MY BACKYARD

They research the habits and habitats of the hummingbird, pillbug, ladybug, butterfly, snail, and firefly, and sing short songs reinforcing what they’ve learned. As culminating activities, students participate in a musical play (scripts at each grade level and sheet music provided) and awards ceremony. The teacher’s guide provides complete procedures, handout masters, extensions, assessments, and an audio CD of all songs. The student guides function as workbooks for coloring and drawing the different creatures. The unit comprises eight flexible lessons, each running up to five class periods; most activities may stand alone.