SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social
3rd Studies
Essential Question
What is the big, open-ended
question to be investigated during
the lesson?
What Standards (national or
state) relate to this lesson?
You should include AT LEAST 3
standards:
SS
LAFS: Reading for Informational
Texts
LAFS: Writing or LAFS: Speaking
and Listening
Be sure to include the entire
standard, not just the number.
What NCSS Theme relates to
this lesson? Be sure include the
entire theme, not just the number.
Objectives- What should
students know and be able to do
after you teach this lesson?
What will students know and be
Group
Size:
Whole
Class
Lesson Content
What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States?
SS.3.C.2.1 Identify group and individual actions of citizens that demonstrate civility, cooperation,
volunteerism, and other civic virtues?
LAFS.K12.R.4.10
Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
LAFS.3.W.1.1
Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
Introduce the topic or text they are writing about, state an opinion, and create an organizational
structure that lists reasons.
Provide reasons that support the opinion.
Use linking words and phrases (e.g., because, therefore, since, for example) to connect opinion and
reasons.
Provide a concluding statement or section.
X. Civic Ideals and Practices.
-(SS) Main Objective: The student will be able to construct a plan of action to demonstrate civic virtues
within the community.
After the lesson students will know what it means to be a citizen of the United States and understand
the importance of civic responsibility.
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class

able to do after this lesson?
Are your objectives measurable?
Can you assess them?
Are your objectives aligned with
your standards? Are you assessing
the standards?
They will have a good understanding of vocabulary terms- civility, civic mindedness, civic virtue,
allegiance, common good, cooperation, volunteerism, democracy, principles, values, and participation.
-(LAFS.R) Objective: Students will be able to read and comprehend the book America Is..
independently and proficiently.
-(LAFS.W)- Students will fill out a chart to determine characteristics and actions of good citizens
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class

Lit Connection -America Is.. by Louise Borden

Book must explicitly connect to
objectives.
Provide rubric and description of
text complexity.
Provide rationale for book
selection.
A patriotic picture book intended for a third grade audience.
-Meaning: More than one level/layer of
meaning with levels clearly distinguished from each other; theme is clear but may be conveyed with
some subtlety.
The book does not cover citizenship directly because the theme is America as a whole, from symbolism
to ethnic diversity. Students need to understand our country before they can understand what it truly
means to be an American citizen.
Narration: Largely simple and/or conventional; few, if any, shifts in point of view and/or perspective.
Order of Events: Occasional use of flashback, no major shifts in time.
Use of Graphics: If used, a range of illustrations that support selected parts of the text.
Conventionality: Largely explicit and easy to understand with some occasions for more complex
meaning.
Vocabulary: Mostly contemporary, familiar, conversational language; rarely unfamiliar or overly
academic language.
Sentence Structure: Simple and compound sentences, with some more complex constructions.
Life Experiences: Explores few themes; experiences portrayed are common to many readers.
Intersexuality and Cultural Knowledge: Few references or allusions to other texts or cultural elements.
Subject Matter Knowledge: requires some prior content knowledge.

Rationale
Address the following questions
reflecting on your readings over
the semester:
-This slightly complex book is a perfect representation of America for children of all ages. There are
attractive and expansive illustrations that make learning and reading fun.
-This text should provoke discussion and critical thinking for my third graders. The author addresses
the basic elements of democracy and even mentions bonus information and fun facts involving the 50
states, symbols, occupations, skyscrapers, wonders.. etc.
-This lesson fits within a larger unit about community building or American democracy.
- I am teaching the lesson this way to allow my students to create a sense of pride for their country and
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social
3rd Studies
Where does
this lesson fit within a larger
unit?
Why are you
teaching it this way? (What
skills, values, or beliefs do
you hope your teaching
method will help develop
within students?)
Why is it
important for students to learn
this concept?
What Content Knowledge is
necessary for a teacher to teach
this material?
What research have you performed
to properly teach the material?
Provide specific resources: books,
articles, websites.
Cite them on your reference list,
including names of authors, titles
of books, articles, websites, etc.
Group
Size:
Whole
Class
dive deeper into what it truly means to be a citizen of the United States. I want my students to practice
displaying and recognizing qualities of a good citizen both inside and outside of the classroom. I want
my students to brainstorm and then act upon the ways that they can build the community by practicing
civic virtues.
-It is important for students to learn this concept because they NEED to understand the fundamental
values and principles of American democracy as well as the character traits, (civic-mindedness,
patriotism, and civility) that are important to improving our democracy so that they can begin taking
initiative to improve todays world.
I am hoping that these concepts promote teamwork, cooperation and volunteerism within the
community, across our country, and eventually throughout the world.
-It is necessary for teachers to know the key-vocabulary words- allegiance, citizen, civic mindedness,
civic virtue, civility, common good, cooperation, volunteerism, democracy, principles, values, and
patriotism. All these words can be looked up in the dictionary or online.
- Research on American democracy would also be helpful so that the teacher is prepared to answer any
questions regarding what makes America so great and why this lesson is even important. Well, students
need to understand that they have a say and the power. This lesson will be diving deeper into how they
can use and take advantage of that power. http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1c.asp
- http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_intro.htm - This website provides interactive follow-up
lessons and activities on citizenship.
- Students can dive deeper into American government, citizenship, and constitution through a variety of
different learning games on Bens Guide to U.S Government for Kids.
http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_intro.htm
- Teachers should also do research to have an idea of different places within the community that
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social
3rd Studies
Evaluation Plan- How will you
know students have mastered
your objectives?
Address the following:
Describe in
detail the formative
assessments you will use to
determine if students are
learning (with you) during this
lesson.
Describe in
detail the summative
assessment (product) you will
have students complete to
show their
understanding/learning, either
at the end of this lesson or in
upcoming lessons.
Are your
assessments aligned with your
objectives?
You will
attach all formative and
summative assessments that are
to be handed out to students.
Teaching Methods
Group
Size:
Whole
Class
students may be interested in volunteering at.
http://www.moneycrashers.com/good-places-volunteer-opportunities-organizations/
Formative assessment (data):
- Pre-assessment on students prior knowledge on citizenship through a sticky note activity.
- Notes in reflection notebook from visual discovery activity.
-Observations of discussion during turn and talks.
-KLEW chart
-Independent completion of a two-column chart on characteristics/actions of a good citizen.
-Group completion of a worksheet that dives deeper into volunteerism and civic mindedness through
problem and solution discussion.
Summative assessment:
Students exit ticket What are some of your actions today, or maybe someone elses actions that you
noticed today that demonstrate civic virtue? Explain.
Students may also complete a post quiz at the end of the lesson to show their understanding.
As the big final summative assessment, students will construct a plan of action to demonstrate civic
virtues within the community. Students will be creating a newspaper headline for the school or
community that addresses a problem and includes a solution. They can use their notes, worksheets, and
a computer for research when completing this project. Students are required to identify a problem and
then state WHY its a problem, WHAT happens because of this problem, WHAT are possible solutions
to the problem, and HOW to fix the problem.
Students will complete this in the form of a newspaper including a heading, drawings, short
descriptions, articles, and references.
Lesson Implementation
I have incorporated a variety of different teaching methods into my lesson to ensure that I am meeting
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class

(What teaching method(s) will you the needs of all of my learners. I tried to use kinesthetic, visual, and collaborative activities throughout
use during this lesson? Examples my lesson to keep students engaged.
include inquiry-based, experiential
exercise, social studies skills I noticed that my students learn best when I incorporate movement into the classroom and allow
builder, visual discovery, discussion and collaborative learning. I am going to incorporate turn and talks, visual discovery/I spy
writing/reading for understanding, games, and group skits into my lesson. These methods will ensure participation and engagement
Teach through Deliberation, Focus through inclusive and interactive learning.
In, Teach for Ideas, Teach for
Inquiry, Teach through Drama,
etc.)
Explain why you selected this
method.
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class

Step-by-Step Plan Day 1

(What exactly do you plan to do in - Begin lesson by reviewing the meaning of different responsibilities that students have outside of
teaching this lesson? Be thorough. school such as chores, homework, cooking, watching their siblings, etc. Ask them to think about what
Act as if you needed a substitute happens when they do not complete their chores.
to carry out the lesson for you.) Discuss with students that the United States is like a big family where every family member is a citizen
with their own role, rights, and responsibility.
Be sure to address the following:
What preview activity will you use -Before discussing what a good citizen is, I will write it big and bold on the front whiteboard.
to open the lesson (make personal Students will each be given a separate sticky note where they will put their name on it and write a small
connections, make connections to personal description or draw a picture that represents a good citizen.
previously learned content, etc.)?
What Higher Order Thinking -Students will be given a short article (in pairs) to read and discuss with their partner. They will
(H.O.T.) questions will you ask? highlight words or phrases that they are unfamiliar with or have questions about. Students will discuss
How will materials be distributed? their thoughts and if their idea of citizenship has changed after reading the article.
Who will work together in groups
and how will you determine the
grouping?
How will students transition
between activities?
What will you as the teacher do?
What will the students do?
What student data (formative
assessment) will be collected
during each phase? Why this data
(formative assessment)?
YOU MUST UPLOAD ANY
HANDOUTS,
MATERAILS/RESOURCES,
ETC. USED TO CANVAS.
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class

Extensions/Differentiation

What will you do if a student struggles with the content?

If a student struggles with the content I will allow them to refer back to their vocabulary note cards,
notes, journals, and worksheets. I will work one-on-one with these students and give them examples of
behaviors and actions that a good citizen would represent. If they are ESOL or struggling because of a
language barrier, I will make sure to pair them with a buddy for assistance. I may work with a small
group during the reading and two-column chart. I will try to work independently with the students that
are having difficulty completing the paragraph on volunteering.

Students that are struggling will be able to work on the computer on Bens Guide to U.S. Government
for Kids instead of Myon!!

Keep in mind the student must master the standards you have outlined for the lesson.

What will you do if a student masters the content quickly?

For students that master the content quickly, they will be given the job as a Civic Virtue Investigative
Reporter where they will be able to observe and keep an eye out for acts of civic mindedness/civic
virtue and then record it in their journals. This will be their job for the rest of the week and I will collect
it on Friday before the weekend! Also, if they finish activities early, they will be able to go onto
http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship.intro.htm with interactive games and follow-up activity
sheets covering ALL aspects of citizenship.

BE SPECIFIC! And consider how the modifications you provide extend the content.
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social
3rd Studies
Reference List
Cite all books and authors, website
titles and links, articles and
authors, etc. on your reference list.
Attach copies of all handouts
students will use, including any
formative and summative
assessments
Group
Size:
Whole
Class
-Copies of handouts are in the paper.
America Is.. by Louise Borden
-http://socialsciences.dadeschools.net/files/elementary_lessons-civic_integration/SS.3.C.2.1.complete-
edited.pdf - attachments.
Harvey, S., & Goudvis, A. (2007). Strategies that work: Teaching comprehension for understanding
and engagement. Portland, Me: Stenhouse Publishers.
http://www.ushistory.org/gov/1c.asp- Article on American democracy.
http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_intro.htm - This website provides interactive follow-up
lessons and activities on citizenship.
http://www.congressforkids.net/citizenship_intro.htm- Students can dive deeper into American
government, citizenship, and constitution through a variety of different learning games on Bens Guide
to U.S Government for Kids.
http://www.moneycrashers.com/good-places-volunteer-opportunities-organizations/ - Different places
within the community that students may be interested in volunteering at.
 SSE 4313 Lesson Plan Template Name: ___Hannah Seamans_
Grade Level Being Taught: Subject/Content: Social Group
3rd Studies Size:
Whole
Class