Under the Sea Theme

Unit
By: Theresa Walker
EDU 348

INDEX: Table of
Incentive Contents

RewardPg. 3-5
Incentive
BoardPg.
6
Make-up Work
SheetPg. 7
Introductory
Letter.Pg. 8
Letter
head
Pg. 9
Bonus
Object...Pg.
10
Classroom Rules.......

Incentive Rewards
When the students
demonstrate hard work or
good manners, the class will
be given sea tokens:These
tokens will be placed in the
fishbowl to add up to a price;
When the bowl is full, the
students will choose from
three prizes that are given
my the teacher.
Along with the classroom
fishbowl, if student show
excellent behavior, the
students will be given,
individually, a certification
on a job well done. This
certificate can be taken
home and shown to the
parents on the student's
accomplishment.

Caught
Ya

Being
Good

A Big Starfish
Well Done!
This Certificate is rewarded to:
!

Keep up the good work!

Incentive Board

What a Great Catch!

Whoops! You missed some

Bubbling homework while you
were out swimming!
Reading &
Spelling

Math

Science

Art

Room 135 is Caught up

Learning!
Welcome Back :)

Theresa Walker
twalker000@teacher.net
716-652-8540

Dear Parents/Guardiens,
Welcome to my first grade classroom in room 135 here at Saint Helen Elementary!
I am so excited for this year and to welcome your child into my classroom.
First off, I want to introduce myself: my name is Theresa Walker, I am a
second year teacher and a graduate from Franciscan University with my licensure
in early childhood and special education. I took this job here at Saint Helen's
because I have such a love for children and of serving. I knew that I would be able
to use my talents towards being an educator and that is why I am here today. I
take my job very seriously in hope to create an atmosphere where my students can
grow and prosper. As I start off this year, I hope to incorporate this year's
theme, "Under the Sea," into every aspect my classroom. This will enhance
knowledge of the sea while incorporating it into every content area in a fun yet
beneficial way!
With this being said, here are some of the expectations I have for myself and
my students: I expect each student to participate, to be respectful, to be hard
working, and have a good attitude towards learning. I will be putting in every
effort I have to create the most effective learning environment, and I expect my
students to put in that effort as well. I believe that each child is important and
has something to contribute to the classroom and I have no doubt at all that your
child is anything less than that! I look forward to this year and to get to know you
and your child better. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Let's dive into learning!!
Sincerely, Theresa Walker: 1st grade Teacher

BONUS POINTS:

You are doing "fin"tastic!

These stickers are given to
the students if the student
has excelled in their
homework. They will be
awarded a fish sticker that
represents a bonus point
on the next test. A sticker
will be added to their file,
indicating their hard work
and another sticker will be
given to the student to
take home and show off
their hard work to their
parents/guardians.

In our school of Fish,

our rules are:
We Listen respectfully to each other
We say sorry and forgive
We raise your hand
We be a good friend
We work hard
We be kind and love
We say please and thank you
We do our best

Most important, we have fun while doing

it!

Reward Club
See above at the incentive reward and incentive board - If the students
portray the expectations of the classroom, are hard-working, and follow the
rules, the students will be rewarded as a whole classroom through the fishbowl
tokens. Once filled, the students will be able to choose from a list of rewards.
The students will also be rewarded on their individual behavior. If the student
demonstrates good works and is an active participant in the classroom, that
student will be rewarded with a "starfish" certificate. However, if the student
portrays behavior that is below the expectations, the student will be guided
along four steps of consequences:
Consequences:
st
1 offense- A verbal warning will be given.
2nd offense- A letter for home will be given, expected to be returned and
signed by parent/guardian.
rd
3 offense- The student will be sent to the principles office.
4th offense- A call home will be issued, with a possible parent teacher
conference.
This student will not be able to participate in the classroom prize after
meeting the requirements of receiving the award.
Therefore, why give up this opportunity to celebrate, be good children and
you will be rewarded!

Introductory Activity
As an introductory activity into the theme
"Under the Sea," the teacher (being me!) will
bring the class into a brief mini-lesson
discussion about sea animals, following this
discussion a brief video will be played to
better acquaint the students with the sea life.
After this video and discussion, the students
will create their own sea animal by drawing it
out and explaining the different
characteristics of their animal, this can either
be a made up sea creature or a real-life sea
creatire. Come with your imagination!!

Introductory Activity Sheet

Write it!

Draw It!

"Life Under the Sea "

Lesson Plan
Objectives: The students will be able to know and define new vocabulary
words that are related to under the sea life and to use their schema
theory to analyze and create an "all about me " card based on a sea animal.
Standards:
RI.1.1: Ask and answer questioins about key details in a text.
W.1.5: With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond
to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen
writing as needed.
Materials:
A Swim Through the Sea by Kristin Joy Pratt
A map of the world
"All about me" template card for each student
Your imagination and creativity!

"Life Under the Sea" Lesson Plan

Procedures:
Cont.

The students will head over to the rug for "Circle Time."
The teacher will begin a discussion about life under the sea and introduce
new words, such as environment, gulf, marine life, and the different types of
sea animals and creatures, to begin to expand your students' vocabulary.
As each word is said, have the children clap to the syllables.
Show the map of the world and review the oceans that cover the earth.
Following this discussion, the teacher will read the book "A Swim Through
the Sea," by Kristin Joy Pratt. This story is about a seahorse named
Seamore, who encounters various sealife living in the ocean. There is one for
each letter of the alphabet, encouraging an interest in the young
environmentalists. The illustrations are flowing with actions as the children
anticipate each page that is turned.
After this, the students will return to their seats where the students will
create a "all about me" card which they will construct using a sea animal that
was just learned about.
Assessment:
For the assessment, the teacher will use informal assessments using
observation and seeing which students participate during the in-class discussion
and also assess the students on their "all about me" cards as to see how well
the students comprehend and know the information about the given sea animals.