Magic Tree House Dinosaurs Before Dark Lesson Plans
The Magic Tree House series is a collection of books written by Mary Pope Osborne for children ages 6-10. The books follow the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space in their magic tree house. One of the most popular books in the series is Dinosaurs Before Dark, which takes Jack and Annie back to the time of the dinosaurs. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to teaching Dinosaurs Before Dark in the classroom, with lesson plans and activities that align with Common Core standards.
Lesson Plan 1: Comprehension and Vocabulary
The first lesson plan focuses on improving students’ comprehension and vocabulary skills. Before reading the book, have students brainstorm words and phrases that they associate with dinosaurs. Then, read the first chapter of the book aloud and have students create a list of unfamiliar words. As a class, discuss the definitions of these words and use them in sentences.
Next, divide students into small groups and assign each group a chapter of the book. Have each group create a list of questions about their assigned chapter, and then switch groups so that each group has a different chapter to answer questions about. After reading the book, have students complete a comprehension quiz to assess their understanding of the story.
Lesson Plan 2: Writing and Research
The second lesson plan focuses on writing and research skills. Have students choose a dinosaur from the book and research facts about that dinosaur using books and the internet. Then, have them write a report about their chosen dinosaur, including information about its appearance, diet, and habitat.
Next, have students write a creative story about what they would do if they traveled back in time to the world of the dinosaurs. Encourage them to use their research to make their stories as accurate and realistic as possible.
Lesson Plan 3: Science and Math
The third lesson plan focuses on science and math skills. Have students create a timeline of the different geological eras, including the Mesozoic era in which the dinosaurs lived. Then, have them research and create a timeline of the different species of dinosaurs that lived during this time period.
Next, have students create a graph that shows the size comparison of different types of dinosaurs. They can use data from their research and compare the height, weight, and length of different dinosaurs.
Conclusion
Teaching Dinosaurs Before Dark can be a fun and engaging way to introduce students to a variety of subjects, including language arts, science, and math. By incorporating these lesson plans and activities into your curriculum, you can help students develop a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them.