21st Century 4th Grade Learners

This lesson uses traditional stories of the Native peoples (i.e., narrative text) to introduce students to the study of animals in Alaska (i.e., expository text). Students use the Internet to listen to a Yu'pik tale told by John Active, a Native American living in Alaska. They also use online resources to find facts about animals in Alaska. Students compare and contrast the two types of text in terms of fiction and nonfiction. The narrative stories provide students with a context to begin studying a content area topic; this lesson emphasizes the integration of curriculum.

In this lesson students learn how they can make a difference in their community by taking on the role of a leader. Students identify some community and school needs. They will respond to literature about being a good person and making a difference. Working as a group, the students select a philanthropic project, formulate a plan, and execute that plan to address the need.

This is a curriculum resources that teaches young children positive social and communication skills. Using this resource teachers can present useful tools that help students to co-create a positive social environment that fosters kindness, compassion and responsibility. Although the lessons are intended for grades 2-3, they can be easily adapted for any grade level.

This lesson is designed for students in grades 3-5. In this lesson, students will work in groups to design and create a multimedia website for Smoothie World – a new chain of cafes that sell a wide range of healthy organic food. The company prides itself on using organic fruit and vegetables in its smoothies and wraps. It also supports the campaign to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day as part of a healthy diet.

Students will learn about the aspects of conflict. Students will discuss the negatives and positives that accompany conflict and how conflicts can be resolved. The focus of this lesson is to help students to become more emotionally aware to other aspects of life.

This lesson explores how second grade businesses at Hagemann Elementary promotes ethical values as a foundation for good character. The businesses are a hit for all stakeholders as it engages students and families. The businesses are child-centered that promote leadership and school wide community building.

This lesson explores the importance of protecting sources of clean drinking water. Through a narrated slide show, Peace Corps volunteer Lauren Fry shares her story about building a springbox to protect a groundwater supply in Cameroon. Students will synthesize information from the slide show, examine additional photographs depicting water access issues in Africa, and discuss the connection between clean water and quality of life. After discussing Lauren's story, choose from the suggested math and science activities to extend students' learning.

This lesson engages students in reflecting upon what it means to be a global citizen. Although students are often taught the concepts of citizenship and the characteristics of good citizenship during the elementary years, students may not have considered previously their roles as citizens in a global society. Using authentic examples of global citizenship among youth as a springboard for discussion, students determine how they are citizens at various levels.