Science+-+Observation+Window+-+K-5


 * Lesson Plan Title:** Science - Observation Window - K-5


 * Grade(s) Suggested:** K-5


 * Content Areas:** Writing, Science

STANDARD AL 1: DEMONSTRATE INITIATIVE AND CURIOSITY AL 1.3 Demonstrate growing eagerness and satisfaction to discover and discuss a growing range of topics, ideas and tasks
 * Standards Addressed:**


 * 1.4.K.B:** Write, dictate, or illustrate to communicate information


 * General Objectives:**

Students will listen to a read-aloud and discuss a book about observing nature. Students will write their reflections on nature in a class journal.

30 minutes for read aloud and discussion Additional time (15-20 mins) for individual students to write in the journal on a daily/weekly basis. Journal and writing and coloring supplies A special place by a window in your classroom Read-Alouds: __Albert__, by Donna Jo Napoli; __Window__, by Jeannie Baker; or __T__
 * Time Required:**
 * Required Materials:**
 * Procedure:**

This lesson is based on the lesson found in __A Place for Wonder__, by Georgia Heard and Jennifer McDonough, called “The Observation Window,” p. 34.

1. **Before Reading**: Ask students if they like to sit and watch out their windows at home or at school. Discuss what they see when they sit and watch. Introduce the book Albert and tell them this is a story about someone who never seemed to notice what was outside until he stuck his hand out his window and something unusual happened.

2. **Read** the story, **After reading**, discuss the events that happened in the story. Ask questions such as "What happened when Albert stuck his hand out?" "What did Albert observe?" "Did Albert's opinion of the outside change from the beginning of the story?" "What do you think the author wanted us to think about?"

3. Then introduce the "Look Out Our Window" journal you have prepared for the class. Tell them that every day someone can come look at the window to draw and write about what he/she sees. It can be poetry or any kind of free verse, a story that is inspired by what is outside, etc.

4. Talk about where your special Out the Window place in your classroom and how to use the materials and when they may write. Students may also sign up to write.

5. From time to time, share what students have written, and/or read additional suggested books.


 * Closure:**

Tell students you are looking forward to sharing their journal entries and seeing what might happen when they look out your classroom window.


 * Assessment Based On Objectives: **

Teacher observation about the number of students that sign up and write in the journal and enthusiasm of students. Assess to see if journal entries relate to nature outside. Variety of writing samples produced.