COOPERATIVE GROUP LESSON PLAN
ENDANGERED SPECIES
by Ann Boessneck and Lindsey White

LESSON THEMES: Endangered species, letter writing, community involvement
TARGET AUDIENCE: Upper elementary classroom for students with learning
disabilities
OBJECTIVES: TSWBAT compose a letter containing at least three sentences
TSWBAT define endangered species and name several
animals in this category
TSWBAT describe the habitat and characteristics of at least
one endangered species
TSWBAT make an appropriate request within the context of
a letter

PREREQUISITES: The Student has
1. skills necessary to work in small groups
2. keyboarding experience
3. received prior direct instruction re: letter writing
The teacher has
1. provided the addresses of appropriate organizations relating to endangered species

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
* WEB SITE
econet contains resources, addresses, information on organizations
for endangered animals
*SOFTWARE
Kidsworks II by Davidson

TYPE OF CLASSROOM ACTIVITY:
whole group instruction with related small group activities on
endangered animals
small group instruction for letter writing

INSTRUCTIONAL EVENTS:
PRESENTING IMPORTANT CONTENT: whole class will participate in lessons, activities, discussion
ELICITING PERFORMANCE AND PRACTICE: students
will join groups based on selection of one endangered animal
for a research project
ENHANCING TRANSFER: students will write to an
organization for the protection of endangered species using
Kidsworks II software
ENHANCING TRANSFER: students will share their
mail response with the class

TIME CONSIDERATIONS AND TIPS:

The unit study on endangered animals will be a part of a daily social studies lesson. This unit will be integrated into a community involvement theme. Students will be taught in a whole group format using discussion, community guest speakers, and video.
During language arts the students will receive direct instruction in letter writint content and format. Students will practice in small groups using Kidsworks II software.
The unit will culminate in a group project. Students will choose an endangered animal and form groups of four. The groups will use resources within the classroom (internet info., encyclopedias, books, magazines, software such as Zookeeper and San Diego Zoo) to research the animal. In the letter they will use descriptive information from their research and request information and/or membership in the organization.
To provide structure within groups, each student will have a designated role. The keyboarder will type the letter using the Kidsworks II software. The illustrator will select, draw, or paint images and place them appropriately in the letter. The editor will review the final product and offer suggestions for revision. The administrator will be responsible for addressing and mailing the letter and keeping group members updated on correspondence. Finally, students will share their mail response information with the class.