The Life Cycle of Plants (Grade 1): Introduction

Kirsten, a first grade teacher in Boston, MA, used this UDL lesson as part of her unit to teach the life cycle of plants in two forty-five minute sessions. Her class includes 21 students of diverse abilities including some students with identified learning disabilities, several students who receive extra literacy support, and one English Language Learner.

Before teaching this Kirsten introduced students to the science concepts about seed growth. She had students look inside fruits and vegetables and extract the seeds. She also had students plant some seeds, including fast-growing variety such as beans that sprout in a few days.

This lesson enabled Kirsten to work with science content and concepts during guided reading time, during a science workshop, and during read alouds. This model lesson features the guided reading portion of the unit.