The New Beautiful

Swan, transformed by words.

Biz O’Brien3rd Grade

Lesson Objectives Estimated Time: Hour and 45min.

Big Idea: Identity

Objectives 1. Students will use/ remember their new learned skill of cursive writing, they will connect all letters and spell the words correctly.

2. Students will be able to define and identity what the words synonym and antonym mean.

3. Students will apply their new learned vocabulary words to make a connection to their feelings about identity.

4. Students will use the knowledge they learned from the fairytale the “ The Ugly Duckling” to assemble and arrange their own Swan by the use of cutting, gluing, tracing, and writing.

Show Ugly Duckling Video and Read Book

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3t5BmU3uYQ

• Questions to Discuss after viewing:

• 1. What words can we use to describe how the duckling feels when he is born?

• 2. What words can we use to express how he feels when he finds other ducklings like him?

• 3. Introduce the definition of an Anonym and Synonym – Make list with the class.

Independent Activity

Create list of 5

words that make them feel

ugly or different

Make a list of antonyms for each of

those words.

Pick 3 of the 5words to use on the swan,

along with the 3 antonyms

Write these 6 words in cursive

on construct paper

Cut out the 6 words.

Identity of the Swan1. Identity can change, just like words2. Identity can be a search( the duckling had to search for his family 3. Identify can be about insecurities( he was insecure about his whack)4. Identity can be about outside beauty( the duckling was white not yellow)

Materials Needed • Orange and black construction paper• White construction• Tape• Glue Stick• Straws• Scissors • Your own Hands• Stapler • Feathers (students color choice or real

feathers) •  

Informal Evaluation • Check to make sure their word choices are

indeed antonyms of one another ✔ ✖

• Make sure they are spelling the words correctly and in cursive ✔ ✖

• Check to see if they have picked words that invoke meaning or ugliness or difference ✔ ✖

• Make sure the swan is composed of a plate, a neck, a beak, straws, and six total words. ✔ ✖

Inspired Resources • Disney video

• Ugly Duckling book by: Hans Christian Andersen

• www.freekidscrafts.com - Website with the swan art