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Mini-Research eBook Lesson Plan 2
Real-World Activity

Title of Mini-Research eBook Lesson: It is All about Thanksgiving

Primary Learning Outcome (PLO):
The primary learning outcomes to be achieved with this lesson include:
PLO: Students will identify correctly the purpose of Thanksgiving and people involved in it.

Assessed Standards
Georgia Performance Standard (GPS)
Social Studies Performance Standard
Grade: K
Standard SSKH1d: Students will identify the purpose of national holidays and describe the people or events celebrated
Materials and Equipment:
1. Have an example of Mini-Research eBook activity to show students
2. Paper for drawing
3. Crayons
4. Pencil & paper (to make notes for lesson plan assessment and reflections)
5. Modification of a  lesson developed by Dr. Diane L. Judd


 

Technology Connection:
Technologies that will be used in this lesson include:

• Computer with Internet connection.
  
• Students will use computers to access Mini-Research eBook on the Internet.  
• Mini-Research eBook Lesson Web page Title: It is all About Thanksgiving & URL: http://www.valdosta.edu/~kkgaskins/ebook.html

Procedures:
Step One: Introduction
Have a small group of students go to a computer.  Explain to students that you are going to use the computer to read an Mini-Research eBook about The First Thanksgiving and people that were involved in it.  List 2 or more questions that introduce students to your Mini-Research eBook that will establish a connection to students' prior knowledge by asking them:
1. "Have you ever studied or read a book about Thanksgiving?"
2. "Can you tell me one thing about Thanksgiving?"  
Today we are going to read an eBook on the Internet.  I have made a special Mini-Research eBook on the Internet for your class.  (During discussion have students turn around away from the computer to interact.)

Estimated Time for Step One:
5 minutes

Step Two Teaching the Primary Learning Outcomes:
(Students will sit at the computer where they can control the mouse and computer.)  (Explain to students the process of the lesson.)  We are going to read my Mini-Research eBook and visit several websites.

Check for understanding
Students with teacher assistance will read the Mini-Research eBook, explore, and discuss the information in the four linking websites that go with the Mini-Research eBook.  Ask students guiding questions about the important concepts in the Mini-Research eBook and the linking websites.   List four or more questions from each of your linking websites that will guide your students to gain information for your PLO.
1.  What kind of food do you have at Thanksgiving?
2.  Who helped the Pilgrims grow crops and learn to hunt?
3.  What are male turkeys called?
4.  What is the true meaning of Thanksgiving?

Practice and feedback related to the PLO
Read the Mini-Research eBook project to students.  Explain to students that they are going to be reporters for their class, and they will draw a picture to show several things that they saw when they went back in time during the First Thanksgiving.   Tell the students that the information that they will need to complete their Mini-Research eBook project is listed and connected in the Mini-Research eBook activity.  Review the information in the linked website in the Mini-Research eBook activity with the students to emphasize interesting and important information students will need to complete mission project.

[Students will write (or dictate to teacher) information to be included in their Mini-Research eBook project.  While students are completing Mini-Research eBook project, teacher will observe students and give assistance when needed.]

Step Three
Closure:
Have students discuss their Mini-Research eBook activity and information they found on the Internet.  Tell students that your Mini-Research eBook Website is on the Internet and they can visit the website at school or home.  Explain to students that you are going to put their pictures and information on the Internet and they will be able to share their mission projects with their friends and family.  (If possible teacher should take brief notes during the lesson and concluding discussions to be added later to the assessment and reflections in lesson plan.)

Estimated Time for Step Three:
5 minutes

Accommodation:
This will be turned in as an in-class activity. 

 Comments & Reflections:

Assessment for the Primary Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Student will be assessed through observation, oral discussion, and developed product to evaluate if student: identifies correctly the purpose of Thanksgiving and people involved in it.

1. Comment on your teaching of how your Mini-Research eBook Lesson created learning experiences and activities that implemented the use a variety of resources and technologies.  (* To receive full credit description must include a minimum of two sentences and a detailed example.)

• When I used the computers with this lesson I found out that the smart board works a slight better. I enjoyed working with just two students to help them understand the material better. I could tell that the students liked the computer because they got to more hands on instead of the whole class. I found out that technology helped a lot keep the students focused and interested.
  

2. State evidence to show that your students gained knowledge during your Mini-Research eBook Lesson.  (* To receive full credit description must include a minimum of two sentences and a detailed example.)

• One example how I could tell that my student's understood the lesson was by asking them questions. When I was done with a page I would ask a question to reassure myself that the students had the material. If I felt like the students had difficulty answering the question I would try to give more examples to help them.
  

3. Give at least one suggestion that would lead to improving your teaching practices and student achievement.  (* To receive full credit description must include a minimum of two sentences and a detailed example.)

• I wish I would have spent a little more time with the drawings. I felt like the students had more to draw but they ran out of time. One of my students was telling me more things about Thanksgiving than what was on her drawing.