Which One Is Trickier? Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will compare octopuses and jellyfish to decide which animal they think is trickier.

 

Science Focus:

animal adaptations

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, opinion writing, compare/contrast

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a chart

 

Vocabulary:

defenses, camouflage, tentacles

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1, RI.2.3, RI.2.4, RI.2.10, SL.2.3, W.2.1,

 

Guided Reading Level:

N

 

Lexile level: 

550L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on ocean animals.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "Ocean of Life.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one ocean animal you would like to learn more about?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are defenses, camouflage, and tentacles.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Which ocean animal do kids think looks trickier?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on the cover: “Decide which animal you think is trickier, and why.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Assessment: Reading Quiz

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

Use the online game show to gauge comprehension and reinforce the issue’s content. Students can play by themselves or in teams. For each question they answer correctly, they win a point.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here's how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work skill sheet to deepen students’ understanding of the words defense, camouflage, and tentacles.

Editor’s Pick: Opinion Writing (15 min.)

  • The Which Is Trickier? skill sheet provides just-right scaffolding for children to write their opinion and back it up with reasons.

ELA Focus: Compare/Contrast (15 min.)

  • With the Octopus or Jellyfish? skill sheet, children fill in a Venn diagram with cut-and-paste facts about the animals.

Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on ocean life:

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher Lexile level: 610L
  • Lower Lexile level: 480L