Problem Solving with "Swimmy"
This lesson will stress to the students the importance of working together to solve a problem.
A lesson plan for grades K–5 Guidance
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- Cooperation, Trust, and Interdependence: This activity involves two group initiatives designed to give students the opportunity to experience what it is like to depend on others for their safety. These initiatives will be used to explore trust, cooperation and interdependence while using problem-solving skills and effective communication.
Related topics
- Learn more about guidance.
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Learning outcomes
Students will be able to see the importance of working together as a group to solve a problem.
Teacher planning
Time required for lesson
30 minutes
Materials/resources
- Swimmy by Leo Lionni
- red construction paper
- black constuction paper
- small fish patterns
- light blue mural paper
- large, scary fish - decorated by teacher
- various colors of construction paper to complete an ocean mural
Technology resources
computer with Internet access (optional)
Pre-activities
Brainstorm with students the different ways that people solve problems.
Activities
- Have students trace one small fish pattern on red construction paper and cut out.
- Have one student trace the small fish pattern on black construction paper, cut out, and save.
- Have students place their red fish anywhere on the blue mural paper.
- Bring out the large, scary fish.
- Have students discuss what might happen and how they could solve the problem.
- Have the student bring up the small, black fish.
- Tell the students that you would like to read them a story about a little, black fish who helps the other fish in the sea to solve this problem.
- Read Swimmy by Leo Lionni. Discuss with the students how Swimmy solved the problem.
- Glue down the large,scary fish on the blue mural paper.
- Have students glue down their red fish on the light blue mural paper — the way Swimmy had taught them in the story — in the outline of a large fish.
- Have the one student glue the black fish, Swimmy, as the eye.
Assessment
Brainstorm with students other things to add to complete the ocean mural. Observe students as they work together to solve this problem.
Supplemental information
None
Related websites
Other lessons using Leo Lionni’s Swimmy:
KinderArt: Storybook Art (Art activities; Grades K-2)
http://www.kinderart.com/across/swimmy.shtml
Leo Lionni Literature-Based Resources (Reviews, activities, bulletin board, cyberguides for Swimmy)
http://kiddyhouse.com/Teachers/Literature/LeoL.html
Lesson Exchange: Ocean/Fish (Elementary level; a variety of theme activities and books)
http://www.teachers.net/lessons/posts/1215.html
Comments
This is a nice activity for the beginning of the school year. It enables the children to see the importance of working together and allows them to participate in a simple project.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Guidance (2001)
Grades K–5
- Goal 6: Understand the relationship between personal qualities, education, and training, and the world of work.
- Objective 6.04: Work cooperatively with others as a team member.
- Goal 7: Acquire the attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills to help understand and respect self and others.
- Objective 7.07: Demonstrate cooperative behavior in groups.
- Goal 8: Make decisions, set goals, and take appropriate action to achieve goals.
- Objective 8.01: Employ a decision-making and problem-solving model.
- Objective 8.03: Debate alternative solutions to a problem.
