Misti Neely

KISS Lesson Plan

Ivy Tech Community College

KISS Thinking + Lesson Plan

Born Free African Lions
Subject of the Lesson: Language Arts/Reading
Grade Level: 4th Grade
Name of Literature Book: Born Free, by Joy Adamson
Indiana Academic Standards being covered with this lesson:
4. RN. 4.2: Combine information from two texts on the same topic in order to
demonstrate knowledge about the subject.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES - The learner will:

1. Compose a short story to display their understanding of the book.
2. Analyze and identify key terms related to the subject.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy
RESOURCES NEEDED:
#1) Key terms from the book Born Free:

#2) A Dictionary or IPAD

#3) A pencil and a couple pieces of lined paper
#4) A piece of white construction paper
#5) Markers/crayons

Misti Neely
KISS Lesson Plan
Ivy Tech Community College
_____________________________________________________________________________________

DIRECTIONS:
Step 1: Have students define the ten key terms using a dictionary or Ipad. They should write
the term and definition on the lined paper.
Step 2: Show/tell the students they will be writing a short story of their own. Have the students
choose a minimum of three key terms to use in their stories. If they use more than three
correctly they will receive bonus points! Here is their writing prompt:

Imagine you are in Africa studying an animal of your choice. Write a short story (1
page or more) about your adventure. Using your key terms you have defined pick
three words to use in your story. If you use more than three words you will earn
bonus points! point per extra key term.

Step 3: After the students have finished writing their stories have them choses partners to peer
read/share their story with. If there are any mistakes to fix they should fix them at this
time.
Step 4: Have the students grab a piece of white construction paper and their art supplies.

Create a cover page for your story. Draw a picture of your animal and write the title
of your story! Be sure to use bright colors and be creative!

Step 5: When students are completed with their cover page have them staple their stories.
The cover page should be on top, followed by their story and the defined key terms. At
this time you can pick students to share their stories. After each story there should be a
discussion about the differences/similarities their story was to Born Free by Joy Adams.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT:
Students should be graded on creativity, usage of key terms and participation. If you would like to use a
point assessment you can use the following:
Define Key Terms: Did the student correctly define all 10 terms?

10 pts.

Cover page: Did student draw the animal from their story? Was there a title?

2 pts.

Story: Was the story on topic? Was it long enough?

5 pts.

Use of 3 Key Terms: Did the student correctly use 3 terms in their story?

3 pts.

Participation: Did the student work with classmates during peer review and share their2 pts.
story?
Bonus: Correct use of extra key terms.

Up to 3.5 pts.

Misti Neely
KISS Lesson Plan
Ivy Tech Community College
Total:
You may also use this alternative grading
rubric:

22 pts.

Story RUBRIC

Outstanding!
Wow!
OK
Try Again

4
1
2
3

Student shows basic understanding of key terms.

Student is
Student
is creative.
creative.
Student participates fully.

Student draws connections between

their story and Born Free.

Student clearly understands key

terms.