I reviewed the lesson, “Creating a Class Pattern Book With Popular Culture Characters.” This lesson utilizes the story, I Went Walking by Sue Williams. Dr. Deborah Kozdras designed the lesson to be completed in five sessions.
After reading the story, students discuss patterned text and practice replacing characters with ones of their choosing. They are given opportunities to orally repeat the pattern using classmates’ names, have a written example modeled, and then create a plan for their own page in a class digital book. I really like the idea of allowing students to bring this book to life by making it their own. As a class, they walk (just like in the story) to find a location for their character. Each child uses a pop culture figure or toy they choose to bring from home as their character. This is another great way of giving them ownership in this project and providing extra motivation. Pictures are taken and text for each is created orally by each child. Technology and shared writing are combined as the class collaborates in planning, sequencing, and writing their story. This would be a great lesson on my SmartBoard! Extensions for this lesson include, encouraging further use of patterned text in the writing center, starting a “take-home project” with a digital camera, and completing another digital class book. The story’s predictable patterned text and the use of pop culture characters is sure to spark creativity in any student.
Ruth Ann Timmons