Lesson Plan - What’s Up, World? Switzerland

Watch a Slideshow

Watch the slideshow “Let’s Explore Switzerland” to build background knowledge about this country before reading. Discuss: If you could travel to Switzerland, what would you most like to do or experience? Why?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• neutral
• route

Set a Purpose for Reading

As students read, have them think about how Switzerland is similar to and different from the United States.

1. Why do Swiss farmers lead cows down the mountainsides in the fall? 
The cows spend their summers eating grass, flowers, and herbs high in the mountains. Farmers bring them down in the fall because the weather turns colder.
^{(RI.3.3 Cause/Effect)}

2. Why does the article say that Switzerland is landlocked?
The article says that Switzerland is landlocked because none of its borders touch large bodies of water.
^{(RI.3.4 Determine Meaning)}

3. Based on the article, photos, and captions, what might people do on a visit to Switzerland? 
Visitors might take part in Alpabzug, yodel, play alpenhorns, ride a train through the Alps, eat chocolate, celebrate National Day, or watch or participate in schwingen.
^{(RI.3.7 Text Features)}

FEATURED SKILL: Comparison

Share the skill builder “Comparing Communities” to have students compare and contrast a Swiss holiday or celebration with one in their own community. For Switzerland, students can choose between Alpabzug and National Day. Both are described in the article.

^{(RI.3.8 Comparison)}