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After observing the lesson in Amanda’s first grade classroom, Dahlia and I wanted to try the same lesson out with our kids!
We began by reading aloud In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel. We modeled finding keywords which related to the muslim culture. We displayed these keywords, along with photos, on our "Muslim Culture" display board.
During the subsequent mini lesson, we read Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns by Hena Khan. This time, we engaged the class in helping us identify keywords from the text. During each of these mini lessons, we observed our students grasping the concept of keywords. However, we were pleased to see them making connections, as well. A Muslim student in our class was excited to have his culture represented in the classroom. Students from different backgrounds were able to draw comparisons between their own culture and the Muslim culture. We loved that this lesson allowed for rich and diverse conversations.
After collecting keywords together, the class worked on finding keywords on their own. We gave out small white index cards and students reread their texts which related to the topic they had been researching. Each student found 1-3 keywords that would help teach others more about their topic.
We called them back to the rug to introduce the next part of our lesson. We modeled representing one of our keywords about the Muslim culture using a variety of materials. Next, the class had the opportunity to do the same!
After everyone had created one keyword, we did a museum walk. Classmates were able to walk around while their peers explained their keywords and their creations. Students had the opportunity to ask questions or compliment their peers’ work.
The kids loved creating their keywords out of different materials. We felt that the experience deepened their understanding of their topics and allowed them to teach about their topics more powerfully.
Students creating their keywords
Museum Walk
We were surprised by some of their choices of materials and impressed with their attention to detail. Although we were tempted to wrap it up after about 15 minutes, we let it go a little longer. As a result, we noticed that kids only made their creations more thoughtful given that extra time. We observed each child being fully engaged throughout the process and enthusiastic about sharing their work!
Student creations on display
This is awesome! I'm so glad you tried it out with your students. It looks like they were very engaged in the playful learning and heir creations look amazing! I wonder how we can incorporate this play into more of our 1st Grade Reading Units in the future. Let's plan together! :) -Amanda
I love that you went back to your classroom and tried this lesson with your students. I agree with Amanda. I would love to think about how to incorporate this idea into my reading and writing instruction in 2nd grade too :) - Lyndsay
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