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3rd Grade Greeting Card Lesson Plan

Goal of Unit:
The goal of this unit is for students to learn how to write a greeting card using
the proper format.
Standards:

1.5.3.A: Write with a focus, with an understanding of topic, task, and

audience
1.5.3.B: Develop content appropriate for the topic
1.5.3.F: Use grade appropriate conventions of language when writing and

editing
Objectives:
Students will be able to use background knowledge to create a card
Students will be able to write a greeting card using proper grammar and
punctuation
Students will be able to work independently to write a greeting card
Materials:
Construction Paper
Pencils
Crayons
Markers
Color Pencils
Prerequisites:
Know the five parts of the letter (heading, body, greeting, closing, and signature)
Essential Questions:
How is a greeting card similar to writing a letter?
How do you feel when you receive a greeting card?
Procedures:
Opener/Anticipatory Set:
Teacher will show Brain Pop Jr. video about sending a letter on the smart

board
Teacher will ask essential questions to connect prior knowledge and greeting

card activity
Lesson:
Teacher will give students store bought greeting cards for them to analyze

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Teacher will explain that they will be writing a greeting card to the principal

(Mrs. M) to thank her for all that she does for us

Students will use a step up to writing outline to organize their information
Students need to come up with three things to be thankful for
Teacher will check T-Charts for accuracy and information
Students will write rough draft
Closing:
Students will write final draft to thank the principal (Mrs. M) for all that she
does for us
As a group, we will share greeting cards
Assessment/Evaluation:
Teacher observation
Individual participation
Rubric
Differentiation:
Beginning- Students will work one on one with the teacher, and needs to come
up with at least two suggestions.
Intermediate- Students will work one on one with an assistant, and needs to
come up with at least three suggestions.
Advanced- Students will work with partners to peer edit and revise rough draft.
Teacher will also help edit with peers. Needs to come up with at least three
suggestions.
Technology:
Teacher will use a smart board to display the Brain Pop Jr. video and T-Chart
Self-Assessment:
Students will look at a rubric, and grade themselves

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Greeting Card Video Lesson Reflection

Abstract
This is my reflection of a lesson that I taught to my 3 rd grade students ranging in
age from nine to ten years old on how to write a greeting card using the proper
format. As a prerequisite to the lesson the student would have to have a basic
knowledge of the five parts of a letter (heading, body, greeting, closing, and
signature). Further, the student would need a basic understanding of the topic and
task at hand.
Planning and Preparation
Reflecting on my planning and preparation for this writing lesson, I see that I was
able to put together a hands-on lesson that kept my students focused on learning.
By following the state standards, I was able to write a lesson that was
developmentally appropriate for my students. Also, with this knowledge I was able
to differentiate the lesson, so that all of my students would be able to participate.
The lesson was planned to provide a hands-on activity in whole group to foster the
students creative potential.
Classroom Environment
When it comes to classroom environment, the students were actively engaged in
the learning process. They were all sitting quietly while the instructions were given.
Also, they were engaged during the Brain Pop Jr. video, as well as when I was
modeling the T-Chart on the Smart Board. I made sure to discuss my expectations
before the lesson started to keep order in the classroom. I also made sure to
circulate the classroom at all times to check for understanding, as well as to keep
behavior in check. Whenever the students wanted to answer a question, or have a
question, they raised their hand. All in all, this is a good group of children.
Instruction
When it comes to instruction, the students were actively engaged in the learning
process. Before the lesson started, I made sure to discuss my classroom
expectations with the students, as well as asked questions to check for

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understanding. Next, I discussed the directions for the lesson to make sure they
understood the task at hand. I called on a few students to check for understanding
and rewarded them with verbal praise, as well as a ticket they can use to purchase
goodies from the goodie box.
I made sure to include a short video into the lesson, because I find this to be a
good starting point to engage students. I feel that it is always a good idea to
incorporate some sort of technology into your lesson, so the students are not
listening to you talk all the time. It kind of breaks things up and makes the lesson
more interesting.
I made sure I was circulating the room at all times to observe and give feedback
when needed. I believe that my lesson created a warm environment where students
were eager to learn and participate in the lesson. Whenever you incorporate
technology or the Arts, or both into the lesson you are sure to hit a home run with
the students. My goal for this lesson was for the students to be able to write a
greeting card using the proper format, and I believe I met my goal due to the quality
of work I observed the students doing.
Professionalism
When it comes to professionalism, I made sure to dress, act, and talk in an
appropriate manner that speaks to 3rd grade students. I realize that at times my
voice is loud and sounds like Im yelling, but that is just me. God created me with a
loud voice. This is something that I am going to try to pay more attention to and
work on.
Conclusion
The day I videotaped my lesson, I thought it went quite well, but the lesson was
cut short due to dismissal. Part of me believes that I spent too much time going
over the expectations, as well as all of the questions I was asking in the beginning,
but I believe these two aspects are very important in instruction. I just have to learn

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more about managing my time when it comes to giving lessons. This is the one area
that I fall weak in. I have a habit of going over my time.
I did notice a few areas that I could have improved in. For instance, I should have
showed the students the rubric sooner in the lesson and discussed its contents,
instead of right before doing the T-Chart. Also, I should have done more verbal
praise with the students when answering my questions, instead of just giving them
tickets.
My personal learning goals for this lesson was to make sure that all of the
students were engaged in the learning process, being able to control the classroom
environment, and to make sure that the students had knowledge about the parts of
a letter and how to do a T-Chart accurately.
All in all, I would have to say that I accomplished my goals with the exception of
verbal praise and time management. These are two areas that I need more work on.