Exploring Executive Branch

Lesson Overview

Grade: 3rd
Duration: 10 minutes
Class size: 24 students
Subject: Social Studies – The Executive Branch of North Carolina Government
Standards:

• NC Essential Standards for Grade 3 Social Studies – Civics and Government
  • 3.C&G.1.1 Understand the purpose of rules and laws and the roles of the executive branch in North Carolina government.
• Common Core State Standards (CCSS) connections:
  • SL.3.1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  • L.3.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases.

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Learning Objectives ("I Can" Statements)

• I can describe the role of the Executive Branch in North Carolina government.
• I can identify key leaders in the North Carolina Executive Branch.
• I can explain how the executive branch enforces laws.

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Success Criteria

• I can name at least two responsibilities of the Executive Branch.
• I can identify the Governor as the leader of the Executive Branch in North Carolina.
• I can explain in my own words what the Executive Branch does.

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Materials Needed

• Executive branch North Carolina worksheet (custom worksheet focused on key roles and functions)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper with a simple diagram of the executive branch
• Colored pencils/crayons
• Exit ticket slips

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Lesson Activities Breakdown

1. Bell Ringer (2 minutes)

• Activity: Students write or discuss with a partner:
  "Who do you think makes sure laws are followed in North Carolina?"
• Purpose: Activate prior knowledge while focusing students on executive roles.
• TLAC Strategy: Quick partner share to engage all voices immediately.

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2. Mini Direct Instruction & Discussion (4 minutes)

• Briefly introduce the North Carolina Executive Branch:
  • The Governor is the leader.
  • The branch makes sure laws are carried out or enforced.
  • Other leaders include the Lieutenant Governor and Cabinet officials.
• Use a simple diagram on chart paper showing the executive branch hierarchy.
• Ask: "Why do you think we need people to make sure laws are followed?"
• Connect to students’ lives by giving examples, such as crossing guards enforcing rules for safety.

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3. Worksheet Activity (3 minutes)

• Students complete the Executive Branch worksheet:
  • Matching key leaders to their roles.
  • A short “fill in the blank” on what the executive branch does.
• Circulate to give support, especially to English learners or students needing extra help.

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4. Exit Ticket (1 minute)

• Students write one thing they learned about the Executive Branch on a slip of paper.
• Teacher collects to quickly assess understanding for future lessons.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners:
  • Provide vocabulary supports on the worksheet (words + pictures).
  • Pair ELL students with fluent peers for discussion.
  • Allow oral responses on the exit ticket if writing is difficult.
• For students needing extra challenge:
  • Encourage them to write one new question about the executive branch on their exit ticket.
  • Provide an extension task to research one other executive branch official and share with the class later.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Create a simple poster or digital slide showing how the Executive Branch impacts their community.
• Role-play a day in the life of the Governor or other executive officials to deepen understanding of responsibilities.
• Briefly explore how the Executive Branch interacts with the Legislative and Judicial branches in North Carolina (introduce “checks and balances” concept in a simple way).

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Assessment

• Informal formative assessment via exit tickets and worksheet completion.
• Observe participation in discussion and partner sharing.

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By closely aligning with NC Essential Standards and CCSS, this 10-minute lesson engages diverse learners effectively while providing clear success criteria and strategies that appeal to young students’ curiosity about government roles in their state.