Unit Designed by Ginger A.

 

This unit has been created for use in K5. It covers readiness skills commonly found on K5 scope and sequence charts and K5 curriculum guides. This unit is easily adapted for use in pre-k – 1^st grade. 

This unit contains pages for you to make a Thundercake Notebook-- Notebook Cover

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Language Arts

 

Sequence
Print one copy of these Prepared Ingredient Cards or write one ingredient for Thunder Cake on each of seven blank index cards. The ingredients include: eggs, milk, chocolate, sugar, flour, tomatoes, and strawberries.
 

After listening to the story, the student will trace the word cards and design an illustration on the card.  The student will retell the story, and place the word/picture cards in order.  When you are finished using the cards, you can use them with the Math Lesson on Ordinal numbers (there is a page for your notebook); we used the cards everyday for sequencing review and did the math lesson (glued them on the notebook page) on our final day. 

 

Vocabulary Development

Notice the special words in the story. Students should practice using these words.

Babushka

Russia

samovar

 

Identify Position and Spatial Words

out

top

close

closer

up

above

under

into

down

here

near

 

Tell the student simple commands using these terms. Create a “Simon Says” type of game for the student to play.

Note- Does he understand that the green book can be above the red book, but below the blue book?

 

Onomatopoeia

Give the student a simple definition (words that sound like what they are). Make a list of these sound words from Thunder Cake.

 

Roared

Zip

Baroooom

Boom ba boom

Crackle

Ka-boom

Ka-bang

Rumbled

Crashed

 

Ask the student to think of other words.

 

Examples:

Sizzle

Plop

Pop

Meow

Plunk
 

Add to your notebook: Thunderstorm Onomatopoeia Notebook Page

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Math Skills

 

Counting

The student will count from one to ten, and from ten to one. Count from one to ten, then one to nine, one to eight, etc. Be sure to make the booming thunder sounds each time.

 

Ordinal Numbers

The student will tell the order of ingredients for Thunder Cake using the words first, second, third, etc. Practice using ordinal numbers throughout the day. Who woke up first this morning? This is our third book to read today.  Is your copy of Thunder Cake a first or second edition?
Add to your Notebook:
Story Sequence/Ordinal Number Notebook Page (use with sequencing cards found in Language Arts lessons)
 

 

Geometry

You will need two pieces of white card stock, two to four rubber stamps (small shapes work best), and an ink pad.

The student will study repeating patterns and random placement. Study closely the fabrics in the story. Show the student examples of repeating patterns and randomly placed designs. Look around your home to find more repeating patterns and randomly placed designs. Create an example of each.

 

Random Placement

Allow the student to rubber stamp designs anywhere on the paper: upside down, sideways, etc. Label this picture “random placement” (handwriting connection).

 

Repeating Patterns

Show the student how to create a repeating pattern. The student will create a repeating pattern of his own design. Label this picture “repeating pattern” (handwriting connection).

Add to your Notebook:
Random Placement/Repeating Pattern Page (use this however your student desires)

 

Analysis

Compare the two pictures.

1. Which is most pleasing to you?
2. What other patterns could you create?
3. Which is more common in nature? Random designs or repeating patterns.

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Social Studies Skills 
 

History

Help the student to create a simple family tree. Include snapshots or drawings of each family member listed on the family tree. Discuss how other cultures have special ways to say mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc.

 

Geography

Locate Michigan on a map of the United States. Do you know the name and location of your home state? On which continent is the United States located? Locate Russia on a world map. On what continent is Russia located? What language do you speak? What language (other than English) does Babushka speak?

Add to your notebook:
Where is Michigan?
Michigan state flower/bird coloring page

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Life Skills
 

Cracking an Egg
Show the student how to crack and separate an egg. Let the student assist in making a Thunder Cake.

Setting the Table
Set the table for tea time, the student will assist you. Purchase a small bouquet of flowers for the student to arrange.  Have your student place a tablecloth evenly on the table.  Use real china (Children appreciate beautiful things and will be very careful).  Encourage your student in the art of polite conversation.
Add to your notebook:
Place Setting Cut-outs
Place Setting Notebook Page

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Science Skills

The Water Cycle (lesson contributed by Carrie Piper)
The water cycle is the process all water on earth goes through as it changes from ground water to water vapor sometimes to ice then to liquid water (rain) again.  This can be an abstract concept for some children so here is an experiment you can use to illustrate the concepts.

Experiment (adapted from www.usiouxfalls.edu )

Supplies
Skillet
Water
Oven Mitts
Pan of Ice Cubes

Procedure
1. Pour water into the skillet and heat it. Have your student watch as the heated water turns into steam and disappears.
2.Using oven mitts, hold the pan of ice cubes about six inches above the steaming water and tell your student to watch the bottom of the pie pan.

Questions for Observation
1. Why is the water heated?

2. What happens to the steam?

3. What part of the water cycle do the ice cubes represent?

4. Why do drops of water fall back into the skillet?

Explanation
The water in the skillet is heated because it is heat from the sun that causes water to evaporate. Water evaporates in the form of water vapor. As the vapor rises, it cools off along with the air around it. Eventually the air cools off so much that it can no longer hold the water vapor. At this point the water vapor changes or condenses into water droplets. In this demonstration the pan of ice cubes is used to quickly cool the water vapor and the air. In nature, the water droplets that form on the bottom of the pan would be seen as clouds. As the droplets continue to gather moisture, they increase in weight. Eventually they become so heavy that they fall back to the skillet (earth) as precipitation. Then the cycle begins again.

Another Water Cycle Experiment

Also NASA has an animated lesson of the water cycle with simple, straight forward graphics

The first school has a mini-unit of three activities complete with a printable book about Drippy the raindrop and his water cycle adventures

Add to your Notebook:
Water Cycle Coloring Sheet 1
Water Cycle Coloring Sheet 2
Water Cycle Coloring Sheet 3
Water Cycle Coloring Sheet 4
Water Cycle Coloring Sheet 5  

The Water Cycle Lapbook  (In the Hands of a Child)

 

Identifying Animals

Identify the animals pictured in this story.

What do we get from chickens? How many ways can you think of to cook eggs? What is the name for a female chicken? What about a male chicken? What about a baby chicken?

 

What do we get from dairy cows? What can we make from milk? How many types of cheese can you name? What is the name for a female cow? What is the name for a male cow? What is the name for a baby cow?

 

- Something to Ponder [cultural appreciation]

In some countries outside the U.S.A., goat milk is commonly used. Some people prefer the taste of goat milk. This isn’t “gross” or “wrong” Goat’s milk is also used to make cheese. People from different cultures often eat different types of food. There are no yucky foods, just cultural preferences.

 

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Art Skills

 

China Patterns
Field Trip time! Go to a department store that has a wide selection of china.  Observe the beautiful designs and patterns. Learn the name of a few patterns such as Real Old Willow by Royal Doulton and Grand Terrace by Noritake. Look at the place settings on display. Choose your favorite pattern. Take a picture of it in your mind.

 

Recreate the china pattern from the store.

Teacher preparation: cut the following shapes from poster board- tea cup, saucer, dinner plate, salad plate. The student will paint the chosen china pattern using watercolor pencils. How well did the student remember the pattern?

 

Extension: Practice setting the table using the new “China”.

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Bible

 

The little girl in Thunder Cake is frightened of the thunder at first but learns to be brave. We do not need to be afraid because Jesus has promised to never leave or forsake us. Discuss times when children are afraid and how to overcome those fears. Learn this verse; say it when you are frightened.

 

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:7 NKJV

Add to your notebook:
Bible Copywork Page (HWOT letters)

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Music connection

Listen to the song I Know the Master of the Wind.

 

Gather a variety of rhythm instruments and make THUNDER

Misc.