Download K.1 Sample Lesson - Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse

Unit K.1: About Me
English as a Second Language
Sample Lesson – Sometimes I feel Like a Mouse
Sometimes I Feel Like a Mouse Lesson Plan & Activities
Author: Jeanne Modesitt
Published by: Scholastic
ISBN: 0-590-44836-6
Synopsis
This is a wonderful picture book about feelings. Each page follows the same pattern,
"Sometimes I feel like a (animal), (verb describing animal action), (adjective describing feeling)."
For example, "Sometimes I feel like an elephant, stomping, bold." Each adjective is in a color
that corresponds to the feeling is represnets. For example, the "bold" for the elephant is in a
brilliant purple. The illustrations are wonderful examples of color expressing feeling, showing
the main character interacting with the animal that represents the emotion. This book opens a
door to many mini studies that will help you integrate your writing, grammar, computer, and
art lessons.
Introducing the Book
Begin by reading the book to the class. Re-read it several times, each time drawing students’
attention to different aspects of the book. Discuss what kinds of words are being used, the
colors, the painting technique, etc. Brainstorm with the students to create several additional
examples. Work together to find the best adjectives and verbs to go with certain animals.
Activity - "Creating Personal Passages"
After creating several examples together, allow the students to come up with examples on their
own. Have them write several of them down on paper and share them with friends to find their
best one. Have students type their selection in WordPerfect, ensuring that they put the last
word (the feeling) in a color that best represents the feeling. Print each student’s work with a
color printer.
Activity - "Class Book Making in Art"
Next, revisit the story and pay close attention to the illustrations. Discuss what kind of painting
technique is being used (blending together colors with water) and which colors represent which
feelings (e.g., red for anger, yellow for happiness, blue and black for sadness). Create a list of
painting styles and colors together. Have students paint their own picture that will accompany
their personal passage they printed earlier. Combine the illustrations and typed passages to
create a class book.
Activity - "Personal Book Making"
Have students go back to their page of examples and begin to compile their own ideas for a
personal book of feelings. This book-making activity could take several days while they paint or
color the illustrations for their book.
Source: Shayni Tokarczyk, http://www.teacherfiles.com/sharing_language.htm
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Unit K.1: About Me
English as a Second Language
Sample Lesson – Sometimes I feel Like a Mouse
Extension - "Moving Beyond Animals"
After students brainstorm examples of animals and feelings, they can come up with examples
that go beyond animals to represent their emotions. A student might write, "Sometimes I feel
like a hand, writing, tired." Another might write, "Sometimes I feel like a brain, thinking,
excited." As an extension, your class can choose a different topic and create more books. An
example might include incorporating this activity with your weather unit, "Sometimes I feel like
a cumulus cloud, floating, calm." or "Sometimes I feel like a storm front, rumbling, mad." The
extensions are endless! Have fun!
Source: Shayni Tokarczyk, http://www.teacherfiles.com/sharing_language.htm
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