Awesome Insects

Lesson 16
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ELA

Alternate Unit 2

2nd Grade

Lesson 16 of 23

Objective


Explain how the author uses poetry to describe an insect.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Insectlopedia by Douglas Florian  — "The Caterpillar," "The Dragonfly," and "The Army Ants"

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Pick one of the poems. How does the author describe the insect? Draw a visual to match the poem.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • “Leave” is a multiple-meaning word. What meanings of the word “leave” are used in the poem?

  • “Fatterpillar” is a made-up word. What image is the poet trying to create by using this word? Why?

  • How does the author use description to describe each stage of the caterpillar’s life cycle?

  • What do you know about dragons? What is a demon? What does that help you to understand about dragonflies?

  • How does the author use description to describe how dragonflies are demons?

  • The author uses rhyming words in this poem. Which words rhyme? Why does the author include these rhyming words? How do they make a reader feel?

  • Why does the author start the poem with the lines “Left/Right Left/Right”? What image is the author trying to create?

  • The poet uses short sentences. Why?

  • What message is the author trying to convey about ants?

Vocabulary


Review all vocabulary from previous lessons.

Enhanced Lesson Plan

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.2.4 — Describe how words and phrases (e.g., regular beats, alliteration, rhymes, repeated lines) supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
  • SL.2.5 — Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Supporting Standards

L.2.1.a
RI.2.1
RI.2.10
SL.2.1
SL.2.2

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Explain how the author uses poetry to describe an insect.

Lesson 17
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