Lesson Plan submitted by: Maria Haines-First grade Makawao School Makawao, HI maria_haines@notes.k12.hi.us

Elementary
Theme/Project: Integrating Kid pix into the Language Arts Program
Unit: Language Arts and Science (habitats)
Grade Level: Grade 1
Abstract: In a small reading group the students will read the book Droo (by Barbara Hill). After reading the book the students will write a story about an imaginary animal and its habitat. Using Kid Pix students will draw and paint their creatures including the creature's habitat. The teacher will insert the text. Students will read their stories and share their pictures with the class. The story and pictures will be compiled into a class book. The class book will be displayed on the internet through a link on the Makawao School's homepage.
Generalization: Some animals need a special habitat and would not make good pets.
Purpose/Learner Outcomes: Through this activity students will : 1)learn new vocabulary words 2) make connections between habitats discussed in science and the story character's habitat. 3) find rhyming words throughout the story 4) write about their inventive animals and the animal's living environment 5) experiment with the draw/paint program in Kid Pix.
Hawaii Performance Standards: Reading/literature (primary level) 1)Student makes up his or her own story with text 2) Student responds to literature in a variety of ways. Science (primary level/Nature of Technology) 1) Student uses a computer to assist in the completion of a task.
Guiding Questions: Why did the Droo not make good company? What was the problem with the habitat the Droo was living in? What kind of habitat would the Droo need?
Special Characteristics: This is a small group activity but it can also be adapted to use with the whole class. In order to do this activity with the whole class it would be best to do the draw portion of the lesson in the computer lab.
Technology description: Using the class computer the teacher will demonstrate how to use the draw/paint in Kid Pix . Also the teacher will show students how to save their pictures in a file.	Rationale for using technology: Students enjoy writing and creating pictures with Kid Pix. In my class the students only use the stamps to create their pictures. I would like them to be more inventive and creative by using the pencil and paints. This is a good lesson to get those creative juices going. By drawing imaginary creatures students' art work would not have to be so precise. This activity is also a great motivator . Other students see what their classmates are accomplishing and become inspired to write and illustrate their own stories.
Other materials needed:	Teacher suggestions:
Procedure:
Into: (Preparation) 1) Introduce and discuss vocabulary words on the chalkboard prior to the reading of the story. 2) Review the meaning of habitat
Through: (Learning Activities) Choral read the story together. As students read the story have them point out the rhyming words and review the vocabulary words Ask questions ( including the guiding questions) When done lead students to a generalization or to their own meaning of the story Discuss the assignment. Choose one or two students to draw an imaginary creature on the board. With the group brainstorm what the imaginary creatures habitat would be like and include this in the chalkboard drawings. Go to the computer area and demonstrate how to use the pencil and paints in Kid Pix. Show students how to save their pictures in a file Assign times students can draw their creatures on the computer Have students write in their journals about their imaginary animal and its habitat. THIS LESSON PLAN CAN BE DONE OVER SEVERAL DAYS.
Beyond: (Extension Activites) Language Arts: 1)Read similar stories and compare and contrast the habitats. Similar stories that could be read are the Salamander Room by Ann Mazer and the Jigaree by Joy Cowley. Science: 1) habitat activities can be found in the Ohia Project. 2) Set up animal habitats for classroom animals such as meal worms, toads, tadpoles, mice etc. 3) Go on an animal hunt in the school yard. Have students describe the different animals habitats.
Assessment: Class discussion Journal Writing Illustrations	Evaluation: The student will participate in the small group discussion. The student will write about an imaginary creature describing its habitat. The student's illustration will include an imaginary painted creature and show its habitat.
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