Lessons & Units :: Fact and Opinion 1st Grade Unit

Lesson 2: Identifying Facts

Lesson Plan

Dandelions (Early Bird Nature Books) | 640L

Dandelions (Early Bird Nature Books)
Learning Goal
Identify and describe a fact.
Duration
Approximately 50 minutes
Necessary Materials
Provided: Independent Practice Worksheet
Not Provided: Dandelions by Kathleen V. Kudlinski
 

  • Teacher Modeling

    will introduce the definition of a fact. I will explain that facts are ideas that can be proven true and that nobody can disagree with. Tell students: “If I say that dandelions have green buds that turn into yellow flowers, can anyone disagree with me and still be telling the truth? No, so that is a fact.” I will discuss how facts are statements that do not include how someone feels or what one thinks about something. I will provide more examples of facts. I will read Chapter 1 of Dandelions by Kathleen V. Kudlinski and model how to identify one fact on each page by discussing what I learned.

    TIP: Another way to define proof is to ask, “Can anyone disagree with me and still be telling the truth?” Consider how multiple approaches to explaining “proof” to students before teaching the lesson. You may need to provide additional examples during the Direct Teaching to reinforce the concept.

  • Think Check

    Ask: "How do I know if a sentence is a fact?" Students should respond that the sentence can not be disagreed with because it is always true.

  • Guided Practice

    will read Chapter 2 and identify one fact we learned on each page. We will discuss what types of sentences these are and why these statements are facts.

  • Independent Practice

    will listen as I read Chapter 3 aloud. You will identify two facts in writing that you learned from the chapter. You will explain in writing how you knew these were facts. (Independent Practice Worksheet is provided.)

Build Student Vocabulary jagged

Tier 2 Word: jagged
Contextualize the word as it is used in the story The leaves of a dandelion are jagged.
Explain the meaning student-friendly definition) Jagged means uneven and sharp, not round or straight. The dandelion leaves are not smooth. Their edges are uneven and pointed.
Students repeat the word Say the word jagged with me: jagged.
Teacher gives examples of the word in other contexts The blade of a saw is jagged so that it cuts well. Sometimes I like to carve pumpkin faces with jagged teeth. A mountain with sharp rocks at the top has jagged peaks. When the glass broke, there were jagged pieces all over the floor.
Students provide examples Tell me about something that is jagged? Start by saying, “I once saw a jagged ________________.”
Students repeat the word again. What word are we talking about? jagged
Additional Vocabulary Words scatter, speck

Build Student Background Knowledge

Pause at page 7. After identifying the fact that the word "dandelion" comes from French, ask students if they know where France is. Point to France on a world map, and explain that many of our words come from the French language, for example, "ballet."

Texts & Materials

Standards Alignment

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User Comments

Great piece to use for our first graders. Thanks!

Submitted by sherrybenson15_2256735 on 9/18/16

I am starting facts and opinions so this is a perfect lesson. Thanks!!

Submitted by maria.fernandez_1274544 on 2/25/15

My students are enjoying the materials.

Submitted by shirley.young_1243021 on 2/12/15