Brain-Compatible Activities, Grades 3–5 by David A. Sousa

Author:David A. Sousa
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2015-11-03T00:00:00+00:00

Concept maps help students chunk information in memorable patterns.

Check for Understanding

Make sure students understand the reading and questioning procedure. Go over the strategy again as needed.

Guided Practice

Pair off students, and send them to different areas of the classroom to complete the activity. Remind them to practice good listening skills and to take turns. If students finish before you call Time, ask them to go back and see if they can add details to each answer.

Closure

Have students wander around the classroom and find a new partner. Ask them to compare concept maps with their new partners and add any missing details. Then have students return to their seats.

PART 2

Modeling

Tell students they are now experts on the completion of the transcontinental railroad. They will use that information to write a play from a unique perspective—some kind of animal family living under the railroad! This animal family has just discovered a golden spike in their living room. Explain that through play dialogue, students will tell all the facts they wrote on their concept map from the animal family’s perspective.

Using a mouse family as an example, ask students: How do you think the mice felt when they discovered the spike? Do you think there might have been a lot of noise in their home during the last few days? Tell their story in your play. Use a simple mouse puppet to model a possible response to the golden spike: Look at this beautiful golden tree root! I might like it if it weren’t in the middle of my living room. Maybe we should decorate it! Maybe it’s a sign of good things to come! Is it edible? What does it taste like? What does it feel like? What should we do with it?

Guided Practice

Instruct students to work in small groups to write a play, make puppets, and present the finished product. Each group member must write and present at least two lines in the play, and all the major facts from the concept map must be included. After students finish writing their play, they will make puppets and practice.

Provide them with socks and various art supplies to make simple animal puppets. Play background music (no lyrics) to enhance creativity and productivity. Students may need to work on this project for a couple of days in order to have ample time to write, practice, and create puppets.

Have student groups present their plays to the class. If possible, place a table at the front of the class. Hang butcher paper or a sheet from the table’s front and sides to make a puppet stage. Encourage students to watch politely while each group presents their play and to praise one another’s creativity.

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