Special Feature Lesson:

 Put It In Order!

Overview:
Students identify and describe the steps involved in a specific activity of their choosing.

Curriculum Focus:
• language arts

Materials:
•None needed

Activity:

To begin the activity, review the More About story. Remind students there are three stages to a wetland project: before, during and after. Explain also that each step described must happen in a certain order for the job to be done properly. Ask students why the order of steps is important and what would happen if the steps got mixed up.

Ask students to share a few examples of activities that take place in a certain order. Once again, discuss why the order of steps is important and what would happen if the steps were not performed in the correct order. Tell students they will be challenged to write instructions for completing an activity they choose. Each step must be identified and described clearly. Steps must be stated in the correct order. If students need guidance, share the following example:

Steps for Washing Hair

1. Wet hair.
2. Squeeze shampoo into hand.
3. Rub shampoo into hair until sudsy.
4. Wash shampoo out of hair.
5. Dry hair.

Have students share their examples with the class. Analyze how well the steps have been identified and described.

Extension idea:
Games often are played out in a specific order. Hopscotch, baseball and bingo are a few examples. Work as a class to create an original game. Decide upon the rules, and write them on the board. Discuss how the rules control the sequence of steps involved from start to finish.