Lesson: What are Living Things?

 Author: Julie Johnson

Topic: Science

Age: Kindergarten/Reception


Overview: 

This lesson will begin by introducing the topic of living things. Relevant English vocabulary will be highlighted as well as their meanings. Phonics and reading can be included at this point by reviewing initial and final sounds for the new vocabulary words. We will then view several time laps videos of living and non-living things and see how they change. The living things like people, animals, and plants grow and change, while the non-living things like toys and cars do not. Finally we will end the lesson by going on a living or non-living nature walk outside. Students will be encouraged to identify living or non-living objects as we walk around the school. Reluctant learners will be encouraged to choose an object for the class to discuss if it is alive or not. The students will need to follow the nature walk rules and the teacher should review outdoor classroom management ideas to keep the children together and following along with the class.


Introduction of the Lesson:

1.     Introduce the topic; ask the class, “What are living things?” to gather as much information about what they already know. Encourage participation by giving stickers to anyone who contributes to the information gathering discussion.

2.     Introduce key vocabulary with pictures and flash cards (living, non-living, alive, dead, grow, change) Review phonics and reading at this point. Make sure to show the words and discuss the initial and final sounds that the words contain. 

3.    Show engaging time lapse videos of different objects. These should be short video clips of both living and non-living objects. Discuss what is being shown after each video and make sure to explain why the object in each video is considered living or non-living. The videos can include plants growing from seeds, baby animals growing up, a toy car left over time, etc. 

4.     Once the concepts of living vs. non-living has been introduced and the children have a basic understanding of what is happening, take the class outside to see if they can apply the knowledge in real time. Before going outside make sure to explain the rules, consider classroom management strategies, and make sure the students are clear on the objectives of the walk. Have the children look around the school and discuss with the teachers and their classmates the living and non-living things around them. Encourage reluctant learners to participate by having them choose objects to ask the class about.


Assessment:

During the nature walk the teacher will observe the students and record their interactions. The should be assessed on participation, and if they are beginning to use the vocabulary introduced. They should also be beginning to be able to correctly identify living and non-living objects. This will be recorded on an assessment sheet by the teacher.






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