Page 2 - Kind News, Jr. Teaching Guide Jan/Feb 2022

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

Kindergarten: NGSS K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals
(including humans) need to survive. To go with crossword puzzle, “What do animals do in the
winter?”: Ask students to complete the crossword or assist them in completing it. Then ask
students: Have they noticed animals outside during wintertime? Which animals have they
noticed? What were the animals doing? (If possible, allow students to either observe animals
outside or watch videos of animals during winter.) Discuss what animals need to survive. Why
can it be harder during winter for them to meet their needs? As a class, brainstorm how we can
help animals during winter. Ideas might include: Put out fresh water for animals when
temperatures are below freezing, make bird feeders to put in your outdoor space, or rake leaves
into piles or build rock piles where animals can burrow or take shelter. To extend the activity,
kids could choose one action they can take to help animals, do that action with a parent or
guardian, and then share how it went.

First grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8 Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
CASEL Core Competency: Responsible Decision-Making.
To go with “Time to Brush!”: After reading the article, review why people and pets need to brush their teeth or have their
teeth brushed. How do you take care of your teeth? Why is good dental care so important for both people and pets? Why
don’t pets need to have their teeth brushed as much as people? Discuss two ways people can take care of their pets' teeth.
Then have students make visual displays to raise awareness about how to keep people's or pets’ teeth healthy. Allow time for
students to share their displays in groups or with the class. Some fun ideas: Draw or find pictures of examples of what teeth
problems in pets or humans look like, make up and write out fun rhymes or mnemonics about keeping teeth healthy (“Don’t
rush when you brush!”, “Don’t snooze – use dental chews!”), or create posters that show what is needed to keep people's or
pets’ teeth healthy.

Second grade: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.3 Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify
comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue.
To go with Pet Corner, “Happy Hamsters”: After reading the article, ask students if they can remember what hamsters need to
be happy and healthy. Then ask them to think about a pet they have or a pet they would like to have. What would this
particular pet need to be happy and healthy? Ask students to share their ideas with a partner. Then ask them to create a
model of the ideal home for their imaginary pet and label what food and toys are included, plus how the home keeps the pet
safe. Students could create models of enclosures for smaller pets or models of the full house (or a particular area) for larger
pets. Here are some ideas:
• 3D model made of paper or clay • A foldable model (showing how the animal is protected on the outer folds
and what items help them stay happy and healthy when the home is unfolded)
• Digital model created on the computer
To extend the activity, students could share their pet home in small groups or with the whole class.

BOOK NOOK

Once Upon a Northern Night

Written by Jean E. Pendziwol, Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, Recommended for ages 4-7
In this exquisite lullaby, the beauty and wonder of a northern winter night unfold, with images
of a soft snowfall, the wild animals that appear in the garden, the twinkling stars, the gentle
rhythm of the northern lights, and the etchings of frost on the window pane. As the young child
sleeps, wrapped in a downy blanket, snowflakes fall.
Jean E. Pendziwol's lyrical poem reflects a deep appreciation of the magic of a northern winter night where, even
as a child slumbers, the world outside does not rest but continues its own natural rhythms. Isabelle Arsenault's
spare, beautifully rendered illustrations make us feel that we too are experiencing the enchantment of that
northern night.

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