What’s So Good About Popcorn?

Lisa Wilmoth
Beaufort Elementary School
4-17-03

Subjects included in this lesson plan: Writing, Technology

Brief Description:
This lesson is a writing activity which utilizes a thinking map to help brainstorm description words and a flow map to help organize a paragraph. The students will actually eat popcorn while coming up with a list of description words. After students write and edit their paragraphs explaining what is so good about popcorn, they will type their final copy on the computer.

Approximate time required: 5 - 45 minute class periods.

• One period to eat popcorn and brainstorm description words then list on circle map.
• One period to create phrases which describe popcorn and make class phrase bank.
• One period to complete flow map and begin individual rough drafts.
• One period to edit with teacher and revise paper.
• One period to type final copy in the computer lab.
  

Standard Course of Study Goals and Objectives:
Writing:

5.01 Use phonic knowledge and basic patterns to spell correctly three-and four-letter words.
5.02 Apply phonics to write independently, using temporary and/or conventional spelling.
5.04 Use complete sentences to write simple texts.
5.05 Use basic capitalization and punctuation.
5.06 Self-monitor composition by using one or two strategies (e.g. rereading, peer and teacher conferences).

Technology:

1.2 Discuss ownership of computer-created work.
1.3 Identify physical components of a computer system.
2.2 Locate and use letters, numbers, and special keys on a keyboard.
2.3 Identify basic word processing terms.
2.4 Key words and/or sentences using word processing.

Teacher’s Lesson Goals/Objectives:

• Students will write a paragraph about popcorn which describes the experience of eating popcorn by using details and description words The paper should convince someone that popcorn is a delicious and irresistible treat.
• Students will use a circle map to brainstorm ideas and a flow map to organize and sequence their writing. After discussing and editing with the teacher, they will type a final copy on the computer using a word processing program.
• Students will use the bold feature, italics feature or underline feature to highlight all description words. The paragraph will contain at least 4 description words.
  

Materials/Resources Needed

• Fresh popped popcorn
• Circle map
• Flow map
• Paper
• Computer
• Printer

Pre Activities:

1. Eat popcorn and discuss the meaning of description words. 
2. List examples of description words which would describe popcorn on large class circle map.
3. Create description phrases which describe popcorn and put in a class phrase bank to be used in individual papers if students choose to use two or three of them. 
   e.g. I think the best thing about popcorn is the buttery flavor of the white puffs. Or Popcorn is the only snack you can watch explode in front of our eyes!
   

Activities:

1. Use flow map to organize individual papers.
2. Edit paper with teacher.
3. Correct errors in rough draft.
4. Discuss the bold, italics and underline features on the computer and show students how to use these features. (Computer lab
5. Type final copy with a word processing program. (Computer lab)

Closure:
Students will make a popcorn picture to go with their story by gluing popcorn to construction paper. They will share their popcorn story and picture with the class.

Assessment:
Rubric:
Points will be given for:

• including at least 4 description words (possible points -40)
• organization and sequence of the paragraph (possible points - 20)
• use of bold, italics or underline features (possible points - 20)
• capitalization and punctuation (possible points - 10) 
• creativity of the story (possible points - 10)
  
  

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