I struggled with this assignment at first, but once I narrowed down my topic, it was smooth sailing from there! I love nature, biology, and learning about said nature and biology. So why not create a lesson on a subject that kids don't usually learn about in school--Birds of North America! Moreover, a steaming pile of fresh puzzle ideas sprouted the second I thought the words "bird", so I knew I was ready. My lesson plan was easy to put together, and I believe it maps out an awesome day of games and learning. While most of my puzzles were conceptualized but not yet created, my second to last puzzle--a crossword puzzle--was easily made on a crossword puzzle generator site. I only had to input the names, and then their clues. I struggled with which one of the puzzles to actually create, and at one point I put together a sort of maze-type-situation, but I eventually settles on simpler the better, especially when it comes to tweens and teens!
Each of my puzzles and connected lesson plans are designed to teach kids about various birds of North America, why they are the way that they are, and why they are important! By doing this via puzzles, we are reaching the students who struggle with lectures and teaching in a way that keeps them engaged, and is hopefully memorable. I think I succeeded :)
Please see the link to my lesson plan google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-FU5sL7SwL6bqKJO5JFRhcHeWj21Y3RjZx6DExtMbU8/edit?usp=sharing
As well as an image of my crossword puzzle!
I love the theme of your breakout! Birds of North America is such a creative and refreshing choice—and I think tweens, teens, and even adults would really get into the puzzles you’ve designed. I especially loved the inclusion of the sound matching game; it’s such a smart way to engage kids in a multisensory way while helping them learn something new.
ReplyDeleteAll your puzzles feel unique and well thought-out, and I think many kids will be especially interested in learning about the birds' diets—there’s something inherently fascinating about how animals live and survive. I also appreciate how your lesson invites students who might not connect with traditional lectures to engage with content in a more hands-on, memorable way.
Since many of us work (or will work) in libraries, it’s exciting to think how puzzles like these could lead kids to check out books—either to find answers or simply to learn more. Your plan feels like a great bridge between fun and discovery.