Lesson Plan 2: What type of pet do you think is best to have? Why?

Lesson Plan Form

Title of Activity: What type of pet do you think is the best pet to have? Why?

Age/Grade: 2nd Grade

Subject: English/ Language Arts

Standard(s): SCCCR-Meaning, Context, and Craft:
Standard 1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Developmental Domain: Cognitive &. Social

Type of Lesson/ Activity: Small Group 

Objective(s): The children will… research and create an argument to explain why they think their pet is the best to have.

Materials Needed:

-Computers/ Ipads

-Video camera (if a group wants to make a commercial)

-voting poll sheets with each of the animals chosen (this can’t be made until the groups have told you their animal)

Introductory Activity: Ask the students, “If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be?” 

*To make this more interesting, try to get them to think outside of the box… not using the typical house pets (dogs, cats, birds, fish, etc) (Totally optional though!)

This will get their minds thinking for when you are ready to introduce the lesson to them. By that time, they should have a few animals in mind for when they break into their groups.

Procedures: (do not describe the intro activity again)

*Remember this project will be broken up to take an entire week. 1-2 hours per day.*

1. Children will get into groups of three.
2. They will decide (as a group) what type of animal they think would make the best pet.
3. They will be searching the internet and kid-friendly search engines for information to back their argument. ( Day of activity)
4. Once their research is gathered, they will begin to put together their argument into some kind of presentation. (Slideshow, video, commercial, etc… let them choose!) (Day 2 & 3 of activity)
5. The children will take turns presenting their arguments to their classmates. (Day 4 & first half of day 5)
6. At the end of the presentations, we will do anonymous voting to see which type of animal the class thinks will make the best pet! (Second Half of Day five)

Transitional Activity: N/A

Assessment of Children’s Learning:

I will assess if the children created an argument through their presentations. Their presentations will be what they are being assessed on and getting a grade for.

Resources (if any): N/A

Self-Evaluation: (to be completed after the lesson is taught)