## Lesson Plan: Reading Comprehension (Classic and Contemporary Texts)
### Subject: English Language Arts
### Grade: 5
### Duration: 1 hour
### Topic: Reading Comprehension (Classic and Contemporary Texts)
### Objectives:
1. Students will be able to understand and identify key elements of both classic and contemporary texts.
2. Students will compare and contrast themes, settings, and characters in classic and contemporary literature.
3. Students will improve their reading comprehension skills through active reading and discussion.
### Materials:
- Copies of a classic short story (e.g., an excerpt from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll)
- Copies of a contemporary short story (e.g., “Thank You, Ma'am” by Langston Hughes)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Vocabulary flashcards
- Graphic organizers (Venn Diagram)
- Comprehension questions handout
- Highlighters
### Procedure:
#### Introduction (10 minutes):
1. **Hook**: Start with a brief discussion about students' favorite books and what makes a story interesting for them.
- Ask: "Who has a favorite book or story? What do you like about it?"
2. **Objective Sharing**: Inform students that today they will explore classic and contemporary texts and practice their comprehension skills.
- Write the lesson objectives on the board.
#### Direct Instruction (15 minutes):
3. **Explain Key Elements of Stories**:
- Discuss themes, settings, and character development in stories.
- Use the whiteboard to summarize these elements.
4. **Introduction to Texts**:
- Give a brief background of each story (classic and contemporary).
- Define unfamiliar vocabulary using flashcards and ensure students understand these words in context.
#### Guided Practice (20 minutes):
5. **Reading**:
- Divide the class into two groups. Each group will read one of the provided texts (either the classic or contemporary story).
- Have students read the text silently and mark any unfamiliar words or confusing parts with a highlighter.
6. **Group Discussion**:
- After reading, have students discuss the story with their group members.
- Provide guiding questions on the comprehension handout to facilitate discussion, such as:
- What is the main theme of the story?
- Who are the main characters and what are their roles?
- Where and when does the story take place?
- What conflicts or problems do the characters face?
#### Independent Practice (10 minutes):
7. **Compare and Contrast Activity**:
- Distribute the Venn Diagram graphic organizers.
- Have students fill out the diagram by comparing and contrasting the themes, settings, and characters of the classic and contemporary texts they read.
#### Conclusion (5 minutes):
8. **Share Findings**:
- Ask a few students to share their Venn Diagrams with the class.
- Discuss any interesting similarities or differences between the classic and contemporary texts.
9. **Recap and Reflect**:
- Summarize key points of the lesson.
- Reflect on the importance of understanding different types of literature.
### Assessment:
- Monitor students’ participation in group discussions and their responses to comprehension questions.
- Review and provide feedback on the Venn Diagrams to assess understanding of comparing and contrasting elements between classic and contemporary texts.
### Homework:
- Assign students to write a brief paragraph about which type of story they prefer (classic or contemporary) and explain why using specific examples from the texts they read.
### Differentiation:
- Provide additional support and guidance for students who struggle with reading comprehension.
- Offer advanced students an extra task, such as writing a short comparative essay on the themes of the two stories.
### Extensions:
- Introduce additional classic and contemporary texts for students to explore.
- Organize a "book club" session where students can discuss other stories they have read that fit into these categories.
This lesson plan encourages active engagement with literature and helps students develop critical thinking and comprehension skills.