Lesson Plans to compliment Big Annie of Calumet

When working with 5th graders remember that they are now becoming strong independent readers and may show preference in a particular reading style.  They are also more interested in the product and can be more goal orientated.  It is beneficial when choosing a project that the students have clear guidelines and are able to visualize the end goal.  This age is known for having great ideas but poor follow through, so helping them to set up a step by step to-do list will make those big tasks seem smaller and more manageable.  This age of student also likes to feel like they belong to something, they enjoy secret codes or belonging to clubs.  It is important to make the lessons relevant to the students life and really look for that idea that will grab their attention.  5th graders are beginning to develop a personal opinion and tend to see everything as right or wrong with no middle ground.  Let them take stands or encourage them to see both sides of an issue and share their opinions.  Social belonging is important so making time for group projects or time to work with a friend may help them develop those positive social skills.

Lesson #1- Pre-Activity before Reading Book

A Literature Lesson

Click, Clack Moo Lesson

Vocabulary Word Practice to Complete before Book

Big Annie Vocabulary Activities

(follow the vocabulary lessons outlined for days 2-5)

Introduction to Big Annie of Calumet

Preview Activity-

     -Hand each student a copy of the book and give them about 10 minutes to page through the book.  You should encourage them to read the content, read the introduction to the book, look at the pictures, and review some of the words in the index.  After the students have had time to preview the book, have them fill out the questionnaire about the book.  When they have had time to answer the questions individually, have them break up into small groups and share their answers.  Lead a group discussion to summarize what the students think they will be learning, what they hope they will be learning, and what they already know, similar to a KWL chart (what do I know, what do I want to learn, what did I learn).  Write down the main themes pointed out by the students on a large piece of paper. When you are finished, hang it up next to the vocabulary words that the class has been working with.  Throughout the lesson when the students come across something in the text that is on the chart, point it out to help the students make that connection.

Lesson #2- To be completed during Big Annie After Chapter 1

Reasons for Immigration- Cooperative Learning

Immigration Issues

Lesson #3- To be completed during Big Annie After Chapter 3

Immigration and Mining Lessons

Life in a Mine Lesson Plan

Point of View Guides-To be completed throughout the book

Throughout the lesson as students come across text that they have a hard time processing or seems to have a strong impact on them, the students should engage in a point of view activity.  This is where you select a passage in the text and pull it out.  The students will reread this passage and be asked a particular question about the text.  They will respond in writing to the question in a Think-Pair-Share format.  First they will think about their individual response to the question, then they will next be placed with a partner to discuss each others response to the question, then they will write down their response to the question.  This technique will help them to engage in the text and process what they are reading.  Please see examples for ideas: Point-of-view Guide-1.doc  Point-of-view Guide-2.doc Point-of-view Guide-3.doc

Lesson #4-Post-Activity after finishing the Book

Women in History Lessons- Essential Question

Prominent Women in History

To Return to the Main page of Big Annie: Big Annie of Calumet

To see resources about Big Annie or the Industrial Revolution: Big Annie Resources

To View the Vocabulary Word Lesson Ideas: Big Annie Vocabulary Activities

To see the list of Vocabulary Words: Big Annie Vocabulary Words