Learning Objectives

•acquire understanding of the negative effects of human activity on our environment
•come to the realization that everyone can contribute to the reduction of pollution and ultimately of greenhouse gas emissions

Teaching Process

Gather your students in your reading corner or that area of your classroom where you have your discussions. Read WLE aloud to the group. If this is your introduction of this story to your class, you will want to lead the children in a discussion that will ensure understanding of the story's content. If the class has been exposed to the story before, you may want to omit the following sample comprehension questions:

1.Who are the characters in this story?
2.What is the problem or conflict in the story?
3.Who tries to solve the problem? How?
4.Is (Simon) successful in his attempts to solve the conflict? How?
5.Who will help him solve the problem?
6.Can you help solve the problems of pollution and Global Warming? How?

Warm Up

Have the students stand and play a quick game of "Simon Says" to introduce the format that they will use for their group assignment.

Introduction of Task

•With the students sitting once again in your discussion circle, inform them that they are about to play a different but very important version of the game Simon Says”.

•Explain to the students that as human beings who live on earth, we can all contribute to taking better care of the planet. In groups of 3 to 4 children, their assignment is to discuss ways in which everyone can help. On chart paper with the following column headers:

SIMON SAYS
“What you should do to take better care of our planet”:
School, Home (My family and I), Outside

•They will list things that Simon would tell us to do to help save our planet. At this point in the discussion, you may want to suggest a few examples (e.g. recycling more materials at home, challenging their families to use their cars less often).

•Divide the class into groups of 3 to 4, and sending them to their work stations with chart paper, recycled paper for rough work, markers and dictionaries, inform them that after 20-30 minutes, they will report back to the rest of the class to share their findings.

•Allow time for group presentations, post charts and summarize the conclusions reached by the children.