Camping: Living and Non-Living

In reading we have been learning to follow multi-step directions with picture cues. For these lessons, the students learned to draw tents and trees to go along with our camping theme. They had to read the written directions on the projector along with the step-by-step pictures. After each step, we discussed what we did and how following the steps in order helps drawing the pictures easier. After the students drew these two pictures, we transitioned into a science lesson. When possible, I try to connect the different subjects together. I believe it makes for stronger connections to the concepts. For science, we discussed the differences between living and non-living things. We then created a t-chart to list various living and non-living things. After brainstorming, the students went back to their pictures from the reading lesson and added at least three living things and three non-living things to their camping picture. They then labeled each thing and circled it in a certain color to indicate if it was living or non-living. They then shared their drawings with their neighbors.