Instructional Lesson Plan (ILP): Non-fiction Genre: Information Text Courtney Cooper Grade 2: Social Studies & Literacy

Shore Country Day School

TIME: 11 days GOAL: For second grade students to: Choose a topic of their choice to research. Be introduced research process. Be introduced to the nonfiction genre of information texts. Write an information text on a topic of their choice. Present information text to peers, family, and special guests.

The goals of this lesson support the second grade social studies curriculum at Shore Country Day School by promoting curiosity through investigation and discovery of different cultures; connecting academic studies to personal experiences; communicating those experiences and explorations in an appropriate way. The goals of this lesson support the second grade literacy curriculum at Shore Country Day School by introducing the genre of information texts in nonfiction writing and introducing the process of creating this genre of writing. This lesson is suitable for second graders at Shore Country Day School because they have been introduced to the study of different cultures and have been introduced to the fundamental processes of the reading and writing. This lesson has been designed for presentation to 18-second grade students at a private co-educational school on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Students at Shore Country Day School have proven academic excellence upon their acceptance. There are no students with diagnosed special needs in this class.

OBJECTIVES: Students will be introduced to the nonfiction genre of information texts. Students will explore the traits of information texts. Students will brainstorm possible topics of India. Students will choose topic of their choice. Students will explore classroom library to find books focusing on their chosen topics. Students will explore school library to research their chosen topics. Students will complete an Internet search on their topic through the Delicious webpage. Students will record all research findings. Students will collect photographs, which show the topic of their choice. Students will complete a pre-write, first, and final draft of an information report. Students will present final information report to families, friends, and special guests at end of unit India celebration.

MATERIALS: SmartBoard Computer Access to school or public library Books on India several different topics Delicious webpage set up for class. Webpage should include links to appropriate sites pertaining to several different topics of India White lined paper Pencils Journal used to collect research and log questions or comments that arise throughout the writing process. CLASSROOM SET-UP: Classroom should be appropriately set-up for research. Classroom library should be complete with several books on India. Classroom should have a designated, quiet area for students to write independently. 2

Teacher should either be stationed at a help desk location or walk around the room throughout the writing process to be available for questions. PROCEDURE: Day 1: Teacher will introduce the genre of information texts. Teacher will read The Ganges written by Julie Dunn, a short nonfiction text that provides information on the Ganges River. Show Prezi presentation on the SmartBoard Along with the teacher, students will discuss different traits of The Ganges. The teacher will be sure to direct the discussion to point out the following key ideas: Information texts give information to a group. Use full sentences without the use of I or me. Use descriptive language Include real photographs Teacher will explain to the class that they will each write an information text on a topic relating to the study of India.

Day 2: Students will brainstorm possible topics on India. Students should explore classroom library for resources and information. By the end of Day 2, students should have chosen a topic, and had that topic approved by the teacher. Day 3: Students will travel to school library. Students should look for books pertaining to their chosen topic. Students should record any information found in their India journals. Students should ask the librarian to photocopy any photographs found to be used in their information report.

Day 4: Students will travel to computer lab. Students will log in to www.delicious.com/shoregrade2 to access pre-approved 3

web pages chosen by teacher. Students should research their chosen topic on various websites. Students should record any information found in their India journals. Students should print out appropriate photographs.

Day 5: Students will work independently at their desks. Students should begin the pre-write of information text. Through the pre-write process, students should develop at least five facts on their topic. Each fact should be developed with clear information and have a Day 6: Students should complete pre-write and have it approved by the teacher. Students should then begin work on their first draft, turning their facts into welldeveloped sentences and paragraphs. Day 7: Students should continue work on their first draft. If completed, first drafts should be turned into teacher for review. Day 8-10: Students should complete first draft and move onto final draft. Students will add photographs to final copy. Students will turn in final copy for review. Day 11: Students will present information texts to family, friends, and special guests at the Second Grade India Celebration. ASSESSMENT: Assessment of students will be done formally through the review of the pre-write, first, and final draft of information text. Assessment of students will be done informally by observation of presentation during India Celebration. POSSIBLE MISUNDERSTANDING/DIFFICULTY OF STUDENTS: photograph to be included in the final draft. All work will be saved in students writing folder.

Should students have misunderstandings and/or difficulty with this assignment, the teacher will have time to work either one on one, or in small groups, when students are working on their writing. This project can also be differentiated through the choice of topic. Students who struggle with reading or writing may choose a less involved topic. Students final reports will be appropriate for their own skill level as this is an independent activity.