MMSD Linking Technology & Literacy

Marine Life (Cinquain)

Grade Level: 4 - 5

Standards | Lesson Plan | Template | Assessment

Standards

Language Arts Standards

  • Writes creative piece (poetry)
  • Uses avaliable technology
  • Publishes writing
  • Chooses precise, descriptive and vivid word

6 Traits + 1

  • Ideas
  • Word choice
  • Presentation

Technology Standards

  • Uses a word processing program to publish a poem which demonstrates the use of columns, centering, setting tabs, adjusting margins, line spacing, and justification.
  • Uses a graphics program to create original work.
  • Uses a word processing program to change font, size and style.
  • Uses a word processing program to import graphics.
  • Uses word processing utilities to assist with a published report (i.e., spell checker, electronic thesaurus).

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Lesson Plan

Purpose:

  • To read a variety of poetry
  • To explore what constitutes a cinquain
  • To generate vivid adjectives and verbs
  • To produce a poetry slide show

Step by Step:

Step 1 Read a variety of poetry. Discuss what constitutes a cinquain. Brainstorm interesting nouns and adjectives that could be used to write this cinquain.
Step 2

Cinquain
5 Line Poem

Write one subject
Two adjectives to describe it
Three very descriptive verbs
Four word statement
Subject or a synonym that is imaginative
Step 3 Insert a section break below the poem and select 2 columns.
Step 4 In the left column, insert a picture of the subject.
Step 5 In the right column, have students select one of the following ideas:
  1. Tell where they got the idea for the poem.
  2. Research 5 facts about the subject.
Step 6 Think about a story they might like to write or one they have already written. On one side of the book jacket type in This is how I got the idea for my story… On the other side, insert picture and write the About the Author section. In the center, give the story a title and create an illustration. Save the work and print the book cover. Extended activity Write the story and put the book together. Place in the reading corner for others to enjoy.

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Example of Final Project

Marine Life

Jellyfish
Squishy, translucent
Wiggling, jiggling, sliding
Jellyfish stinging to protect
Jellyfish

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Assessment

Linking Technology & Literacy | Language Arts | Teaching and Learning | MMSD

Updated: May 16, 2001
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