Title of Unit: Civics/Government Title of Lesson: National Government

Lesson Plan # 3 out of 5

Summary of the Lesson Plan:

This social studies lesson is designed for 3rd grade students to learn about the three branches of U.S. government and some U.S. symbols and monuments. This lesson uses the Houghton Mifflin Social Studies textbook Communities (p. 240-243). Target Population: 3rd grade students at all learning levels whole group reading & discussions, independent notes and assessment Objectives: C13.3.5 Explain why we have patriotic activities, holidays, and symbols. C13.3.1 Identify and discuss examples of rules, laws, and authorities that keep people safe and property secure. Refer to notes on TE p. 240 - Get Set to Read 2. 3. Ask students to preview the headings and tell what they think the lesson will be about it. Look at the Category chart students will complete as we read. Students should be sure each branch is listed in its own column (Unit Resources p. 67) Have students discuss what they know about Washington D.C. Introduce vocabulary (legislature, executive branch, judicial branch, monument)

Procedure: 1.

As a class, read p. 240-243, stopping to ask questions as indicated in the margins of the TE. This relates to Teach: The Three Branches and Teach: Symbols and Monuments on TE p. 241-242. After each page, talk about the material we just read: a. (p. 240-241) What is the main role of all branches of national government? b. (p. 242-243) Name two symbols for the United States. What does each represent? c. (p. 242-243) Why do we honor George Washington with a monument? d. Review and Assess TE p. 243

4. As and when we are finished reading, students should record information on their Study Guide (Unit Resources workbook p. 68)

Assessment: Reading Skill (TE p. 243): Write a paragraph describing the duties you categorized as belonging to Congress.
EDEL 453 Spring 2012 Karen Powell- Instructor Submitted by: Jasmine Franklin

Title of Unit: Civics/Government Title of Lesson: National Government

Lesson Plan # 3 out of 5

Art Activity (TE p. 243): There are many symbols that represent the United States. Choose one, and draw a picture of it. Tell what is symbolizes and why it is important to you.

Reflection: What skills do students need in order to be successful with this lesson? Students need to be able to engage in meaningful discussion during the reading in order to comprehend the National Government and the three branches. How will you follow up or extend this lesson? As an extension to the lesson, I would use Extend Lesson 1 (p. 244-245) entitled Red, White, and Blue about the United States flag. What can you do for students who dont grasp the concepts? For the students who dont understand the concepts in this lesson, I would use the Reteach Mini Lesson described at the bottom of TE p. 243. We would work together to make a description wheel to reteach what the national government does. Where do you anticipate having problems with this lesson? I think the most challenging part to teach will be the three branches. Students might have difficulty understanding that although all branches work to protect citizens rights, each branch has it specific role to play in government.

Materials: Reading Skill and Strategy paper (Unit Resources workbook p. 67 sample at the bottom of TE p. 240) Study Guide (Unit Resources workbook p. 68 sample at the bottom of TE p. 243) Social Studies Book: Communities p. 240-243 Paper, pencils, and drawing utensils

EDEL 453 Spring 2012

Karen Powell- Instructor

Submitted by: Jasmine Franklin