Inquiry Based Literacy: What is Halloween?
In this lesson, students will come up with questions that they have about Halloween during a whole-group introduction. They will then research these questions using informational texts and the internet in small groups. Finally, the small groups will create projects to present their research and share them with the class.
Lesson Created By: LauraWhitener
Essential Question
What is the origin of Halloween?
Grade(s):
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Smartboard, PowerPoint, internet chromebooks or iPad
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Texts about Halloween (Recommended: The History of Halloween written by: Keith and Sarah Kortemartin)
Pencils
Markers
Crayons
Paper
Poster board
Glitter, stickers, etc.
Scissors
Glue
Tape
Lesson Progression
Day 1: Introduction/Essential Question (15 minutes): The teacher will begin by writing the essential question on the board, “What is the Origin of Halloween?” Students will then add their questions to the board underneath the teacher’s using sticky notes. (Ex: When did children start trick or treating? Does everyone around the world celebrate Halloween?)
Day 1: Middle of lesson/Research (30 minutes): Students will be put into small groups (at random) and given a few of the sticky notes with questions on them from the board. They will take these questions and conduct research using informational texts and the internet to find the answers to their questions.
Day 2: Middle of Lesson/Research (30 minutes): Students will re-group with their small group and continue research. Students will start to put together projects on Halloween. Projects can be presented on how they choose. The teacher should supply students with some materials such as paper, pencils, markers, crayons, poster board, etc.
Day 3: Middle of Lesson/Projects (20 minutes): Students will continue working on a group project with small group members. They will begin practicing their presentations together.
Day 4: Middle of Lesson/ Projects and Presentations(20 minutes): Students will finalize their projects and practice their presentations.
Day 5: End of Inquiry-Based Literacy Lesson(15-20 minutes): Students will present their findings with group members to the class. As questions are answered the teacher will write the answers underneath the questions on the board.
Teacher Notes
Teacher will need to find texts about Halloween for the students to use in their research. This lesson can be completed by solely relying on the internet, or solely using informational texts. It is recommended to have both. The projects can be presented by whichever way the students choose. Teachers should give several options such as powerpoints, posters, papers, etc.
Standards
Assessments
Formative Assessment : Take annecdotal notes during group presentations AND walk around as students conduct research.