This resource provides an overview of using your dramatic play center with a camping theme. The background, purpose, materials, and question starter prompts are provided. A list of children's literature related to the theme is also part of the document. In addition, downloadable camping center signs and student recording sheets are embedded.

This resources provides information about setting up a flower shop dramatic play center. Resources, question prompts, literature recommendations, picture examples, and downloadable resources are included.

This resources provides information about setting up a construction site dramatic play center. Resources, question prompts, literature recommendations, picture examples, and downloadable resources are included.

This resources provides information about setting up a doctor's office/ hospital dramatic play center. Resources, question prompts, literature recommendations, picture examples, and downloadable resources are included.

This is an overview of a dramatic play farm/farmer's market center. It includes description, purpose, suggested materials, questioning examples, considerations, photo examples, literature connections and downloadable resources.

This resources provides information about setting up a fire station dramatic play center. Resources, question prompts, literature recommendations, picture examples, and downloadable resources are included.

This resource provides an overview of using your dramatic play center with a fitness theme. The background, purpose, materials, and question starter prompts are provided. A list of children's literature related to the theme is also part of the document. In addition, downloadable center signs and student recording sheets are embedded.

This is an overview of a dramatic play store/bakery center. It includes description, purpose, suggested materials, questioning examples, considerations, photo examples, literature connections and downloadable resources.

This is an overview of the dramatic play center including the purpose, materials, questioning, considerations and photographic examples.

This is an overview of a dramatic play pet shop center. It includes description, purpose, suggested materials, questioning examples, considerations, photo examples, literature connections and downloadable resources.

This picture is an example of a dramatic play center transformed into a post office.

This is an overview of a dramatic play restaurant center. It includes description, purpose, suggested materials, questioning examples, considerations, photo examples, literature connections and downloadable resources.

This is an overview of a dramatic play school center. It includes description, purpose, suggested materials, questioning examples, considerations, photo examples, literature connections and downloadable resources.

This resources provides information about setting up a veterinarian dramatic play center. Resources, question prompts, literature recommendations, picture examples, and downloadable resources are included.

This resource provides an overview of using your dramatic play center or writing center with a post office theme. The background, purpose, materials, and question starter prompts are provided. A list of children's literature related to the theme is also part of the document. In addition, downloadable center sign is embedded.

Lesson OverviewThis lesson, which will require multiple class periods to complete, involves a close reading of selected portions of The Declaration of Independence.  The lesson will begin by establishing students’ background knowledge regarding the American Revolution and the subsequent writing of The Declaration of Independence.  Vocabulary pertinent to the Declaration will be taught via a vocabulary board and periodically reviewed. The teacher will guide students through a PowerPoint presentation of the essential elements of a close reading of a text.  Students will work on developing reading strategies to manage a complex text such as the Declaration of Independence.  Students will analyze the tone, style, and organization of The Declaration of Independence as well as engage in a variety of small- and large-group discussions and routine writing activities.  Finally, they will compose an argument, asserting the rights of people with disabilities, connecting to The Declaration of Independence and as a source of evidence.Teacher Planning, Examples of Response Methods and MaterialsSee Full Lesson Plan AttachedEssential Question and NCSC Essential UnderstandingIs independence better described as a goal or a journey?Modified: “What does independence look like in my life goal and journey?”

Lesson OverviewThis lesson is intended as a unit opener.  The students will:●     retell the sequence of events in a story.●     answer questions regarding key events of stories.●     Answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words or phrases in a text.Teacher Planning, Examples of Response Methods and MaterialsSee Full Lesson Plan AttachedEssential QuestionEssential Question for Unit:  What role do I play in the environment?Focus Question for Week 1:  What is an environment?

Lesson OverviewThis lesson is designed to help students develop an understanding of determination.  Students will look at pictures and read text that shows determination. Students will identify determination.   They will write and reflect on determination as a real world application.Teacher Planning, Examples Response Methods and MaterialsSee Full Lesson Plan AttachedEssential Question and NCSC Essential UnderstandingWhat are the challenges and barriers faced when people show determination?Identify a character, setting, event or conflict.Identify the topic of a text or information presented in a diverse media.Given a specific purpose, produce a permanent product.

Lesson OverviewThis lesson introduces students to the theme, Earth-A Fine Balance, by exploring the multiple meanings of the word “balance” in an effort to develop an understanding of the unit title and the essential question.  Students will set up a Field Journal for their routine writing experiences, including but not limited to, learned information and reflections of how the readings relate to the unit theme.  Students will participate in learning centers once they have set up their field journals.  Students will participate in reading an adapted article from The National Geographic Almanac, 2013.  Students will participate in a vocabulary learning center as well as have an opportunity to explore the natural environment outside.Teacher Planning, Examples of Response Methods and MaterialsSee Full Lesson Plan AttachedEssential Question and NCSC Essential UnderstandingWhen nature interacts, what happens to the harmony, or balance, among animals, plants, and people? 

Phenomena: Flooded SchoolyardStorylineThis photograph was taken at an elementary school in Maryland after a severe Summer rainstorm.  The students are concerned about the impact of the increased rainfall in such a short period of time.PE Alignment:4-ESS2-1. Make observations and/or measurements to provide evidence of the effects of weathering or the rate of erosion by water, ice, wind or vegetation.4-ESS3-2. Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans. Image source:  "Spring Runoff" by Walking With Scissors at https://www.flickr.com/photos/15582597@N06/5636129904/ CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/)