Objective:

Students will be able to comprehend the story "Minn of the Mississippi,"

identifying key characters, settings, and important details.
Students will engage in discussions about the book to enhance their understanding
and critical thinking skills.
Materials:

Copies of "Minn of the Mississippi" for each student

Whiteboard and markers
Chart paper and markers
Prepared questions for discussion
Colored pencils or markers for drawing activity
Lesson Duration: 40 minutes

Introduction (5 minutes):

Begin with a brief discussion about turtles and the Mississippi River to activate
prior knowledge.
Show the book cover and ask students to make predictions about the story based on
the title and illustrations.
Reading and Discussion (20 minutes):

Read aloud the first chapter of "Minn of the Mississippi" while encouraging
students to follow along in their books.
Pause at key points to discuss the characters, settings, and events. Use prepared
questions to facilitate discussion.
Encourage students to share their thoughts and ask questions about the story.
Group Activity (10 minutes):

Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a large sheet of
chart paper and markers.
Assign each group a specific scene or chapter from the book.
Ask them to create a visual representation of their assigned section on the chart
paper, including key details and characters.
Group Presentations (5 minutes):

Each group presents their visual representation to the class, briefly explaining
their chosen scene and why it is important in the story.
Facilitate a short discussion after each presentation, allowing other students to
ask questions or share their observations.
Homework Assignment:

Instruct students to complete a short written reflection on what they found most
interesting or exciting about the part of the story covered in class.
Ask students to draw a picture related to the story and write a sentence or two
describing their illustration.
Remind students to bring their reflections and drawings to the next class for
sharing.
Closure (1 minute):

Recap the key points discussed during the lesson.

Provide a preview of what will be covered in the next class.
Note: Adjust the timing of each section based on the pace of your class and the
level of engagement. Encourage a positive and inclusive learning environment
throughout the lesson.
Warm-Up Activity: "Word Associations"

Objective:

To activate prior knowledge and engage students with the upcoming lesson's
vocabulary.
To promote critical thinking and creativity in making word associations.
Materials:

Whiteboard and markers or chart paper and markers

Instructions:

Begin by writing the key vocabulary words on the board: Rapids, Desire, Shimmering,
Shallow, Deserted.
Ask students to brainstorm and write down any words or phrases that come to mind
when they think about each of these words. They can do this individually or in
small groups.
Encourage creativity and remind students that there are no right or wrong answers.
They should feel free to express their thoughts.
After a few minutes, invite students to share their word associations with the
class. Write their responses on the board or chart paper.
Discuss the associations as a class. Are there common themes or connections between
the words? Are there any surprising or interesting connections that students made?
Relate the word associations to the upcoming lesson. For example, how might the
word "shimmering" be connected to a river, or what kind of feelings might be
associated with the word "desire" in the context of a story?
Note:
This warm-up activity not only prepares students for the vocabulary in the lesson
but also encourages them to think creatively and make connections between words. It
sets a positive and interactive tone for the rest of the lesson.

Rapids
desire
shimmering
shallow
deserted

Definition: Rapids refer to a section of a river where the water flows rapidly,
creating turbulent and rough conditions due to the presence of rocks, obstacles, or
a steep descent.
Synonym: Whitewater
Desire:

Definition: Desire is a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something. It

involves a sense of longing or craving for a particular object, experience, or
outcome.
Synonym: Wish, want, yearning, longing
Shimmering:

Definition: Shimmering describes the visual effect of a gentle, wavering light that
seems to flicker and gleam, creating a play of light and color.
Synonym: Glittering, sparkling, glistening
Shallow:

Definition: Shallow refers to a small depth, especially in water. It can also

describe something lacking in depth, such as a shallow pool or a shallow
understanding of a topic.
Synonym: Superficial, not deep, shoal
Deserted:

Definition: Deserted means empty, abandoned, or devoid of people. It describes a

place that was once occupied but is now deserted or uninhabited.
Synonym: Abandoned, vacant, empty, forsaken

"Minn of the Mississippi" is a captivating story that follows the adventures of

Minn, a snapping turtle, as she navigates the Mississippi River. Written and
illustrated by Holling C. Holling, the book combines an engaging narrative with
vivid illustrations to teach young readers about geography, nature, and the life
cycle of turtles. Minn's journey takes her through various habitats, and readers
learn about the diverse flora and fauna along the Mississippi River.

Questions:

What kind of animal is Minn, and what is special about her?

Answer: Minn is a snapping turtle, and she's special because she takes readers on a
journey along the Mississippi River.
What are some of the different places and habitats that Minn visits during her
adventure?

Answer: Minn explores various habitats, such as forests, swamps, and sandbars,
along the Mississippi River.
Why is Minn's journey important for readers to learn about?

Answer: Minn's journey is important because it helps readers learn about geography,
nature, and the different plants and animals along the Mississippi River.
What is one interesting fact you learned about turtles or the Mississippi River
from the story?

Answer: Encourage students to share a specific piece of information they found

interesting, such as the life cycle of turtles, the types of animals Minn
encounters, or any geographical features of the Mississippi River mentioned in the
book.