Activity Overview
Storyboards are great for research purposes. Students can explore crickets and compile research about the insects. They can find information using textual evidence, the internet, or in other books. Then they can add the research they compiled into the cells and use our site, Photos For Class, to find safe, real images of crickets to help spruce up their storyboard.
Here is an example:
- Crickets can be black, red, brown, or green in color.
- Crickets have one pair of one-inch long antennas, called feelers. Antennas can detect movement of the prey and facilitate finding of food.
- Even though crickets have wings, they do not fly. Crickets can jump or travel short distances by producing jerky moves.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Write "Cricket Facts" in the title.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a cricket fact in each description box.
- Create an illustration for each fact using appropriate art.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
Storyboards are great for research purposes. Students can explore crickets and compile research about the insects. They can find information using textual evidence, the internet, or in other books. Then they can add the research they compiled into the cells and use our site, Photos For Class, to find safe, real images of crickets to help spruce up their storyboard.
Here is an example:
- Crickets can be black, red, brown, or green in color.
- Crickets have one pair of one-inch long antennas, called feelers. Antennas can detect movement of the prey and facilitate finding of food.
- Even though crickets have wings, they do not fly. Crickets can jump or travel short distances by producing jerky moves.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Write "Cricket Facts" in the title.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Write a cricket fact in each description box.
- Create an illustration for each fact using appropriate art.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about The Cricket in Times Square Extension: Cricket Facts
How to Facilitate a Class Discussion Using Cricket Facts
Encourage student engagement by inviting everyone to share a favorite cricket fact they found during research. Model active listening and ask open-ended questions to deepen understanding. This builds confidence and fosters collaborative learning.
Organize students into small sharing groups
Place students in pairs or trios and have them take turns presenting their cricket facts. Small groups help shy students participate and allow for more voices to be heard.
Use a visible anchor chart to track key facts
Create a class chart or digital board to record cricket facts as students share them. This visual reference keeps everyone focused and encourages students to listen to each other.
Prompt critical thinking with follow-up questions
Ask students why a particular cricket fact might be important or interesting. Questions like “How does a cricket’s antenna help it survive?” promote deeper analysis and connection to the text.
Wrap up by celebrating unique discoveries
Conclude the discussion by highlighting the variety of facts shared. Recognize students for their research and creativity, reinforcing a positive classroom environment.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Cricket in Times Square Extension: Cricket Facts
What are some easy cricket facts for kids to include in a lesson?
Crickets can be black, red, brown, or green. They have one pair of long antennas called feelers, which help them sense movement and find food. Even though crickets have wings, they do not fly, but move with quick, jerky jumps.
How can students research and present information about crickets?
Students can gather cricket facts from books, online sources, or classroom materials, then organize their findings into a storyboard using text and images. Tools like Photos For Class provide safe images to enhance their presentations.
What is a spider map activity for teaching about crickets?
A spider map lets students place the topic “Cricket Facts” in the center and branch out with details, using description boxes for each fact and illustrations to visualize information, making research more engaging.
What is the best way to create a cricket facts storyboard for grade 3-4 students?
The best way is to write a cricket fact in each description box of the storyboard, illustrate each fact with age-appropriate art or real images, and organize the information clearly for easy understanding.
Where can teachers find safe images of crickets for classroom projects?
Teachers can use Photos For Class, a website offering safe, copyright-friendly images, to help students find real photos of crickets for their research or storyboards.
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