Lifecycle Strip
Preparing materials and resources With plans in hand, the teachers then took stock of available materials and supplies and made a list of those to add to the classroom centers and what was needed for teacher-directed small- and large-group activities (Table 6.5). In the book list, they noted with an asterisk those they would have to get from the public library. They also noted materials they would create/make for the unit with their classroom teaching assistants.
Arranging the environment Finally, Phyllis ordered the insect larvae kit online and made a “to-do” list. Stephanie made a trip to the public library and worked with her assistant to construct the teacher-made materials. They referred to the plan for week one to set out the items needed in centers for exploration and play and organized what would be needed for small- and large-group activities from day to day. In weekly newsletters, they announced the coming study and invited parents to send in any books or interesting insect-related materials they might want to share with the class. Figure 6.8 displays some of the materials and activities that were incorporated into the plan for this unit.