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Cactus Template Theme

Go to any Target store, especially in the dollar section, and you will see the most popular classroom decor themes, and right now succulents are quite popular! (Maybe because we are so busy and forget to water our plants.) 

Whether you are teaching a unti about cacti or simply use it as a classroom theme, LessonPix has materials to meet your need. Let's start with an unit lesson on Cacti. 

 

All About Cacti

 

Objectives: 

  • Students will learn about the different types of cacti and their characteristics.
  • Students will understand how cacti are adapted to survive in desert environments.
  • Students will identify the parts of a cactus and their functions.

 

Introduction

Introduce the unit by showing a cactus plant. Have students name and describe what they see. 

 

K-W-L

Do a KWL to better understand prior knowledge. K-W-L is a graphic orgnaizer / chart to show information related to a topic before, during and at the end of the unit. As we begin our cacti unit, ask students what they K- know about cactus. Then think and discuss about W- what they would like to know. This chart is a working chart throughout the unit and questions may be added along the way. At the end of the unit, write out some things that the students L- learned about cacti.

 

Vocabulary

Introduce new vocabulary related to the unit. 

 

What is a cactus? 

Is it a cactus?

 

Discuss the difference between cactus and other plants. 

Explain characteristics of cacti: thick stem, spines, and ability to store water. Look at pictures of different types of cacti (Saguaro, Prickly Pear, Barrel Cactus). Describe how cacti are adapted to survive in hot, dry desert environments. Discuss features like water storage, deep roots, and spines for protection.

Watch video about cacti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Szzb2YBXY&t=1s 

 

Story Time

Find book sabout cacti. Here are a few: 

 

Parts of a Cactus

Show students an actual cactus plant or pictures and explain the parts (stem, spines, roots, flowers). Have students label a diagram of a cactus.

Do a scientific drawing of a cactis showing observed details. 

 

Writing 

Describe how cacti are adapted to survive. 

 

 

Art

Students can create a mini desert environment in a plastic cup with sand, small pebbles, and a small cactus model.

Paint rocks to look like cactus. 

Use green Model Magic and form a cactus. Break toothpicks into small pieces and poke into the cactus form to make it prickly. 

 

Field Trip

Visit a botanical garden or a desert-themed exhibit to see real cacti.

 

Classrooom Cacti Theme

LessonPix has added Cactus themed templates for theme decor and curriculum units. Check out a few from the Sharing Center:

 

Themed Picture Cards

Themed Picture Cards Template shows 6 themed pictures with a symbol on each picture. Check out these adorable cacti. 

 

Themed Mats

Themed Mats show 1 -10 pictures on top of a themed picture. Of course we have a cactus!

 

Bingo Dauber

Bingo Dauber Templates allow for 5, 10, 15, or 20 symbols in circles on a themed mat. These aare great for snack mat, using with bingo daubers, or as smash mats with play-dough. 

 

Artic Trials Template

This template provides 10, 25, 50, or 100 repeating symbols per page. This works will for repetitive practice or self-monitoring activities. 

 

Themed Pairs

Match the cactus with its pot in this cactus-themed "Theme Pairs" template. 

 

I Have Who Has

This round robing game starts with one student reading their card aloud. Other students listen to see if they are next to read their card. Great way to practice curriculum skill as well as reading, listening, and turn taking.

 

 

Other Cactus Materials from the Sharing Center