Use simple strategies to determine meaning and increase vocabulary for reading including use of multiple meanings, synonyms, antonyms and word relations.

      Read text and determine the main idea, identify relevant supporting details.       

    Book:   Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary

      White piece of paper

      Computer with Internet and word processing

      Worksheet (vocabulary)

1. Begin lesson by activating prior knowledge by having the students answer the following question in their journal: What is the subject you wish you didn’t have to learn in school? (five minutes)

    *  Students can begin and maintain a computer-generated journal for this unit;  entries can be saved to the hard drive and student disk.

2. Choose two - three students to read their journal aloud.

3. Introduce vocabulary words and definitions.

4. Give each student a white piece of paper, and have them fold it into six pieces (model). Students can also use word processing and create a table with two columns and three rows as their boxes; then type, add clip art and graphics.

5. Have students write each vocabulary word, definition and illustration in each box.

6. Have students write prediction of the story based on title and the front cover.

7. Read and discuss chapter one.

8. Have the students go online to Word Central to find synonyms and antonyms for their vocabulary words.

9. Have the students go online to complete a vocabulary activity, print out the worksheet and complete it.

What did you think of Maggie?

Why isn’t Maggie completely pleased with her first day in third grade?

Do you think she has a right to complain about this to her mother?

      Students will go online to PuzzleMaker to create a crossword puzzle with their vocabulary words.

      Students will go online to complete a comprehension activity, print out the worksheet and complete it.

      Write a prediction for chapter two.