Page 2 - Kind News, September/October 2021, Teacher Guide

COMMON CORE, NEXT GENERATION SCIENCE STANDARDS (NGSS), AND CASEL-ALIGNED ACTIVITIES

Third grade: NGSS 3-LS4-3. Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some
organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
To go with Critter Clues: After students have guessed the answer to the clue, discuss the difference
between wild and domesticated animals. How do they think some llamas became domesticated? How is
this related to their survival in the wild? What do they think the advantages and disadvantages are to
being a wild animal? How about a domesticated animal? To extend the activity, create oversized Venn
diagrams with hula hoops or circles on large poster paper, and have students use sticky notes or index
cards to fill in the similarities, differences, and commonalities between domestic and wild animals. If in a virtual setting,
use a whiteboard application, such as Jamboard, so students can display their thoughts on virtual sticky notes.

Fourth grade: NGSS 4-LS1-2. Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information
through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different
ways. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events
using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. CASEL Core Competency:
Social Awareness.
To go with Amazing World, “Clever Corvids”: After reading the article, ask students to name
some ways that crows adapt to their environment. How do they use their bodies to help
them survive? What do their brains and their memories have to do with their ability to
adapt? Then ask students to write a story told from the point of view of a crow that
would help someone reading it learn about them. Students may want to include:
• Where their crow lives: is she/he solitary or does she/he live with other crows?
• What people or things their crow remembers
• What their crow eats and how she/he gets their food
For more information, visit kids.nationalgeographic.com and search “crows.”

Fifth grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.2.A. Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and
focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and
multimedia when useful to aid comprehension.
To go with DIY, “Fall photo frames”: After reading over the DIY instructions, ask students what they notice about how they
are written. What about the language helps them know what to do next? What role do the pictures play in helping them
understand what to do? Ask them to choose something they know how to create very well and write their own DIY,
complete with visual aids. Students could draw pictures, create digital images on a computer or tablet, or take their own
pictures. To extend the activity, have volunteers lead their own DIY activities in small groups and have the group complete
the activity. For inspiration, visit KindNews.org/frame and view our step-by-step DIY twig frame video.

Sixth grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in
which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose,
and audience. CASEL Core Competencies: Social Awareness, Responsible
Decision-Making.
To go with Humane Hero, “Saving Frogs”: After reading the article, ask students: How did
Rashad stand up for something that he believed in? Do you think that Rashad’s compassion
for animals helped inspire him to stick up for people, too? Why or why not? Then ask students
to think about a cause they believe in and write a short piece about why it is important to them.
Ask them to include:
• What originally inspired them to care about this cause?
• What have they done so far to stand up for it, or what do they plan to do?
• How do they think that standing up for this cause will make a positive impact?
To extend the activity, have students share their pieces with a writing partner or a
writing buddy in a younger grade. You may also wish to compile writing pieces to
create a class portfolio. Where’s Raja?
RAJA IS HIDING ON PAGE 7!