Grade level: Pre-K

Topic: Language and Literacy Development, Social Studies, Social Emotional, Creative Development, Health and Physical Development

Short lesson overview:

Students will listen to a story about Gerald the giraffe, who feels a left out because he thinks he can’t dance. After finally trying without the critical judgment of the other animals, Gerald finds out that he can dance if he has the right music. Lead a discussion about things that are sometimes hard, but important enough to try anyway. Encourage students to share similar experiences and then create pictures that will make up a class book. When the book is complete, read it to the class and then discuss what the students liked about the book. Encourage comments on the creative efforts of their classmates.

Standards Correlation:

LD1d Listens to stories read aloud and shows understanding through body

language or by interacting appropriately.

LD5a Demonstrates and interest in books or stories

LD5c Exhibits book handling skills

LD5k Connects information and events in books to real life situations.

LD6a Experiments with a variety of writing tools, materials and surfaces

LD6b Uses scribbles, shapes, pictures and letters or other forms of writing

SS2c Demonstrates emerging awareness and respect for abilities.

SS3e Recognizes characteristics of other geographic regions and cultures.

CD1b Uses materials to create original work and for self-expression.

CD1d Expresses interest and shows appreciation for the creative works of others.

CD2d Explores various music types, musical instruments, and music from various cultures.

SE1b Recognizes self as a unique individual and becomes aware of the uniqueness

of others.

SE1c Demonstrates confidence in his/her range of abilities and expresses pride in

accomplishments.

HPD1a Develops coordination and balance.

Essential Question(s):

What have I done that makes me proud?

What have my friends done that makes them feel proud?

Key Skills:

Students will:

· Relate events in a story to real life situations.

· Express pride in themselves by drawing a picture of an important accomplishment.

· Respect others for their abilities and accomplishments.

· Create original works of art to express pride in themselves.

· Appreciate the creative efforts of others.

Materials and Resources:

· Wiggle and Whirl, Clap and Nap CD by Sue Schnitzer (2005)

· African drums, rainsticks, shakers

· Crayons/markers/colored pencils

· Drawing Paper

·Giraffes Can’t Danceby Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Reese (Purple Enterprises Ltd, 1999)

· Paint

· Paintbrushes

· Pencils

· Plastic wild animals

· Recording ofGiraffes Can’t Dance

Introduction (Activating Hook):

Music and Movement Activity: “Can You Clap?” by Sue Schintzer

· Can you clap? (fast, slowly)

· Can you pat your legs? (softly, softer)

· Can you stamp your feet? (fast, faster)

· Can you dance? (ballet, tap, twirl, sit down)

· Can you eat? (macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, ice cream cone, milk)

· Can you sing? (high, low, ABCs)

Step-by-Step Procedures:

1. Read the story aloud.

2. Ask the students what they remember about the story.

3. Ask: “Has anyone ever wanted to do something that was very hard?”

4. Invite the students to draw a picture of themselves doing something that they do well. Encourage dictation.

5. Combine the drawings into a class book.

6. Read the class book and invite the students to discuss what parts of the book they liked.

7. Document comments about other student artwork.

8. Ask: What is the next thing that you would like to work on so that you will be able to do it?

Closing/Summarizing/Linking

Print the animal pictures from the story on lint-free felt. Offer these at the felt board so that the students can retell this story or create their own stories using these characters. Reread the story together, allowing a team of students to use the felt board animals to act out the parts.

Centers Suggestions:

Art

· Paint, easel paper, animal sponges, paintbrushes: encourage students to use their creativity to create unique works of art

· Music: African drums, rainsticks, shakers, and Live on Ciut CD by Nyamamusango Marimba & Mbira Ensemble: play the CD in the background while students explore the instruments

Blocks

· Provide plastic wild animals for children to manipulate and create habitats, or maybe a dance in the jungle!

Dramatic Play

· Make animal masks from paper plates or collect old Halloween costumes of animals for role-play

Library

· Library Listening Center:Giraffes Can’t Danceand a recording of the story

· Stuffed Animals and a variety of books for independent reading

· Animal Stencils, markers, paper

Math/Manipulative

· Provide animal counting/sorting manipulative toys and sorting trays

Outdoors

· Animal “Follow the Leader”: move like animals on the playground or around the classroom if weather does not permit going outdoors

Science

· Collect fabric swatches, some fake fur would be nice, too, and provide magnifying glasses for exploring

· Provide National Geographic for Kids magazines or some other animal focused informative literature. A great source for animal information online is Discovery.com at http://animal.discovery.com/mammals