Pioneer Venn Diagrams

Grade Level: Fifth

Objectives:

English Language Arts

1.3 Makes comments and expresses feelings about characters beyond own experiences.

6.4 Expresses main idea and uses details in expository (clarification) writing.

Social Studies

11.1 Identify and describe changes which have occurred in ways of living in the United States, Canada, and Latin America

11.3 Evaluate the effects of change on the lives of the people of the United States, Canada, and Latin America

Teacher Materials Needed:

On The Banks of Plum Creek

Sarah Plain and Tall

Wagon Wheels

Large sheets of blank paper to draw the Venn diagrams

Student Materials Needed:

Their book that they used for Literature Circles

Notebook paper and pencil

Computer disk

Pre-Activities:

Students will have already read the books in advance as part of literature circles. A social studies unit on the Westward movement would be in place and students would be in the stage of learning about pioneers. Students would have been introduced to some word processing skills, writing for clarification, and venn diagrams.

Launch:

As a class make a huge venn diagram on the sheets of blank paper. Have the students give examples of how life in the 1800’s was and how life is, in present time. Then have the students see what things are the same. Examples can be of the culture, the lifestyle, food, and clothing. Anything that students can pick out of their books and share as examples of a pioneers life. After the children suggest the more obvious answers, encourage them to try for some more advanced comparisons and contrasts (how do family relationships compare to theirs, what methods did they have for recreations compared to today; ect.).

Explore:

First students will choose a smaller subject around the pioneer life to do a compare/contrast diagram. They can choose topics such as setting, food, friendships, problems, chores, entertainment, or transportation. After students finish the diagram they are to write a clarification such as “Which is better- to live in the 1800’s or today? Why?” Why is life today easier than in the 1800’s?” The students should use the class venn diagram and the compare/contrast diagram for ideas of the details they can use in their writing. When students are done, they should have a peer edit their paper. Then the teacher will do a quick review of the processes for revising, editing, saving, retrieving, printing, and have students type their clarification. Students should use spell check, proofread again, and print.

Assessment:

Observe students during class discussion for evidence of understanding the changes in life during the 1800’s and today. Evaluate the diagrams for accuracy and thoroughness of contrasts and comparisons. As children are working, use interviewing and observation to evaluate understanding of the topic, use of graphic organizer, ability to write clarification and computer skills.