Grade 1: David’s Big Problem
Rating: 
http://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewResourceLesson/Preview/70420
Common Core Standards
Speaking and Listening
SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
SL.1.1(a) Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
SL.1.1(b) Build on others' talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
SL.1.1(c) Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.
Description of Lesson
This Grade 1 lesson titled “David’s Big Problem” cited on the CPALMS website is intended to be completed in two days of social studies/literacy instruction. In this lesson, students work collaboratively in guided groups to help a fictional character resolve conflicts while demonstrating respect and kindness. Activities include: determining the difference between a peacemaker and a peace breaker, writing ideas in their social studies notebooks, reading stories on related topics, discussing behaviors of characters and themselves, and writing a letter to help a main character solve his behavior problem. As a culminating activity, students create a representation of themselves and use speech bubbles to write 1-2 sentences on when or how they are peacemakers.
Cautions
Connecticut teachers should be cautioned that this topic is tied to the kindergarten Connecticut Social Studies Framework but would be a helpful reminder at the beginning of the first grade, prior to starting the “Community Beyond My Neighborhood” work. The lesson plan lists its standards with Florida labels; while the standards listed above use the Common Core labeling, the wording remains the same. The lesson does not list any writing standards, but it should.
Rationale for Selection
This lesson is an exemplary example of how to build students’ content knowledge in social studies through a series of questions that build knowledge within a topic. It also cultivates student interest and engagement in reading, writing, and speaking about texts and related topics. Instruction includes prominent and varied writing opportunities for students that balance the communication of their thinking and the answering of questions with self-expression and exploration. The assessments elicit direct, observable evidence of the degree to which a student can independently demonstrate foundational skills and targeted grade level literacy CCSS.