Grade 2 Lesson Plan and Activity Based on Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

Grade 2 Lesson Plan and Activity Based on Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

Number the index cards and add one task to each card. Tailor your tasks to fit the ability level of your students. Here are some examples.

Introduction

When you read the book Actual Size by Steve Jenkins, you will undoubtedly hear comments from your students such as, “Cool,” “Gross” or “Awesome!” This cleverly illustrated book about some of the world’s largest and smallest animals includes the measurements and some basic information about select animals.

After reading, your students will visualize the sizes of these animals using the provided measuring tools. For a few animals (such as the 59-foot giant squid), you will need extra space, so you may want to use a multi-purpose room, playground or hallway.

Day One:

Read Actual Size by Steve Jenkins. Move furniture out of the way so you have space to measure. Place students in small groups with an assignment to measure a specific animal from the list. Save the giant squid and saltwater crocodile to do together in a larger area. One person from the group should gather the appropriate measuring tools (some will need yards sticks, some rulers and some the inch cubes). Provide these instructions:

  1. Lay a pencil down at your starting point.
  2. Measure to the correct point and lay a pencil at the end point.
  3. Double-check your work
  4. Use a file card to label the name of your animal.
  5. Come to me and I will help put a strip of masking tape the length of the measured area.

When completed, everyone gathers to view and discuss the work. Compare lengths of different animals. Then move to the playground or multi-purpose room to work as a group to measure the giant squid and saltwater crocodile. Would two saltwater crocodiles equal one giant squid?

Day Two

Students may work individually or in pairs to complete 10 task cards. Lay the task cards face down on the floor or large table. Take one card at a time then return the card and choose another. Write the card number on a piece of paper. Show your work and the answer next to the card number. After a predetermined time, gather the students to check the answers.

References

Search
Categories