Grade
© 2008 Committee for Children www.secondstep.org
Page 205
Lesson 4
Academic Integration Activities
Language Arts and Social Studies
How can you help?
Many people affected by natural disasters such as floods, fires, and earthquakes need
support. Have students think of a natural disaster that has occurred recently either locally,
nationally, or internationally. Then have students brainstorm together in small groups ways
that their group might be able to support those people in need (for example, groups could
collect donations of money, clothes, food, and other needed supplies). Have each group
share their ideas with the class. Then you can have each group follow through on their
ideas for helping natural disaster victims as a service-learning activity.
Health and Science
How can you support the environment?
Find a local environmental conservation volunteer opportunity for your students. For
possibilities, check with your local parks and public lands departments. Have students join
an ongoing community effort to clean up a park, stream, or other natural habitat. They
could even do a school-grounds cleanup. The volunteer time could be done as a class or in
small groups during school hours, or it could be done as homework or extra credit outside
of school time. After your students have experienced working with a group to support a
conservation effort, discuss in small groups or as a class the following questions: How did
your group support each other during the cleanup effort? In what way were you being an
“ally” to the environment? Why is it important that groups work together to support our
natural environment?
Media Literacy
How can you make electronic communication more personal?
Because they lack voice inflections and body language, simple electronic communications
can be easily misinterpreted or seem impersonal. Ask students to brainstorm ways they
can make electronic communication more friendly and personal (such as using emoticons,
abbreviations, etc.). Then have students send a friendly, personal email, text message, or
other form of electronic communication to a friend, classmate, or acquaintance who needs
support, encouragement, or just a friendly gesture. Remind students to show empathy in
their messages, using the skills taught in this lesson (for example, let the person know that
you know how he or she feels, you remember what it was like to be in his or her situation,
you’ll give them support if he or she ever needs it, or you like being his or her friend).