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Written by: Sherry Philippus,
Lesson title: Martin's Big Words
Time: 45 min. / Days: 2 		Content Area: Social Studies
Grade: First
TEKS

Language Arts
  • 1.1(A) determine the purpose(s) for listening such as to get information, to solve problems, and to enjoy and appreciate (K-3);
  • 1.1(B) respond appropriately and courteously to directions and questions (K-3);
  • 1.1(C) participate in rhymes, songs, conversations, and discussions (K-3);
  • 1.1(D) listen critically to interpret and evaluate (K-3);
  • 1.2(A) connect experiences and ideas with those of others through speaking and listening (K-3);
  • 1.3(C) ask and answer relevant questions and make contributions in small or large group discussions (K-3);
  • 1.4(D) retell a spoken message by summarizing or clarifying (K-3).
Social Studies
  • 1.2(A) describe the origins of selected customs, holidays, and celebrations of the community, state, and nation such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Independence Day, and Veterans' Day;
  • 1.11(A) identify leaders in the community, state, and nation;
  • 1.12(A) identify characteristics of good citizenship such as a belief in justice, truth, equality, and responsibility for the common good;
Marzano Strategies
  • Summarizing and Note Taking
  • Vocabulary Development
 BigSix Elements
Materials:
White board and markers Paper reproducibles, 1 per st Blue 9x12 construction paper, 1 per st Red 4x6 construction paper, 1 per st Glue sticks, scissors, crayons

Resources:
Book: Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport Sample MLK foldable Bookmarks (commercially available, such as Garfield, etc)

Procedure:
1. (Part 1 --In library) Tell students "We are going to participate in an activity that will re-create something that happened in real life. Not everything will be fair, but after the activity, everyone WILL be treated fairly." Pass out fancy bookmarks only to children who have light colored hair. Listen to the reactions and restate comments aloud ("Sounds like you think this isn't fair", etc). Finally, tell students they have convinced you with their words, and you agree: this WASN'T fair. (Give everybody a bookmark now.)

2. Tell children they can be proud that they solved the problem with words, without fighting or taking someone else's bookmark. They are following the example of a great man who lived 40+ years ago, Martin Luther King. Tell children you will be sharing a book about this man and how he helped people solve the problem of unfair treatment.

3. Discuss the 2 meanings of the word "big" -- size and importance. Ask the children to listen for words that might be IMPORTANT words to MLK.

4. Read the book aloud. Stop halfway through the book; have students pair and share important words they have heard. This can be done every page or so as necessary. Make a class list on white board.

5. Show the sample Foldable on Martin's Big Words. Explain that now they will have a chance to make a Foldable to remind them of some of these important ideas.

6. Guide children in assembling Foldable (see picture).

7. (Part 2 -- in library or classroom) Have students write or draw inside each word to show what the word meant to MLK, or what the word means to them.

Attached Files:
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