ALEX Lesson Plan: Koko’s Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson

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This lesson provided by:
Author:	Judith Lay
System:	Shelby County
School:	Wilsonville Elementary School

Lesson Plan ID:

3888

Title:

Koko’s Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson

Overview/Annotation:

After reading Koko’s Kitten, students will use the koko.org website to learn more about Koko the gorilla, send an email message to Koko, see Koko use sign language and learn from Koko how to sign three words.

Content Standard(s):

IL(K-12)	3. The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.
ELA(4)	8. Compose descriptive texts using an introductory paragraph, sensory details, vivid language, and a conclusion.
ELA(4)	10. Apply mechanics in writing, including capitalization of business and friendly letter parts and envelope addresses and use of punctuation, including apostrophe with contractions; underlining or italicizing of book titles; and commas to separate items in a series and in a physical address.
TC2(3-5)	8. Collect information from a variety of digital sources.
TC2(3-5)	10. Use digital environments to collaborate and communicate.

Local/National Standards:

Primary Learning Objective(s):

Students will read a story and formulate a list of related questions to be answered through Internet research. Students will compose a draft of an email message, then edit for correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and send.

Additional Learning Objective(s):

Students will learn to sign from three to six words through Internet research.

Approximate Duration of the Lesson:

61 to 90 Minutes

Materials and Equipment:

Book: Koko's Kitten by Dr. Francine Patterson

Technology Resources Needed:

Computers with Internet access, word processing software, printer

Background/Preparation:

Tell the class that you are going to read them a true story about a gorilla that uses sign language to communicate. Tell them that the gorilla is still alive, and after you've read them the story, they will have a chance to browse the gorilla's website for more information. After they know Koko's story, they will each write and send her an email message.

Procedures/Activities:

1.)Read Koko's Kitten to the class, showing pictures as the story is read.

2.)After reading, allow students to ask questions about Koko. If the question was answered in the book, remind the student of the answer. If not, write their questions on the board.

3.)Have each student log on to the Koko's website and go to the Kid's Club section. Click on the question mark in the left column for FAQs (frequently asked questions) concerning Koko. Allow students time to search this area for answers to unanswered questions on the board. If anyone finds an answer, he may raise his hand and direct the class to the location of the answer. The teacher can write the answers that are found on the board next to the question.
(The Gorilla Foundation)
This website contains plenty of pictures and information about Koko, the gorilla, and even has videos.

4.)After a reasonable length of time for searching, students should be directed to search the "About Gorillas" section of the website to locate answers to remaining questions.

5.)After searching is complete, students should copy remaining unanswered questions from the board. Using word processing software, students should compose a letter to Koko using correct capitalization and punctuation for the salutation and closing of a friendly letter. Students may include whatever personal message they wish to send to Koko, but they must include at least one of the remaining unanswered questions.

6.)Students should save, then print a copy of their letters for their teacher to correct and offer revision suggestions.

7.)When letters are returned with teacher suggestions for corrections and revisions, students should open their saved files on the computer to correct and revise their writing.

8.)After revisions, students should save, then print their corrected letters.

9.)Students will revisit the www.koko.org website, go to the Kid's Club section, and select the "Write to Koko" area at the top of the page. Once there, they should minimize the web browser window and reopen their saved letters. Then will then highlight and copy the text of the letter, minimize Word, restore the Koko website window, and paste the letter into the email form. The teacher should work with students step-by-step during this process.

10.)Students will access the "Learn to sign with Koko" section of the www.koko.org website to learn how to sign from three to six words.

Attachments:**Some files will display in a new window. Others will prompt you to download.

Assessment Strategies:

Teacher will assess whether rough draft uses correct friendly letter form, whether it includes at least one unanswered question from those listed on the board, whether draft has been edited using teacher suggestions and word processing tools, and whether letter has been successfully copied and pasted from word processing file into an email and sent. Optional: Recognition and performance of signs by taking turns signing words to the class and letting classmates identify what was signed.

Extension:

Remediation:

Each area below is a direct link to general teaching strategies/classroom accommodations for students with identified learning and/or behavior problems such as: reading or math performance below grade level; test or classroom assignments/quizzes at a failing level; failure to complete assignments independently; difficulty with short-term memory, abstract concepts, staying on task, or following directions; poor peer interaction or temper tantrums, and other learning or behavior problems.

Presentation of Material

Using Groups and Peers

Assisting the Reluctant Starter

Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior

Be sure to check the student's IEP for specific accommodations.

Variations Submitted by ALEX Users: