- drawing materials
- heavy paper (1 sheet for each child)
- ramp
- slant
MA Standards:
Writing/W.PK.MA.2: Use a combination of dictating and drawing to explain information about a topic.
Head Start Outcomes:
Literacy Knowledge/Early Writing: Uses scribbles, shapes, pictures, and letters to represent objects, stories, experiences, or ideas.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
English Language Arts/Composition 16: Use their own words or illustrations to describe their experiences, tell imaginative stories, or communicate information about a topic of interest.
Draw and Write Together: Using Ramps
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
STEM Key Concepts: A ramp, or inclined plane, is a surface with one end higher than the other; Identify tools and simple machines used for a specific purpose, e.g., ramp, wheel, pulley, lever
ELA Focus Skills: Concepts of Print, Early Writing, Vocabulary
Educator Prep: Before gathering children, fold sheets of heavy paper for children to use as ramps. Prepare one for each child.
Review with children what they have learned about ramps and the many ways they are used to help people.
Display the pre-folded ramps. Tell children they are going to use the ramps to write, draw, or dictate how ramps are used. Say, Let’s write about using ramps. Who can tell me where you have seen a ramp, or slanted plane in real life?
Write children’s responses on the paper ramps. You may need to give children prompts to have them respond with the following:
- Slides
- Ramps on trucks
- Ramps to move luggage
- Access ramps
- Road on-ramps
- Roller coasters
- Roofs
Encourage children to dictate, write, or draw pictures on the ramps to illustrate each use of a slanted plane.
Create a “Ramp Museum” display of the ramps so children can revisit and add to it through the week.
Educator Tip: You may want to have blank folded ramps by the "Ramp Museum" for children to draw on and add to the museum through the week.
English Language Learners: If children have trouble putting their ideas into words, ask them to draw quick sketches, so you can use the sketch to help them find the words to use.
Social Emotional Tip: Writing as a group helps children develop confidence in their own ability and appreciation for the ability of others.