Frogs and Toads 1 Frogs and Toads 2 Frogs and Toads 3 Frogs and Toads 4 Frogs and Toads 5 Frogs and Toads 6 Frogs and Toads 7 Frogs and Toads 8
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Frog and Toad Tales

School: Eanes Elementary

City/State: Austin, TX

Grade(s): 3

Format(s): Book: Nonfiction/Informational

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science and Technology, Visual Arts

Project Overview

Over the course of a six-week period, third-grade students at Eanes Elementary in Austin, Texas deeply explored the genres of informational and narrative nonfiction. In addition to perfecting their research skills through both observation and text analysis, students focused on critique and revision of both their writing and illustrations.

This work was bound together by a class inquiry into frogs and toads. While students used their African dwarf frog (class pet) as one outlet for their investigation, they each selected a different species of frog or toad to research, illustrate, and write about. The result was an incredible compilation of nonfiction narrative stories about frogs and toads around our world. The final product, an e-booklet, can be seen here. 

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Excellent example of a well-planned project combining both scientific research and creativity
  • Pairs an aesthetically pleasing format with pertinent information
  • Student writing is carefully composed and corresponds well to the drawing
  • A creative and effective format to address and deepen content required by state requirements

Relevant Resources

Frog and Toad Tales - The Process
Slithering Snake Stories
Sea Creatures Portraits and Stories

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
RI.3.1
  • I can answer questions using specific details from informational text.
RI.3.2
  • I can retell key ideas from an informational text.
RI.3.5
  • I can use text features to locate information efficiently.
W.3.2
  • I can write an informative/explanatory text.
W.3.3
  • I can craft narrative texts about real or imagined experiences or events.
W.3.5
  • With support from peers and adults, I can use the writing process to plan, revise and edit my writing.
W.3.7
  • I can conduct a research project to become knowledgeable about a topic.
W.3.8
  • I can sort evidence into provided categories.
SL.3.5
  • I can use drawings or other visual displays to support what I say.
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