Subject: ELA (English Language Arts)

Lesson Length: 45 mins

Topic: Problem Solving

Grade Level: 4, 5, 6

Standards / Framework:

Brief Description: Consider the classic question, "Who or what would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?" with your students. Encourage students to apply their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to ensure their survival.

Know Before You Start: Be aware that some items on the list, (e.g., knife) might not be deemed appropriate by everyone. Adjust the list of items as needed.

Hook:

  • As a class, read the poem "The Old Sailor" by A.A. Milne. 

Activity:

  • Ask students to imagine that they are on a ship that has been damaged in a storm and is quickly taking on water. They only have time to escape safely to a nearby island with three of the following items:
    • a shovel
    • a magnifying glass
    • a hammer
    • a cell phone
    • a hatchet
    • an umbrella
    • a knife
    • a saxophone
    • a lantern
    • a flashlight
    • a fork
  • Using the sample comic as a guide, have students use their own avatars in an island-themed comic presenting the three objects they selected and why they chose each item.

Closure:

  • Showcase finished comics in a Gallery Walk.

Differentiation:

  • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
  • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
  • Use Think-Pair-Share strategy.
  • Provide a printed list of items.

Resources:

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