“The
Magical Migration Adventure”
Grades K-3
Fostering
reading, writing, and artistic expression through the use of Common Core State
Standards is essential at an early age. Keeping that in mind, here we have a
story about a topic that is naturally interesting and exciting to this age group
and directly connected to the state standards as well—the monarch life cycle and
migration. Students become engaged in the story because it is about a young boy
and his family, while learning about the science of butterflies along with Jake.
Lesson/Activity
The
program for early age elementary grades is based on the book Jake and
the Migration of the Monarch. Through an author discussion of the process of
writing a book, followed by a musical story reading, and then an interactive
skit about monarch butterfly migration, students are actively engaged in reading
and writing across content areas. Enriching presentations help students
strengthen real life connections between literature, science and the arts.
Combining this technique with integrating Common Core State Standards, students
will learn about the writing process and how to successfully organize a piece of
writing. Other essential skills students will learn are how to describe
characters in terms of physical, sensory descriptions, as well as in terms of
character traits.
For the Teachers
Early elementary grade teachers will receive professional
development using cross-curricular enrichment activities to emphasize writing
based on the Common Core State Standards along with the support of The 6 Traits
of Writing to enhance student writing. In addition, teachers will learn how to
engage students in the arts and science using the Life Cycle Role Play and the
Monarch Migration Game.
Supporting Material
Jake
and the Migration of the Monarch, a read-along music CD in English and
Spanish, Common Core State Standards-based teacher guides and enrichment
activities, and references for supporting informational text to use in the
classroom.
Suggested Duration
1-3 days
Common Core State Standards Addressed
Kindergarten:
CC.K.RL.1, 2, 3 and 10
1st grade:
CC.1.RL.1, 2, 3, 4 and 10
2nd grade:
CC.2.RL.1, 2, 3 and 5; CC.2.W.1, 4, 5 and 7; CC.2.SL.2, 3, 4 and 6;
CC.2.L.1.e; CC.2.L.5.a and b; CC.2.L.6
3rd grade:
CC.3.RL.1, 2 and 3; CC.3.W.3, 4 and 5; CC.3.SL.1, 2, 3, 4 and 6; CC.3.L.3.a;
CC.3.L.5.b; CC.3.L.6
“The
author shares her love of learning and teaching through enthusiastic
school presentations, mesmerizing students and adults with her
'Magical Migration Adventure.' Her stunning book as well as school
performances, weave the arts, literature, science, and nature together to create
a real South Carolina treasure. The book and the 'butterfly lady' already have
become school favorites.”
Sally Nuss, Media Specialist, Taylors Elementary
“What a joy and tremendous
delight it was having Dr. O'Connor visit Pine Street School! She brought
to life her book,
Jake and the Migration of
the Monarch, to the
students. In an exciting and active presentation, our students experienced
the migration of the monarch butterflies from a loving, heartwarming
perspective. Nonfiction learning has never been so fun.”
Veneal Williams, Media Assistant, Pine
Street
Elementary
