Lesson Plan: Back to School
Grade Level: 6
Subject: English
Duration: 30 minutes
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify and discuss their experiences and feelings about returning to school.
- Use descriptive language to express their thoughts in writing.
- Collaborate with peers to share their ideas and create a collective "Back to School" class poster.
Materials Needed
- Whiteboard and markers
- Chart paper and markers
- Sticky notes
- Pencils and erasers
- A sample "Back to School" poem or story excerpt
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 minutes)
- Engage Students:
- Start with a question: "How do you feel about returning to school this year?"
- Allow students to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Record key words and phrases on the whiteboard.
Discussion (10 minutes)
- Group Discussion:
- Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with sticky notes.
- Ask students to write one word or short phrase about what they are looking forward to this school year, and one thing they might be nervous about.
- After 5 minutes, have each group share their notes with the class and compile responses on the whiteboard.
Writing Activity (10 minutes)
- Descriptive Writing:
- Explain that they will write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) about their first day back to school, focusing on their feelings and experiences.
- Encourage students to use descriptive language and to include at least one simile or metaphor.
- Give students 5-7 minutes to write independently.
Sharing and Collaboration (5 minutes)
- Class Poster Creation:
- Ask for volunteers to share their paragraphs with the class.
- Collectively brainstorm key ideas, feelings, and experiences to create a "Back to School" poster.
- Assign one group of students to write these ideas and another to provide illustrations or designs on chart paper.
Conclusion (2-3 minutes)
- Summarize the key feelings shared by the class and the common themes in their writing.
- Encourage students to keep a journal throughout the school year to reflect on their experiences.
- Remind them that returning to school is a new adventure and a chance for growth.
Assessment
- Participation in discussion and group activities.
- Completed descriptive paragraph demonstrating understanding of descriptive language.
- Contribution to the class poster.
Optional Extensions
- A "Back to School" poem competition, where students write poems about their experiences.
- A class reading of a selected story or poem that relates to school and friendship.
This lesson plan aims to facilitate an engaging and reflective start to the new school year, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences and feelings in a collaborative environment.