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Lesson Plan

The Great Kapok Tree Extension Activities

  • Grades:
    PreK–K, Grades 1–2, Grades 3–5
The Great Kapok Tree

The Great Kapok Tree

By Lynne Cherry
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About this book
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.4
Lexile Measure: 670
Age: Age 5, Age 6, Age 7, Age 8
Genre: Fables, Folk Tales and Myths
Subject: Habitats and Ecosystems, Forests and Rainforests, Endangered Species

Write an Animal Speech

MATERIALS:

  • None

SUGGESTED GROUPING:

  • Individuals

SPARK interest by recalling with students the many arguments the animals used to express their views about the Kapok tree.

SUGGEST that students think of other animals that live in threatened areas.

ASK each student to write a speech for the animal of their choice. They should come up with new arguments that express their own views about preserving native species and environments.

INVITE volunteers to present their speeches.

Persuasive Writing

TEACH/MODEL Explain that the purpose of the speech is to express an opinion you want others to share. To be convincing, writers need to support their opinions with examples, reasons, or facts.

PRACTICE/APPLY Suggest that students model their speeches after those used in The Great Kapok Tree. Have them list facts and examples to support their opinions before they write their speeches.

  • Subjects:
    Reading Comprehension, Persuasive Writing, Environmental Studies, Real-World Science, Science Through Literature, Animals, Earth Day
  • Skills:
    Reading Comprehension, Persuasive Writing
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