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Unit 2
Theme Launch
Discuss the Big Idea
As a class, discuss the Big Idea question, What are smart ways that problems are solved?
Explain how problem-solving is an important skill to learn in order to live successfully and peacefully in our world, in society, in our school, and in our families.
Ask students how people solve problems among each other. Ask if people can learn how to be good problem-solvers.
Give students one example of effective problem-solving (wait awhile, smile about it, compromise, and ask for help). Explain that any solution will usually require a compromise on both sides.
Theme and Concept Connections
Weekly lesson concepts help students connect the reading selections and the unit theme. Theme-related activities throughout the week provide opportunities to explore the relationships among the selections, the lesson concepts, and the unit theme.
Unit Inquiry Project
A Book of Solutions
In the unit inquiry project, students create a Giant Book of Solutions. They can collect riddles, knock-knock jokes, and brain-teasers from brothers and sisters, parents, and so on. They may use print or online resources as available.
The project assessment rubric can be found on p. 272a. Discuss the expectations before students begin the project. Rubric
PROJECT TIMETABLE
WEEK   ACTIVITY/SKILL CONNECTION
1
 IDENTIFY QUESTIONS Students choose a category such as riddles, knock-knock jokes,
or brain-teasers and browse
a few Web sites or print
reference materials to
develop an inquiry question
about riddles, knock-knock
jokes, or brain-teasers.
2
 NAVIGATE/SEARCH Students conduct effective information searches and look for text and images that can help them answer their questions.
3
 ANALYZE Students explore Web sites or print materials. They analyze the information they have found to determine whether or not it will be useful
to them. Students print or take notes on valid information.
4
 SYNTHESIZE Students combine relevant information they've collected from different sources to develop an answer to their inquiry questions from Week 1.
5
 ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
COMMUNICATE Each student prepares a list of useful resources for other classes who may wish to explore the same topic. Students may also share their Giant Book
of Solutions.
UNIT 2
Penguin Chick
A Day's Work
Smart Solutions
Prudy's Problem and How She Solved It
Smart Solutions
Tops and Bottoms
William's House
connect to SCIENCE
connect to SOCIAL STUDIES
connect to SOCIAL STUDIES
connect to SOCIAL STUDIES
connect to SOCIAL STUDIES
Read It Online
What are smart ways that problems are solved?
Penguin Chick
A penguin chick survives
in Antarctica.
EXPOSITORY NONFICTION
A Day's Work
A boy learns from
his mistake.
REALISTIC FICTION
Prudy’s Problem
Prudy collects ideas to solve her problem.
FANTASY
Tops & Bottoms
Hare solves his
problem with a trick.
ANIMAL FANTASY
William’s House
William solves problems
in his new country.
HISTORICAL FICTION
Paired Selection
Plants: Fitting
into Their World
PHOTO ESSAY
Paired Selection
What Is a
Weed?
E-MAIL
Paired Selection
Meeting the
Challenge of
Collecting
INTERVIEW
Paired Selection
The Hare and
the Tortoise
FABLE
Paired Selection
Log Cabins
EXPOSITORY NONFICTION
 
   
Close  
CONNECTING CULTURES
  Help students learn more about how people overcome and solve their problems.
  A Day's Work Have students discuss how Francisco attempts to help his grandfather find work but tells a lie in the process. Have them share their ideas about how Francisco not only did not solve the problem, but created a new one by lying.
William's House Have students discuss the different reasons why William's house did not turn out exactly as he had planned. Guide students to arrive at the conclusion that if William had built a home as he planned, he would have had more problems.