Common Ground by Molly Bang. New York: The Blue Sky Press, 1997. ISBN: 0-590-10056-4
A parable describing our relationship with the environment. Teaches working together to preserve what is so precious to us.
Media: Mixed Media (collage and paint)
Q4/P4
5-7th
Curricular Connection: Level 5-7th; Science.
LESSON PLAN I:
LEVEL AND RESOURCES
5-7th
Common Ground by Molly Bang.
Four-Five copies: Question from back of book.
OBJECTIVES
ØStudents will be able to discuss some of the environmental problems facing the earth.
ØStudents understand the connection between humankind and the problems.
ØStudents will consider the changes they can make in their own home and schools to protect our environment.
ØStudents will work in groups brainstorming and using their critical thinking skills.
BACKGROUND
Prepare the students with information regarding the current problems facing our environment (overpopulation, drought, pollution, etc.). Read the book in the resource section outloud.
BOOK DISCUSSION
The author discusses “common ground,” we don’t have common ground in this sense, but what could you compare this to today?
What do you think is the biggest problem facing our environment?
What are some ways we can “solve” these problems in our environment? Our homes? Schools? Workplace?
IN CLASS ASSIGNMENT
Get students into groups of 3-4. Hand each group a copy of the question in the back of the book. Have each group discuss the question and come up with ideas to present to the class.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
At home, look around your house and write down ten areas that your family could cut back on water, energy and food.
D. Balestreri added to PB 7/25/09
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Bang, Molly. Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share. 1997. New York: Blue Sky Press. ISBN 0590100964
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Summary
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The author describes the commons we used to have in communities and how we are not sharing resources with a mind to the future. Dramatic presentation in a small book
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Media
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“exquisite jewel toned” illustrations – Booklist, 1997
full-bleed, double spread paintings
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Literary
Devices
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Shows the impact of simple text.
Use of parable.
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Curriculum Connection
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Use in grades 5 and up for social studies – community projects
Science – environment, ecology
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Rating
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5Q 5P
top10***
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Theme
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May we make our decisions for the seventh generation.
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Compare and Contrast Common Ground and Curious Garden.
Target grades: 5th – 8th.
Subject: English, could also be science.
Objective: Identify theme by close examination.
1. Give groups of 2 or 3 a copy to read together.
2. Give each a venn chart to record thoughts. http://www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer/pdf/venn.pdf
3. Create a class chart together.
4. Examine similarities and differences
5. Sift out the theme: Why did the authors write these books?
Add on activity: Create collages with magazine, newspapers, internet images on the identified themes. Themes may vary according to reader.
Mary Smartt 8/02/09
Mary Smartt, 8/2/09
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