Component: Uses writing processes effectively 

Competency: Writes to create class ABC book of  Australian Animals. Identifies animals from different groups according to characteristics such as method of movement, body covering, and feeding habits.

Objectives: Students learn about animals that live in Australia.  Students use the letters of the alphabet to create a class-made book about Australian animals.

Materials: Internet, printout from Web sites listed in the lesson, construction or drawing paper, drawing materials.

Procedure:
1. Teacher reads background information about animals unique to Australia from library sources or printed from the following web site:  Zoom School (click on Australia) or Unique Australian Animals

2. Teacher assigns each student a letter of the alphabet.

3. Students then go online to Unique Australian Animals they research any animal native to Australia that also begins with the letter assigned by teacher.
· Depending on the number of students in the class and animal names, some letters may not be used.

4. Students take notes about the animal.  They include habitat, eating habits, and any interesting facts they may find out about their particular animal.

5. Students print out a copy of the animal and return to their seat to cut and color animal onto construction paper. Students can also use a paint/draw application to draw illustrations.

6. After students cut and color animal they write five facts about the animal. Students can also use desktop publishing to write text, add illustrations, and print.

7. When all the pages are finished, arrange them in ABC order.  Have students brainstorm a title for the book and a design for the cover.

Evaluation:  Evaluate each student's contribution to the book.  Make sure they included accurate information about the animal.  Teacher might want students to orally describe their animal's habitat, eating habits, and/or interesting fact.

Extension Activity 1: Students use Kid Pix to create a slide show

• Students make a title screen, picture screen and a text screen to create a slide show about their Australian animal.

• Students will record their information on sample Slide Show Storyboard
  

Extension Activity 2: Computer-generated Animal Guide

• Students can create an animal guide on the computer using publishing or writing software

• After researching their Australian animal, create their environment using paint and draw

• Students can visit Zootopia click on Animals

• Place the animal in the environment using clip art or drawing tools

• Publish their work and post on class bulletin board or Web site

Homework: Complete Animal Note Taking Guide and use in writing book and creating slide show.

Fieldtrip: Visit a local zoo to learn more about Australian animals such as the kangaroo, wallaby, dingo, and koala bear.

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