Mmm...Maple Syrup Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will sequence the steps of how maple syrup is made.

 

Social Studies Focus:

production, distribution, and consumption

 

Science Focus:

natural resources

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing, text evidence

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

tap, sap, evaporates

 

CCSS:

SL.2.3, RI.2.1, RI.2.4, RI.2.8, RI.2.10, L.2.1

 

Guided Reading Level:

M

 

Lexile level: 

490L

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Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on making maple syrup.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "How to Make Maple Syrup.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one thing you learned about making maple syrup?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are tap, sap, and evaporates.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. How do kids think maple syrup is made?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 1: “Think about the different tools you need to make maple syrup.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Assessment: Reading Quiz

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

Use the online game show to gauge comprehension and reinforce the issue’s content. Students can play by themselves or in teams. For each question they answer correctly, they win a point.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here's how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work skill sheet to deepen students’ understanding of the words tap, sap, and evaporates.

Editor’s Pick: Skill/Topic (15 min.)

  • The From Sap to Syrup skill sheet has children write and draw to show the steps of making maple syrup.

ELA Focus: Text Evidence (15 min.)

  • The A Letter From Norbert Know-It-All sheet will make children laugh at how little Norbert actually knows! It will also motivate them to find text evidence to prove him wrong. Mail responses to norbert@scholastic.com.

Here is a past issue you can use to extend your lesson on how foods are made:

  • “The Scoop on Ice Cream,” May/June 2020. This issue takes children on a virtual visit to an ice cream factory!

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher Lexile level: 560L
  • Lower Lexile level: 420L