Discover & Do

Introduction

This lesson plan aims to encourage independent and collaborative learning through a series of engaging and diverse tasks. Suitable for Year 2 students aged 6 years, this session celebrates all attempts and fosters a positive attitude towards trying new things. The activities span various curriculum areas and are aligned with New Zealand educational standards.

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Curriculum Area

• Learning Area: Various (Literacy, Numeracy, Arts, Physical Education, Thinking Skills)
• Level: Level 1 (appropriate for Year 2)

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Lesson Objectives

• Strengthen basic literacy and numeracy skills in a fun and engaging manner.
• Encourage creative and critical thinking through a mix of individual and group tasks.
• Promote a positive attitude towards attempting new activities and developing resilience.

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Materials Required

• A can or jar labeled as the "Can-Do Jar".
• 50 pre-prepared task slips.
• Basic classroom supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, scissors, glue, etc.)
• Props or resources for specific tasks (ball, blocks, picture books, etc.)

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Classroom Setup

1. Can-Do Jar: Place the Can-Do Jar at the front of the classroom.
2. Task Area: Designate areas for different types of activities if space allows (e.g., reading corner, craft table, open floor space for physical tasks).
3. Completion Showcase: Establish a wall or board to display completed tasks and celebrate attempts.

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Lesson Procedure (41 minutes)

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Welcome: Greet the students warmly.
• Explain the Activity: Describe the “Can-Do” activity and emphasize that attempting is more important than completing tasks perfectly.
• Positive Attitude: Briefly discuss the importance of a positive attitude and celebrate all attempts.

2. Choose and Complete Tasks (30 minutes)

• Task Drawing: Invite each student to draw a task from the Can-Do Jar.
• Attempt and Support: Allow students to complete the tasks independently or with help (from peers or teachers).
• Encouragement: Circulate around the room to provide support and encouragement.

3. Celebration & Reflection (6 minutes)

• Share Experience: Ask students to share what task they undertook and what they learned or enjoyed about it.
• Display Work: Put up completed work on the Completion Showcase board.
• Feedback: Offer positive feedback and acknowledge all efforts.

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Can-Do List (50 Tasks)

1. Draw your favourite animal.
2. Write a sentence about what you did over the weekend.
3. Build a tower using blocks.
4. Count to 50 out loud.
5. Pair up and read a picture book together.
6. Draw a map of your route from home to school.
7. Make a paper plane and see how far it flies.
8. Write a thank-you note to a classmate.
9. Solve a simple addition problem (e.g., 5+3).
10. Create a necklace using pasta and string.
11. Act out a short story using puppets.
12. Make a bookmark.
13. Describe your favourite toy.
14. Sing a song you have learned in class.
15. Identify and write down all the colours you see around the room.
16. Draw a picture of your family.
17. Pretend you are a teacher and teach something to a friend.
18. Build a house using Lego or blocks.
19. Write your name and decorate it.
20. Run a relay race with a group of friends.
21. Create a card for a friend.
22. Count backwards from 20.
23. Draw a picture of your dream house.
24. Sort objects by size (smallest to largest).
25. Do 10 jumping jacks.
26. Create an animal mask.
27. Learn a new word and use it in a sentence.
28. Make a pattern using beads or buttons.
29. Play a short memory game with a friend.
30. Describe what you want to be when you grow up.
31. Write down five things you are grateful for.
32. Create a story using a sequence of three pictures.
33. Find five items that start with the letter 'B'.
34. Draw a happy face with different emotions.
35. Write numbers 1 to 20.
36. Create a weather chart for today.
37. Find three things that are heavier than a book.
38. Write your favourite recipe.
39. Draw a self-portrait.
40. Match uppercase letters to their lowercase pairs.
41. Write a list of five animals that live in the ocean.
42. Count how many steps it takes to walk across the room.
43. Trace and colour a leaf.
44. Make a treasure map.
45. Copy a short paragraph from a book.
46. Sort shapes by type (circle, square, etc.).
47. Make a friendship bracelet.
48. Draw a scene from a storybook.
49. Practice tying your shoelaces.
50. Do a short dance routine.

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Conclusion

This interactive and varied session not only meets New Zealand curriculum standards but also encourages Year 2 students to embrace challenges and enjoy the learning process. By celebrating every effort, students gain confidence, resilience, and a positive outlook towards learning new skills.