Search Keyword:
Grade Level:
Search in:
Advanced Search
MySOSLogin
RESOURCES
ABOUT US
Which Would You Rather Be? A Dog or a Cat?
Description:
Introduce kindergarteners to the concept of compare and contrast by reading a picture book entitled WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER BE? by William Steig with pictures by Harry Bliss. Engage students in a discussion about how cats and dogs are different and the same and record answers in a simple Ven diagram.
Goals & Objectives:
Kindergarten students will: Use listening skills as LMS reads a picture book entitled WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER BE? Use speaking skills and skills of comparing and contrasting by collectively offering 3 traits that are unique to cats, 3 traits that are unique to dogs and 3 ways in which they are the same. Students will be exposed to a basic Ven diagram as the answers are recorded on a flip-chart in the front of the room. Students will be asked to decide which they would rather be, a cat or a dog?
Materials & Sources:
Props including rabbit ears, magic wand and black top hat, picture book, computer with screen shot of book and clip art of a dog, cat and both, projector, flip-chart, 3 different color markers
Procedures:

Step 1:

LMS will introduce group to the lesson and excite them about story-time by dressing up like the magic rabbit on the cover of the picture book, "Which Would You Rather Be?" The costume can consist of rabbit ears, a magic wand and black top hat. A screen shot of the cover of the book should be projected on a screen behind the LMS.

 

Step 2:

LMS will read the book to the group in an animated way.

 

Step 3:

Following the story, LMS will ask students the question, which would you rather be? A dog or a cat? LMS will project a picture of a dog and a cat on the screen behind her. The idea is that since many students have pets at home, they should be able to relate to the discussion.

 

Step 4:

LMS will first ask the students to describe a cat. Specifically, LMS will ask students to offer suggestions about how a cat is different from a dog. A picture of only a cat is on the screen. LMS writes answers in the Ven diagram on a large flip-chart.

 

Step 5:

LMS repeats the question but this time wants to know how a dog is different from a cat. The picture is now of a dog. LMS writes answers on the other side of the Ven diagram.

 

Step 6:

LMS asks students how dogs and cats are the same and subsequently records answers in the central portion of the Ven diagram. LMS projects original pictures of a cat and dog together on the screen.

 

Step 7:

LMS reads the diagram to the class pointing out how cats are different from dogs, how dogs are different from cats, and how dogs are the same. LMS then asks students to decide which one they would rather be. Those that would prefer to be a cat are asked to raise their hands. Next, those who would prefer to be a dog raise their hands.

 

Step 8:

LMS removes diagram from flip-chat and gives to one student to bring back to their classroom and give to their teacher.

Assessment:
At this level the evaluation of the students comes from observation. For example, LMS will observe how intently the students listen to the story and if they offer 3 characteristics each of dogs and cats and 3 ways in which they are the same. Since students are also asked to make a decision regarding which one they would rather be, the LMS can assess if the lesson was understood by the show of hands.
Sources:
Print this Lesson Plan
Presented By: Dawn Briggs
Website by Data Momentum, Inc.