Lesson+5+Symbols


 * Lesson 5: Symbols

Pictures and Student Work **


 * Purpose: **The purpose of this lesson is for students to be exposed to symbols of America and grasp their symbolism and meaning behind them.


 * Pre-Assessment: **The pre-assessment section on symbols was frequently skipped over by the students. The students we asked to create a symbol that described their classroom. Of the 5 symbols that were drawn, the words to describe //the class// described the picture drawn. It is clear that the students need more experience with symbols and information that describes the meaning behind them.


 * Objective: **Students will be able to work cooperatively in a jigsaw exercise in order to inform their classmates of the symbol they became an “expert” on. Students will be able to complete a matching worksheet in order to identify the symbols and their meanings. Students will also be able to complete a class web that focuses of symbols for Mrs. Peterson’s class.


 * Assessment: **Students will be formally assessed based on their ability to work with others. Students will be formally assessed based on their completion of the matching worksheet.

Topic A. **Foundation and Function of Government citizen represent, such as George Washington portrays leadership, the American flag represents loyalty and respect and the Star Spangled Banner represents courage and freedom
 * MSC: Standard 1.0 Political Science
 * Indicator 2.** Explain how democratic skills and attitudes with being a responsible
 * Objective b.** Connect certain people, symbols, songs and poems to the ideals they

- symbol cards - chart paper with steps - matching worksheet - jigsaw assignments - glue, scissors - chalk
 * Materials: **- timer

- make and copy worksheet
 * Preparation:** - make jigsaw groups [based on behavior management and reading level]


 * Technology:** The document camera was used to complete the first example on the worksheet with the class.


 * Procedures: **


 * 1. **Welcome students back from math.


 * 2. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Instruct students to clear their desks. Have students come to the front rug.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Discuss symbols. What are some things you think of when you picture America or the United States? [American flag, Washington D.C., white house, bald eagle]


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Introduce jigsaw rules and procedures. *have Mrs. Peterson place number cards of desks (according to the breakdown) while I am giving directions.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Directions: Each student is going to get a number. That number goes with a symbol. All the 1’s are going to work together at first, all the 2’s… so on. While you are in your symbol group you are going to learn about the symbol you have and what it means. When I say “jigsaw,” then you are going to go back to your table group and teach all the other numbers about your symbol. You are the symbol expert. Everyone should be respectful. Use 1 – 2 voice.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">6. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Circulate to help students, answer questions or to maintain order.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">7. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When students have finished sharing hand out matching worksheet. Have students complete the worksheet individually.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">8. **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If enough time, brainstorm ideas for a classroom symbol. Think of qualities and characteristics that we want the symbol to represent.

Adaptations for students with special needs: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The needs of MO and BW will be met with the differentiation of the worksheet. Behavior needs will be taken into consideration as the jigsaw groups are formed. This will ensure the success of all students. Extension for early finishers: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Students who finish early will be instructed to finish their star of the week, and catch up work or to DEAR. Multicultural considerations: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Symbols of the United States will touch on equality and unfavorable practices in America’s past. Slavery and equal rights will be highlighted by both the Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. symbol presenters. Homework: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> No homework will be assigned for this lesson. Analysis: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Differentiation: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some students will be able to use their symbol cards to complete the worksheet. A variety of differentiated worksheets will be used during this lesson. Special educators will assist in the modifications for KL and ZG. KL will have a worksheet that requires matching of only the picture to the name. The worksheet will also be differentiated based of student handwriting [MO, BW, NS, CH]. Some students will have handwriting lines and others will have basic straight lines.
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· <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The entire class earned an //independent// grade on the symbols worksheet. · <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All students earned their participation points for this lesson. Reflection: **
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· <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After consulting my mentor I decided to model the first symbol with the class. They were able to get an idea of the assignment. Modeling reduced the number of clarification questions and the duration of the directions prior to the activity.

· <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This was a great lesson to use a jigsaw model. The students were engaged in the like-group research. Switching back to their home tables became a little chaotic because of difference in ability and pace.

· <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was happy that I had prepared the jigsaw groups. I was able to choose the best symbol for each student and pair stronger readers with readers who have a little more trouble in order to ensure that the information was accurately portrayed. Doing this allowed me to split up conflicting personalities.

· <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The spelling was challenging for a lot of the students. This was a stumbling block for many students. This could have been avoided by having a word bank or pre-printed words for students to cut and paste. This would have made the activity move faster as well.

· <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The classroom volume was controlled with check-ins and warnings. Talking that was taking place was a result of active learning and full students engagement.

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