Frogs and Toads Whatâ€™ s the Difference - Middle Tennessee State

Bedford County, Tennessee ESL Program Students 7/2003

Frogs and Toads

What’s the Difference

Thematic Unit: Frogs and Toads - A Study of Amphibians and Their Life Cycles Lesson Topic: Physical Characteristics of Frogs and Toads Content Areas: Science, Math, Language Arts, Reading Grade Level/s: 2nd and 3rd Language Proficiency Level/s: LEP – Beginners and Intermediate Overall Goad of Unit: As a result of taking part in the thematic unit of study, students will develop background knowledge regarding amphibians and the differences and similarities between frogs and toads. They will utilize content vocabulary in the regular classroom setting, and will practice and improve the following language skills:

a) comprehension, b) academic language, c) oral language, and d) written language. TESOL and Tennessee Standards of ESL: TESOL National Standards Goal 1, Standard 1 – To use English to communicate in social settings: Students will use English to participate in social interactions. Goal2, Standard 1 – To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use English to interact in the classroom. Goal 2, Standard 2 – To use English to achieve academically in all content areas: Students will use English to obtain, process, construct, and provide subject matter information in spoken and written form.

1. retelling information 2. responding to the work of peers and others 3. representing information visually and interpreting information presented

visually Tennessee ESL Standards Goal 2 – Standard 2 – To use English to achieve academically in all content areas Lesson Objectives: After listening to a story, engaging in a mini-lesson and discussion on Frogs and Toads and their differences, TSW:

1. Discuss the differences in frogs and toads 2. Sequence the life cycle of a frog 3. Based on choice and proficiency level, select a group task to complete –

Group Tasks:


a. Write an illustrated sequel to the Frog and Toad stories b. Search reference books and/or the internet and make a booklet and

Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting frogs and toads. c. Make Frog and Toad puppets and act out a short scene showing their

friendship 4. Complete a peer-evaluation form of student- designed stories and/or research

projects.

Materials: 1. Tadpole to Frog Mini Booklet 2. Frog and Toad book covers and page patterns 3. Puppet supplies

a. Small paper bags b. Frog puppet patterns c. Toad puppet patterns d. Crayons e. Markers f. Scissors g. Glue sticks

4. Venn Diagram pocket chart 5. Sentence strips 6. Literature and Support Titles

Arnold,T. (1993). Green Wilma. New York:, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. Arnosky, J., (2002). All About Frogs. New York, NY:Scholastic Press.. Calmenson, S. (2001). The Frog Principal. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. Kimmel, E. (1990). I Took My Frog to the Library. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Puffin Books. Lobel, A. (1976). Days With Frog and Toad. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.

Lobel, A. (1976). Frog and Toad All Year. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. Lobel, A. (1970). Frog and Toad Are Friends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. Lobel, A. (1972). Frog and Toad Together. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. London, J. (2000). Froggy Goes to Bed. New York, NY: Viking. London, J. (2000). Froggy Goes to School. New York, NY: Viking. Morgan, S. (2002). From Tadpole to Frog. North Mankato, MN: Thameside Press. Oppenheim, J. (1992). The Show-and –Tell Frog. New York, NY: Bantham Books. Parker, N., & Wright, J. (1990). Frogs, Toads, Lizards, and Salamanders.New York, NY: Greenwillow Books. Saunders-Smith, G. (1998). Frogs.Mankato, MN: Capstone Press. Trumbauer, L. (2002). The Life Cycle of a Frog. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.


Instructional Procedures: Set – Introduce the word “characteristics” by naming the physical characteristics of humans. Mini-Lecture – Read The Life Cycle of a Frog aloud. Discuss with students the physical characteristics of frogs. Explain that frogs are amphibians and discuss the characteristics of amphibians. Group Task #1 Tadpole to Frog activity Shared Books – Read aloud, Frog and Toad Are Friends. Discuss the differences in frogs and toads. Extend knowledge by reading All About Frogs. Students will be led to construct a group Venn Diagram, comparing and contrasting frogs and toads. Group Task # 2 – Student Choice: Sequel to Frog and Toad or Compare and contrast frogs and toads, or make puppets and/or present skit. Sharing – Students share books and/or research and complete peer evaluations and self-evaluations Closure – review and read The Frog Principal and Green Wilma Assessment Tools/ Techniques

1. Informal Mini-Lecture – physical characteristics 2. Formal – Group Task #1 – Tadpole to Frog Activity 3. Informal – Shared Books – compare/contrast 4. Formal/Authentic – Sharing – peer evaluation and self-evaluation 5. Formal – teacher evaluation of student choice activities


Learn More About Frogs & Toads Look in the research books or use the Internet

To find the answers to these questions:

Frogs Toads










Documents

Frogs and Toads Whatâ€™ s the Difference - Middle Tennessee State