Voices from the Rainforest Storyline®

Rainforest Frieze Rainforest Frieze

Voices from the Rainforest:  A Storyline

written by Colleen Vallerga

Grades 2-5

“There is no doubt that the tropical rainforests of the world are in danger. Every hour approximately six species of life in our tropical rainforests are destroyed. Experts agree that the number one cause of extinction in the tropical rainforest is due to the destruction of the tropical rainforest environment.”  Jason Albright

Storyline Overview

The Storyline begins with the arrival of an envelope addressed to a classroom of students. Inside is a letter and photos of rainforest animals . The teacher hands out the animal photos for the students to view and discuss. After a few minutes she reads the letter.  The letter contains information about the plight of animals in the rainforest and presents a challenge for the students from the president of TED Talks by Kids. 

“Would you like to help the animals of the rainforest?  Can you learn about the animals, their lives, homes, and what is threatening them?  Can you use words in innovative and engaging ways to speak for the animals as they seek help from the people of planet Earth?  TED Talks is looking for students just like you to prepare a talk that will persuade others to help the rainforests.” 

Enticed by the rainforest animals, students accept the challenge to become TED Kids and set to work. Each student becomes an expert on a rainforest animal and shares his or her knowledge with others. 

An in-depth study of a castaña tree, home of the animals, follows. Students explore the complex web of life that connects the plants, animals, humans, and non-living environment to the tree. They study the rainforest that surrounds and supports the tree. They explore real-life problems that threaten the castaña tree community and engage in collaborative discussions sharing ideas, questions, and possible solutions. 

With help and guidance from the teacher, students use their writing skills and talents to compose their TED Talks and develop speaking skills as they prepare for their presentations. 

Students are given the opportunity to make a difference in the world by becoming advocates for the rainforest animals.  The topic is real-life and powerful.

Total Number of Pages: 105

Student Prototype

Standards and Instruction Covered

Common Core Language Arts Standards

Reading Informational Text  

Key Ideas and Details

Craft and Structure

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

Speaking and Listening

Comprehension and Collaboration

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas

Writing

Text Types and Purposes

Production and Distribution of Writing

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Language

Vocabulary 

Next Generation Science Standards

Biological Evolution:  Unity and Diversity

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, Dynamics

Earth and Human Activity

Earth’s Systems

From Molecules to Organisms:  Structures and Processes

Engineering Design

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Mathematics Standards (Oregon Department of Education)                                                                                            Number Operations in Base Ten

Social Science Standards (Oregon Department of Education)  
Geography 

Health Education Standards (Oregon Department of Education)         

Promotion of Environmental Health

Art Standards (Oregon Department of Education) 

Visual Art             Music               Theater  

Technology

Students speaking for the rainforest animals

          

Purchase the Voices from the Rainforest Storyline Manual:

1.Printed Manual -$70.00-Includes U.S. shipping and handling.

*For international orders, please send me a message using the contact tab. 

2. PDF Manual-$50.00-The PDF will be emailed to you once the order is received.

The PayPal buttons are being revamped and temporarily not working.

If you wish to place an order, email me at cvallerga@hotmail.com for directions.

Select Format:



Drawing of Rainforest animal

Storyline® is a registered trademark of Storyline Design.