Mini-Unit On PigsA Letter to Parents
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Kelly Pelak and I am an assistant teacher in Anne Broom's classroom for the next 4 weeks. I am a senior at the University of Illinois and I am about halfway through the university's year-long student teaching program. One of my assignments is to create and teach a mini-unit for this 8 week placement. The topic for this unit is "pigs." There are several aspects of pigs that will be explored throughout this unit. First students will become familiar with basic knowledge about pigs such as the lifestyle of a pig both domesticated and wild, food, habitat, body parts, appearance, habits, characteristics of different breeds of pigs, and the history of the domestication of pigs. The students will also learn and compare the use of pigs in different societies. The students will also examine the use of pigs in our society and examine the several products which are made from pigs. Students will also explore pigs in a variety of genres in literature and the characteristics of famous pigs in the media. Students will also become familiar with the use of pigs in the English language such as pigtails, piggyback, pigsty, etc. Students will also discuss the nutritional value of pork as a meat source in comparison to other meats. Students will also learn through an interview with a farmer more about the care and maintenance of raising pigs. Students will also classify pigs and guinea pigs and note differences and similarities between the two.
One of my goals for this unit is to make the learning process both active and enjoyable for the students. One of the ways that I hope to achieve this is by having them work in groups at centers based on some of the broader topics mentioned above. In order for this to be a success, I would really like to have a few other adults in the room to help facilitate these centers. If this project sounds interesting to you, please let me know. I would really appreciate your help!
The centers are scheduled to take place Tuesday morning next week, November 19 from 8:30-10:00. If you can make it, please let me know ASAP.
In addition to my plea for help, I also wanted to let you know that I will be taking pictures of the classroom throughout this mini-unit for my professional portfolio. If you prefer that your child is not photographed throughout this unit, please indicate below and I will be sure to leave them out of the pictures. Thanks for your time and your support!
Sincerely,
Kelly Pelak
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Your name:_______________________ Your child's name:__________________________
CIRCLE ONE:
I give/ do not give Kelly Pelak permission to photograph my child in the classroom throughout this unit.
I will/will not be able to help out with the pigs unit on November 19, 1996.
(if you can come, please indicate what time you can tentatively be at Leal)
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