TAKING A STAND ON BIODIVERSITY
Activities
Defining Biodiversity This strategy for coming up with a
definition works well with groups of 3 or 4 students. Invidually write
a definition of 'Biodiverstity'. Pass each definition around the circle.
Next person underlines key words that they believe are relevant to
the definition. Continue passing definitions around the circle, so that
everyone has the opportunity to read and underline key words.
When all definitions have been read, group comes up with an
agreed definition of 'Biodiversity'. This strategy supports students to
come up with a definition in their own words and is supportive for
students from ESL backgrounds.
Strategy to use for arguments in a Persuasive Text - 'Behind
the Door' An A4 sheet of paper is folded in half longways. The paper
is then folded into 3 again, making 6 boxes. The top half is cut
along the 3 fold lines to make 3 flaps that lift up. These are used to
record the 3 arguments to support the writer's point of view in the
persuasive text. The main idea of each argument is recorded on the
top of the flap or 'door'. Underneath the flap, the whole paragraph
is written in draft form. This helps students to organise their
arguments and keep to the main idea of each argument, as
recorded on the front of the flap. It also helps students to see more
clearly how each flap represents a separate paragraph, in the
persuasive text. This strategy can also be used for less able
students to record as dot points and to use supporting illustrations.
It is more engaging for students than using a standard proforma.
Introducing Persuasive Texts
Stories read and discussed
‘The last tree’ by Mark Wilson was read and discussed.
‘The bear with the sword’ by Davide Cali – strategies recommended
in ‘Some approaches to Persuasive Text’ Reference to Literature
Base article were explored.
PEEL –
P - Point or topic
E – Elaboration
E – Example
L – Link to other points or main thesis
Going further
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Elephant poo paper
Tigers in Sumatra
Lucky turtle
Posters from Vietnam – Don’t buy me !
Handouts
Behind the door sheet.
Persuasive text planner
Resources list
Elephant poo paper
Excerpts from Literature Base article.