our own special monsters. After you draw your monster write what is special about him or her. (Pass out papers and students go back to their seats)
For strugglers: Those that have a hard time writing the sentence can draw and describe their picture
For the students who finish early: They can write more about their monster or read a book
Summary (5- 10 min)
Who wants to share their monster? (Let a few students share)
What were some things that were special with the monsters in the story? What about the monsters that you drew? All of those things make the monsters special. People have differences that make them special.
Materials needed for the lesson:
“Some Monsters are Different” book
Drawing Paper
Crayons
Evaluation Part A:
Is the student able to identify traits that make people different?
Does the student understand that these differences are ok?
Does the student understand how we show respect for others’ differences?
Use a “Got It, Getting It, Struggling” chart to keep track of who is having trouble.
Evaluation Part B:
I was so nervous to do my multicultural lesson. Before this all of my work had been with small groups of students, not the whole class. It was a big change to go from three kids to twenty. My teacher had given me the direction that she wanted me to take the lesson so I picked the book “Some Monsters Are Different” to base my lesson on. The kids were very excited which made me chill out a little. I started by telling them that this was a special book that I read to my niece, Jocelyn. They thought that was very cool. We did a picture walk through the story next and made predictions. After warming up, I read them the story. The only problem is that I flew through the book in about 3 minutes. I only stopped on a few pages to talk about the story. Afterward we did have a class discussion about the book. The kids came up with a great list of things that made the monsters in our story special, and things that make them special (although there was some overlap).
With the story and discussion over, it was time for their writing and drawing. I was a little worried because I hadn’t seen them do much writing in class. Overall, I was really pleased with how they did. I walked around as they worked and talked to each student about their picture and what they were writing. It was a great time just getting to talk to my little first graders. They were very excited to share their work so we had a share time on the carpet where we could talk and show their artwork. This was a great way to carry on the conversation about what makes us special. Although I was nervous going into the lesson, it turned out well.
With anything there are always things to improve on. In the future I am going to mark specifically where to ask my questions and make more room for the students to get involved in the text. They were so interested in the book that we could have had some more meaningful conversation during the reading. I also learned that students are going to take your expectations and twist them up. Students that I thought would have a hard time came in and really surprised me. Others that are usually really quick were more concerned with getting my attention and help, than with their work. One student in particular is waiting to be identified and has a hard time completing assignments. My plan was just to let him draw a picture and talk to me about it. To my surprise he tried his hardest to write a sentence about how his monster likes to dress up like a pirate. This is one piece of work that I am going to keep with me. E’s pirate has been hanging on our fridge to remind me to keep going. He really reminded me that all of this is worth it. He was so proud of his work!
Another thing that I learned is that kids think there is a “right answer” to everything. They wanted to know what answer I wanted them to write. I told them to use their brains to think it through, but some still copied ideas from the book. I really only learned more about what they knew by talking to them. I think it is so important to make time to talk to students about their work and their thinking. I got a lot of information about the students and what they know in just a one-minute conversation. This showed me that I really want to incorporate assignments into my own classroom that encourage creativity. I also learned that a good way to informally assess student’s progress is to have a quick discussion. These are things I hope to put into my own class, no matter what grade I teach.
Although I was nervous to do my lesson at first, I am really glad that I had the chance to. I learned so much about the students in my class and myself. Each time that I am there I learn a little more about the kind of teacher that I want to be. It also showed me just how much I am going to miss the kids (not the school) when practicum is over in a few weeks. It was such a simple lesson and assignment, but it showed the kids and me so much.