Buffalo Dusk by Carl Sandburg
Information About This Unit
Description of Learning Unit:
This is a fun literature unit featuring the poem, "Buffalo Dusk" by Carl Sandburg. Your child will read and enjoy the poem, write a diamante poem about buffalo, draw pictures to illustrate "Buffalo Dusk," create a buffalo robe to hang in his/her room, and pretend to be a buffalo hunter in the 1800's while writing a journal entry. Your child will also learn about letters and journals, while writing a letter and making a journal. In addition, your child will complete three writing assignments this week to be placed in the writing journal. Hands-on activities, worksheets, crafts, and videos will reinforce these skills. This unit is designed to last one week, depending on how often you teach language arts.
List of Objectives:
- Read and enjoy the poem, "Buffalo Dusk," by Carl Sandburg.
- Write a diamante poem.
- Understand letter writing and journaling.
- Write in your writing journal--Literature selection, Non-fiction story and Creative writing story.
List of Materials and Supplies Needed for This Pathway:
- Paper
- Pencil
- Drawing paper
- Markers, crayons, colored pencils
- Videos of buffalos (found in the "Video" section on the Pathway)
- Writing paper
- Pencil
- Paint brushes
- Colored pencils
- Washable kid's paint
- No-run glue
- Recycled newspaper
- Paper plates
- Sponges
- Recycled boxes
- Brown paper grocery bags
- Paper towels
- Sticks (found outside)
- Container(s) of water
- Writing paper
- Pencil
- Drawing paper
- Crayons
- Heavy paper or cardstock for the front and back covers
- Sheets of lined paper or plain white typing paper
- Colorful markers or crayons
- Glue
- Tape
- A clear plastic binder
- Writing paper
- Pencil
- Writing journal
- Stationery
- Pencil
- Stamp (optional)
- Envelope (optional)
- Writing journal
- Paper
- Pencil
- Writing journal
Make Your Own Stationery and Envelope:
- Colored pencils, markers, crayons
- Construction paper
- Stickers to decorate (optional)
- Stamps to decorate (optional)
- Scissors (plain scissors or designer cut scissors)
- Glue
- Printer
- Paper
Prior Knowledge Required for This Unit (if any):
Links to Free Learning Material
Literature Activities:
Read the poem, "Buffalo Dusk" with your child. Read "Buffalo Dusk" (no rating)
| Diamante Poem | (no rating) |
This lesson explains what a diamante poem is and how to write one.
| Buffalo Pictures | (no rating) |
Buffalo are large, beautiful animals. The Indians respected the buffalo.
| Buffalo Journal | (no rating) |
Journals are a great way to express your feelings and talk about things you are interested in.
| Hanging Buffalo Robe | (no rating) |
Make your own buffalo hide robe that you can hang up in your room in this fun and creative craft.
Language Arts Concepts:
| Letters | (no rating) |
This lesson discusses writing and receiving letters from family and friends.
| Writing Letters to Others | (no rating) |
This lesson discusses times when you might need to write to an organization.
| Writing a Letter to Teddy | (no rating) |
This lesson talks about understanding that letters can be personal.
| What is a Journal | (no rating) |
There are many different types of journals. This page discusses what a journal is and how to make your own.
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Writer's Workshop:
| The Indians' Feelings | (no rating) |
You will write a short story about how the Indians might have felt about losing the buffalo.
| You are Special | (no rating) |
Is someone in your family special to you? Do you have a special friend? You will write a letter to a family member or friend telling them why they are special to you.
| Buffalo Dust | (no rating) |
Buffalos are big animals that like to run and kick up dust. You are going to write a two-paragraph description about Buffalo running on the open plains, kicking up lots of dust into the air.
Learning Tools (worksheets, drills, printables, online games, tests, etc.):
| Learn the Parts of a Letter | (no rating) |
In this fun online activity, you can learn the parts of a letter and then write one using a letter generator.
| Writing Fun | (no rating) |
This site has lots of interactive writing lessons, whether it's letter writing or poetry writing.
| Make Your Own Stationery and Envelope | (no rating) |
This site shows you how to creatively make your very own stationery.
| Buffalo Anatomy | (no rating) |
This page describes the buffalo and has a picture showing the parts of the buffalo.
| Writing Tips to Encourage Your Child to Write | (no rating) |
This page has great tips on writing.
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Free Online Video:
| "Buffalo Dusk" Video | (no rating) |
Watch this video of "Buffalo Dusk" being read.
| Bull Bison Battle | (no rating) |
Watch two bull buffalos battle. Notice how the dust is being kicked up.
| Bison (Buffalo) Video | (no rating) |
You will see buffalo in summer and winter in this video.
| Grateful Journal | (no rating) |
This video talks about being grateful and how to start a "Grateful" journal with your child.
How to Teach Children to Be Grateful -- powered by eHow.com
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Free Online Audio:
Free E-Books (and classics available in most libraries):