Differentiation Strategies Use the following daily activities to engage students in critical and creative thinking exercises that explore and solve problems related to this week's lesson focus, the sea.
Students will begin their investigation using the Guide Questions below.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
GUIDE QUESTION Which words does the author use that could be included in a dictionary of terms about oceans, ships, and sailing? How can you figure out the meanings of these words?
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Tell students to review their selection and make a list of several words related to the ocean, navigation, ships, or sailing. For each term, tell students to use
prior knowledge or context clues to define each word. Let students use the dictionary, or other resources to verify definitions, as necessary. Students can create an illustrated Nautical Dictionary.
Creative Thinking Skills and Independent Investigative Work
GUIDE QUESTION What do you think it would be like to go on a voyage under the sea?
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Have students use online or print resources to learn about what it would be like to travel in a submarine. They might look for information about life on submarines or read
excerpts from science fiction stories about undersea adventures. Then have students use other ideas to write an outline for an original story about an underwater voyage.
Independent Investigative Work
GUIDE QUESTION What careers can you pursue if you are interested in the ocean?
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Have students create a list of ocean-related careers. Which ones appeal to them most? Have students use online and print resources to find detailed information
and take notes about an ocean-related career of their choice. Students can imagine themselves in this role and create a picture book entitled My Life as a ________.
Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
GUIDE QUESTION How does the author use words to create a picture in your mind?
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Have students skim their selection to find a passage that they can picture in their mind. Tell students to analyze the passage carefully, thinking about the following questions: Which words help you imagine what the author is describing?
To which senses do these images appeal? Have students share their passages and examples of imagery with a partner. Students can create illustrations of their favorite images.
GUIDE QUESTION What are the challenges of living at sea?
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT Have students review their selection and take notes on the challenges of living at sea. Have students create a
poster illustrating the challenges of life at sea. Students can use both words and images to express their ideas.
Trade Books for Advanced Learners
Suggested Activities for Trade Books
Students can
- keep a reader response journal.
- evaluate the content of the selection and write a review.
- create a dramatic reading of the selection.
- discuss the selection in a book talk.
- design and create a product of their own.
Trade Books
Suggest the following titles to provide additional reading
materials related to this week’s lesson focus.
The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed
by Heather Vogel Frederick
Stowaway by Karen Hesse
Sarah's Boat: A Young Girl Learns the Art of Sailing
by Douglas Alvord
