I like this book because it's written by a classic author and the story is simple. The description of the steps to making clothing makes it easy to create a Prezi describing the steps.
Prezi (www.prezi.com) is REALLY easy and super fun to use on the iPad, but spend some time playing with it before the lesson and see how it 'plays' or focuses on the different bubbles as a presentation. Here's an example (it's only a screenshot - it won't move around like a real prezi) that I created about a Abraham Lincoln book that we were reading in about 5 minutes. Creating the presentations works a little different on a laptop than an iPad, so familiarize yourself with the technology that you'll be using. In this lesson, you'll be demonstrating and working with kids to create a group prezi. Creating a Prezi requires an understanding of the topic and how its organized, as well as the ability to move around and create new detail boxes. My goal in this lesson is to help them understand the ideas can be organized and presented in a unique way.
** "Imaging" is the term that my district uses for "visualizing". In order to stay true to the district expectations, I'll continue to use this verbage. Visualizing is a critical skill for 2nd graders because they need to 'go deeper' in the text. By visualizing as they read, they are creating and tweaking images in their minds as they actively read. This kind of 'close reading', forming images using text, verifying and changing those images, and ultimately comparing their images to the author, creates critical readers and deepens comprehension.
Underlined words below are lesson vocabulary words that are emphasized and written on sentence strips for my Reading & Writing word wall. I pull off the words off the wall for each lesson, helping students understand this key 'reading and writing' vocabulary can be generalized across texts and topics. The focus on acquiring and using these words is part of a shift in the Common Core Standards towards building students’ academic vocabulary. My words are color coded ‘pink’ for literature/’blue’ for reading strategies/’orange’ for informational text/'yellow' for writing/’green’ for all other words)
Common starting point
Examples
Discuss the organization
This discussion about organizing ideas is really the crux of the lesson. Identifying main ideas and details and then being able to describe the connection between these concepts (RI.2.3) helps students organize texts in their mind. The ability to create an image in their heads as they read helps them to bring meaning and order to the concepts and be 'close readers' as they interact with the text.
Creating the Prezi
Making these Prezis allows the students to produce and publish their writing (W.2.6). This is a great way to get away from the pencil and paper and into some digital tools that the Common Core suggests. Our kids are naturally 'techy' and anything that I introduce that involves an iPad or computer peaks their interest. Challenging them to organize their thoughts and write out descriptions gives them practice with writing and digital tools.
Share your ideas
Scaffolding and Special Education: This lesson could be scaffolded up or down, depending on student ability.
Students with academic challenges may need to have words/ideas written on the whiteboard for grammar and spelling help. They could work with a partner to create the prezi as well.
Students with higher language should be able to go beyond the simple wording that you may suggest (cut, pin) to higher level vocabulary (prepare the material, sew the seam). Challenge them to add their own words to be more descriptive.