Using word storms to explore vocabulary and encourage critical thinking
http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=886
A lesson plan for grades 3–5 English Language Arts
Students are introduced to the concept of working dogs in this lesson that focuses on reading multiple texts, developing reading strategies, and learning the writing process. After introducing the concept of working dogs to students, the teacher challenges them to find pictures that exemplify the tasks dogs can complete. While the teacher presents more information on the topic using a slide show, students are engaged in questions that challenge them to think critically about the services dogs can provide to people in need. Using a word storm graphic organizer, students examine new vocabulary in order to create an article about working dogs. After investigating new vocabulary and discussing stories about the topic, students work in small groups to explore words using their word storm books. Once students are familiar with new terms, the class convenes to discuss any questions they may have. In the third session, students use any new vocabulary learned to create a comic based on one of the stories they read about FBI working dogs. Finally, in the remaining sessions, the teacher guides students through the writing process, creating a paper about advocating for working dogs. Students present their work to the class and to community groups who might benefit from the information. This lesson plan provides opportunities for student self-reflection and suggestions for extension activities. Readwritethink provides links to an inquiry unit about working dogs, an assignment handout, and an explanation of the reading strategy.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
English Language Arts (2004)
Grade 3
- Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write.
- Objective 1.04: Increase sight vocabulary, reading vocabulary, and writing vocabulary through:
- wide reading.
- word study.
- listening.
- discussion.
- book talks.
- book clubs.
- seminars.
- viewing.
- role play.
- studying author's craft.
- Objective 1.04: Increase sight vocabulary, reading vocabulary, and writing vocabulary through:
- Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
- Objective 4.02: Use oral and written language to:
- present information in a sequenced, logical manner.
- discuss.
- sustain conversation on a topic.
- share information and ideas.
- recount or narrate.
- answer open-ended questions.
- report information on a topic.
- explain own learning.
- Objective 4.03: Share written and oral products in a variety of ways (e.g., author's chair, book making, publications, discussions, presentations).
- Objective 4.04: Use planning strategies (with assistance) to generate topics and to organize ideas (e.g., drawing, mapping, discussing, listing).
- Objective 4.05: Identify (with assistance) the purpose, the audience, and the appropriate form for the oral or written task.
- Objective 4.06: Compose a draft that conveys major ideas and maintains focus on the topic by using preliminary plans.
- Objective 4.08: Focus reflection and revision (with assistance) on target elements by:
- clarifying ideas.
- adding descriptive words and phrases.
- sequencing events and ideas.
- combining short, related sentences.
- strengthening word choice.
- Objective 4.02: Use oral and written language to:
Grade 4
- Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write.
- Objective 1.04: Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:
- wide reading.
- word study.
- knowledge of homophones, synonyms, antonyms, homonyms.
- knowledge of multiple meanings of words.
- writing process elements.
- writing as a tool for learning.
- seminars.
- book clubs.
- discussions.
- examining the author's craft.
- Objective 1.04: Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:
- Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
- Objective 4.02: Use oral and written language to:
- present information and ideas in a clear, concise manner.
- discuss.
- interview.
- solve problems.
- make decisions.
- Objective 4.05: Use planning strategies to generate topics and organize ideas (e.g., brainstorming, mapping, webbing, reading, discussion).
- Objective 4.06: Compose a draft that conveys major ideas and maintains focus on the topic with specific, relevant, supporting details by using preliminary plans.
- Objective 4.08: Focus revision on a specific element such as:
- word choice.
- sequence of events and ideas.
- transitional words.
- sentence patterns.
- Objective 4.02: Use oral and written language to:
Grade 5
- Goal 1: The learner will apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write.
- Objective 1.03: Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:
- wide reading.
- word study.
- word reference materials.
- content area study.
- writing process elements.
- writing as a tool.
- debate.
- discussions.
- seminars.
- examining the author's craft.
- Objective 1.03: Increase reading and writing vocabulary through:
- Goal 4: The learner will apply strategies and skills to create oral, written, and visual texts.
- Objective 4.02: Use oral and written language to:
- formulate hypotheses.
- evaluate information and ideas.
- present and support arguments.
- influence the thinking of others.
- Objective 4.03: Make oral and written presentations to inform or persuade selecting vocabulary for impact.
- Objective 4.05: Use a variety of preliminary strategies to plan and organize the writing and speaking task considering purpose, audience, and timeline.
- Objective 4.06: Compose a draft that elaborates on major ideas and adheres to the topic by using an appropriate organizational pattern that accomplishes the purpose of the writing task and effectively communicates its content.
- Objective 4.08: Focus revision on target elements by:
- improving word choice.
- rearranging text for clarity.
- creating simple and/or complex sentences for clarity or impact.
- developing a lead, characters, or mood.
- Objective 4.02: Use oral and written language to:
