Lesson Plan #:AELP-INT0082

Whole Language Approach to Map Making

An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan

Submitted by: Jacqueline Rose Doubek
Endorsed by: These lesson plans are the result of the work of the teachers who have attended the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshop. CEC is a consortium of teacher from 14 western states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States, and particularly the quality of math and science Education. CEC uses Big Sky Telegraph as the hub of their telecommunications network that allows the participating teachers to stay in contact with their trainers and peers that they have met at the Workshops.

Date: May 1994

Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Subject(s):

Goal:

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce the students to map making process. I am also tying in the use of the book "Island of the Blue Dolphins" using a Whole Language Experience.

Instructional Objectives:

  1. To understand the map making process using the terms provided.
  2. To show that a Whole Language Approach may be used in all subject areas.

Performance Objectives:

  1. The students will have a complete understanding of the terms provided.
  2. The students will use rulers to measure the dimensions of their map. Measuring the length and width of their map.
  3. The students will make a map of an island using the terms provided.
Background Information:

The students have been reading the book "The Island of the Blue Dolphins". We have made maps and studied terms in Geography class and now are ready to make a map of an Island.

Materials:

  • Island of the Blue Dolphin book for each student.
  • Ruler for each student.
  • Dictionary for each student.
  • Two - three sets of encyclopedias.
  • Large sheet of butcher paper for each group or student.
  • Several sets of markers.

    • Procedure:

    Day 1:

    Students should already be half way through reading the book "The Island of the Blue Dolphin".

    Spelling:
    Introduce the terms the students will be using on their maps. These words will be the spelling words for this week.

    The students will need to define each word.

    English:
    The students will need to start writing a story about a journey they will be taking to the island that they are going to be making. They will need to include the terms from their spelling list.

    Reading:
    Read the next chapter in the book. Discuss with the class what happened in that chapter. Have the students answer the comprehension questions about that chapter.

    Math:
    Review the use of measuring items using a ruler. The students will measure items to nearest 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch.

    Science:
    The students will begin to study about what type of animals will be able to survive on their island and in the waters around their island. Each student will write about the habitat of each animal.

    Geography:
    The students will start planning the map of the island they will be making. Students may choose to work in groups of two or choose to work by themselves.

    Day 2:

    Spelling:
    Students will use the words in the spelling list. They will put the words in alphabetical order.

    English:
    The students will continue to work on their creative story about their journey they will be making to their island.

    Reading:
    Read the next chapter in the book. Discuss with the class what happened in that chapter. Have the students answer the comprehension questions about that chapter.

    Science:
    The students will start to write about the animals that will survive on their island and in the waters around their island. Remind the students they will have to write about each animal and their habitat.

    Math - Geography:
    Today Math and Geography will be together. The students will start deciding the dimensions of their island-map. They may start making their map today.

    Day 3:

    Spelling:
    Students will use the words in the spelling list. They will find the guide words for each list word.

    English:
    The students will need to have their rough draft of their story finished today and turn it in for corrections.

    Reading:
    Read the next chapter in the book. Discuss with the class what happened in that chapter. Have the students answer the comprehension questions about that chapter.

    Science:
    The student will continue to write about the animals that will survive on their island and in the waters about their island. This rough draft will need to be finished and turned in for corrections.

    Math - Geography:
    The students will continue to make their island-map using their measuring skills and the terms provided.

    Day 4:

    Spelling:
    Students will take their Trial Test on their list words.

    English:
    The students will start writing their final draft about their journey to their island. This paper may be written in ink and must include the corrections from their rough draft.

    Reading:
    Read the next chapter in the book. Discuss with the class what happened in that chapter. Have the students answer the comprehension questions about that chapter.

    Science:
    The students will start writing their final draft about the animals that live on their island and in the waters that surround their island. This paper may be written in ink and must include the corrections from their rough draft.

    Math - Geography:
    The students will continue making their island-maps.

    Day 5:

    Spelling:
    The students will take their final test on the list words.

    English:
    The students will complete their final draft paper on their journey to their island.

    Reading:
    The students will read the last chapter in the book "Island of the Blue Dolphin". Discuss what happened in the last chapter of the book. Have the students answer the comprehension questions.

    Science:
    The students will complete their final draft paper on their animal papers.

    Math - Geography:
    The students will complete their maps today.

    Day 6:

    Each student who wishes will be sharing their creative stories aloud with the class today.

    Each student or student group will be sharing about their island-map and the animals that live on and around the island.

    We will review the book "The Island of the Blue Dolphin" so the students will be able to take the test over the book.