University of South Carolina
College of Education
Programs in Special Education
Creators:
Katherine H. Black
David J. Riggs
VISIT TO THE FARM
Background Information :
This is day two of
preparation for a field trip to a local petting zoo. The target audience is 15
third and fourth graders presently being served in an self contained classroom
for students with learning disabilities. Yesterday, a database was discussed and
compiled based on students responses. Information included the type of animals
found on a farm, what they eat, where they live, what they like, what it does,
and the sound it makes. Today, students will be split into cooperative learning
groups to write a story about things the students may do throughout the day if
they lived on a farm.
Goals:
To enhance students writing skills, support cooperative learning skills, in
addition to improving knowledge concerning the care of farm
animals.
Objective:
1.Students will produce a story at least three paragraphs long.
2.Students will practice and demonstrate research abilities
3.Students will demonstrate knowledge acquired about three farm
animals.
4.Students will practice cooperative learning
skills
Activities:
1. Cooperative Learning format : Jigsaw
A. Students will be broken up into 5 groups of 3.
B. Each group will pick three animals they are most interested in.
C. Each member will select one animal to gather information on.
2. Each member of the group will work independently gathering information on their selected farm animal.
A. 15 minutes will be allotted for this activity.
B. Students will be allowed to explore the following information sources: the encyclopedia, the dictionary, related books, magazines, the Grolier Encyclopedia, or various WWW pages (previously obtained and printed out), class generated data sheets
3. Each group will produce a story based on the following criteria:
A. The assignment : Write a story which describes the way in which the students may take care of the animals on a farm.
B. Each story must include a title.
C. Each story must include at least one paragraph per animal.
D. Stories may include pictures.
E. Each member must write his/her name on the cover sheet in order to demonstrate that they approve of the final project.
4. The teacher will then read each story outloud to the class.
A. a discussion session will precede the reading.
Evaluation Criteria:
1. During information gathering period, teacher and teachers' aide will move throughout the room for the following purposes:
A. monitor on task behavior.
B. provide any assistance necessary.
C. prompt individual student's when appropriate.
2. During writing time, teacher and teachers' aide will move throughout the room for the following purposes:
A. monitor and evaluate each cooperative group.
B. monitor and evaluate individual participation.
C. provide any assistance necessary.
3. A group grade will be assigned according to final project.
A. The grade will be based upon criteria met.
Supplementary Technology:
- A Trip To The Zoo (Marble Software/ MAC)
- The New Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia (Grolier/ MAC)
Supplementary World Wide Web Sites:
The 4-H Farm at The University of California, Irvine
Animals
Katherine and her "surprise" pig!
Taking notes in EDEX 750!!!
Other Lessons Created by David Riggs & Katherine Black:
Sharks
Fall 1995
