Before Reading
Preview Words
With a partner, review the Words for Everyday Use at the bottom of the selection's pages. Read each word, its definition, and the sentence in which it is used. Copy the words and their definitions into your notebook. Skim the poem for other words you do not recognize.
During Reading
Use Context Clues
1. Follow along as your teacher reads the first three lines aloud. If you encounter words with which you are unfamiliar, add them to your list of Words for Everyday Use. When your teacher has finished reading, review the words you listed and try to determine their meanings by using context clues that may be in the poem and ones included in the Words for Everyday Use.
2. Continue reading the selection on your own. Jot down unfamiliar words, and try to define them by using context clues. If that strategy fails, consult a dictionary. Record the definitions.
Fix-Up Idea: Reread
If students have difficulty applying the reading strategy, help students one-on-one. Ask the student to read a paragraph of the selection, noting unfamiliar words. After the student has tried to determine the meanings of difficult words unsuccessfully, have him or her reread the paragraph and jot down the main ideas or events described in it. Then, have them consider how an unfamiliar word relates to those events. Lead students to identify the word's meaning by connecting it to those events or ideas. Encourage students to reread the entire selection once they have familiarized themselves with all of the difficult vocabulary. Doing so will help them better understand and enjoy the selection without distraction.
After Reading
Use New Words
Share your word list with your partner. Work together to write sentences for all of the words on both of your lists.