The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo: Reading, Writing, and Following Directions
Kindergarten: Listen to and respond to a story through illustration and oral language. Grade 3: Retell and respond to a story, then write clear sequential directions.
Literature: The One in the Middle Is the Green Kangaroo by Judy Blume Time: 2–3 sessions Subjects: Literature, Writing, Speaking/Listening, Procedural Writing
Learning Objectives
- Retell important events from a story in logical order.
- Ask and answer questions about a text.
- Use drawings and oral language to communicate a response.
- Write and follow clear steps for a familiar procedure.
Procedure
- Read aloud: Read the story to both grades. Pause for prediction, clarification, and questions.
- Cross-age discussion: Kindergarten students ask questions about the story. Grade 3 students answer using details from the text rather than simply giving opinions.
- Story response book: Use the original sandwich-book format as a creative response. Grade 3 students write a short evidence-based response or retelling; kindergarten students illustrate a selected scene or idea.
- Procedural writing: Model how to write directions for making a simple sandwich or other familiar classroom task. Identify materials, numbered steps, sequence words, and a final check.
- Practice and test: Students exchange directions with a partner. The partner follows the directions literally and notes where a step is unclear or missing.
Assessment
Kindergarten: orally answer a question about the story and create an illustration connected to a specific event. Grade 3: produce an organized retelling or response and a clear sequence of procedural steps.
Safety and Accessibility
A real food activity is optional. If food is used, follow school allergy, sanitation, and supervision policies. Students may use picture cards or a paper simulation instead. Provide dictation, speech-to-text, or oral-response options as needed.