Last updated: April 12, 2023
Lesson Plan
Carl Sandburg's Connemara (Grades K-2)
- Grade Level:
- Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- Thinking Skills:
- Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.
Essential Question
What can you learn about Carl Sandburg based on the objects he had in his home?
Objective
• The student will interpret information presented visually and explain how that information contributes to an understanding of an idea.
• The student will write descriptively about an object and explain its connection to a historical figure.
Background
Carl Sandburg spent the last 22 years of his life at Connemara Farms in Flat Rock, NC.
This home is filled with all the objects the Sandburg family used and cherished during their time here. Each of these objects reveal clues about the family.
Preparation
- Carl Sandburg’s Connemara PowerPoint with your students so that they each have their own editable copy (can be uploaded as a Google Slide.) (Teacher will need to upload a picture, as an example, to slide 2 before sharing with students)
- Carl Sandburg’s Connemara PowerPoint includes links to Carl Sandburg’s Connemara Video and a virtual tour of the Carl Sandburg Home NHS (optional site for more information about the house.
Materials
The purpose of this lesson is for students to watch a video to learn about Connemara. Students will analyze objects found in the home and explain what they learn about Carl Sandburg based on the objects that he collected in his home.
Download Carl Sandburg's Connemara (Grades K-2)
Procedure
Procedure (Remote Learning)
Share the Carl Sandburg’s Connemara PowerPoint with your students so that they each have their own editable copy (can be uploaded as a Google Slide.) Students will watch a video of the Carl Sandburg Home NHS. Students will explain what they learn about Carl Sandburg based on the objects they see in his house.
Procedure (In Person Learning)
Activating Strategy
Show students the Carl Sandburg’s Connemara PowerPoint. Prompt students’ interest by encouraging students to make a connection with the essential question by asking a question (slide 2). “What does this object tell you about your teacher?” Allow time for students to share responses.
Teaching Strategy
- Carl Sandburg’s home was named Connemara.
- Explain to students that they will be watching a video about Carl Sandburg’s Connemara which is narrated by his granddaughter, Paula.
- As they watch the video, they need to think about the objects they see in the house. Click the video link on slide 3 to watch Carl Sandburg’s Connemara.
- Allow students to share what they noticed.
Summarizing Strategy
Students will write to explain what they learn about Carl Sandburg based on an important object in his home.