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South Africa Unit

marleeyunger
Nov 25, 2015
3 min read

Cycle Level: 1

The Complete Lesson

Introduction: (the “hook”)

I will begin this lesson wearing my authentic South African shirt and a picture of South Africa located on the map illustrated on the Smart Board.

I will then explain to the students that we will be talking about South Africa and we will fill out a version of the KWL chart together using post-its.

We will then read an information-based book about South Africa. I will not read the entire book, but discuss interesting and relevant ideas and look at the pictures. When we confirm ideas discussed in the KWL chart, I will move the post-it to the appropriate column.

Development: (step by step sequential procedure how the lesson will unfold)

After we read the book that mostly discusses South African culture, I will show students the currency in South Africa and then discuss poverty.

To discuss poverty, I will show the students two videos taken on my trip to South Africa (video: The Lucky Ones and He Felt Like it was his Duty to Give Back)

After watching the video, we will have short discussion.

I will ask questions such as:

How do you feel after watching this video? Were you surprised?

What part stuck with you the most?

After our discussion, the students will most likely start feeling restless. I will conduct short brain break using a song I learned in South Africa, which is shown in the second video.

Lyrics:

G-R-O

another O

V-Y

The spelling of “groovy”.

Tasks:(any tasks that may occur? Carry over time?)

Writing and Coloring Activity

Students will fill out a worksheet regarding South African geography and culture. For the first grade class, I will write some facts on the board with help from the students.

First Grade Worksheet

Students will color in the South African flag with the appropriate colors and color in South Africa on the map.
Students will write a few sentences about what they learned about South Africa.

Second Grade Worksheet

Students will color in the South African flag with the appropriate colors and color in South Africa on the map.
Students will respond to all questions, including population, currency, and interesting facts they learned.

Closure:

This lesson will end after students have completed their appropriate worksheets. I will tell students that over the next two weeks, we will be looking at animals that you would see on a safari in South Africa and some events that happened there.

Assessment:

Assessment will be formative, but I will be looking at their participation and ability to fill out the worksheet.

Did they try to sound out the words?
Did they use classroom resources, such as the word wall?
Did students properly follow the color scheme for the flag and color in the appropriate country on the map?
Are fun facts well thought out?
Did the student try his or her best?

Adaptations and Modifications

Class 1A:

Students sitting at the table who require extra help will be given it. I will encourage students to work independently, but I will be around to answer any questions and help them sound out words.

Class 1B:

The two second grade students unable to properly recognize letters:

Students will be given the first grade worksheet.
Students will have no issues with the coloring component.
For the written component, someone will work with them to properly fill out the worksheet. I will encourage them to attempt to sound out most words themselves and I will not give them the answers. I will allow someone to read them the question.

The five grade one students:

These students will be given an option to complete the first grade worksheet.
I will encourage two of the girls to complete the harder worksheet, since they are strong enough to do it.

Student on the Autism Spectrum:

Student is very capable to complete work, just like any other student.
I will check up on him more often.

Students who excel:

Students who excel will finish early.
They will be asked to write in their journal about South Africa. They could discuss facts or discuss their feelings towards the country.

Video Links:

The Lucky Ones

He Felt Like it was his Duty to Give Back