Rock Hounds

Students  select a rock, study it, and describe its attributes.  Byrd Baylor's book, "Everybody Needs a Rock," is used to get students thinking about making rock observations.  Plans are easy to follow and materials can be easily obtained.  There are extensions and assessment ideas. The tradebook, Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor, is used as an engagement activity. Using adjectives to describe rocks is an authentic opportunity to embed English/Language Arts into the learning.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.1
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.2
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.3
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.4
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.3
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.2.4
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.10
By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 2-3 text...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.2.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.2.6
Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification. (See grade 2 Language...
GLE 0201.1.1
Demonstrate control of basic English usage, mechanics, spelling, and sentence structure.
GLE 0201.1.2
Employ a variety of strategies to decode words and expand vocabulary.
GLE 0201.8.1
Explore and experience various literary genres.
GLE 0201.8.2
Employ a variety of basic reading comprehension strategies.
GLE 0201.8.3
Develop reading fluency and accuracy.
GLE 0207.7.2
Describe rocks according to their origin, size, shape, texture, and color.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.F.5
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.PWR.3
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when decoding isolated words and in connected text.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.SC.6
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking and conventions of standard English grammar and usage, including...
TSS.ELA.2.FL.VA.7a
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 2 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of...
TSS.ELA.2.FL.VA.7b
Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.VA.7c
Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe.
TSS.ELA.2.FL.WC.4
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills when encoding words; write legibly.
TSS.ELA.2.RI.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and informational texts throughout the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.2.RL.RRTC.10
Read and comprehend stories and poems throughout the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding at the high end as needed.
TSS.ELA.2.SL.PKI.6
Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

Keep a list of the attributes listed so students can see how the words are spelled. If necessary, buddy up students so they have a resource to help with spelling and reading.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

  • Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor
  • colored sand and glue
  • assorted rocks
  • classifying grid
  • hand lenses

References

Contributors: