Differentiating Content, Delivery, and Assessment

In Language Arts in 4^th grade, students learn how to determine the meaning of unknown words by using a variety of reading strategies.  In this lesson, students will review strategies they have previously used as well as use an online dictionary to identify the meaning in specific vocabulary words.  The content is differentiated based on student ability, the method of using e-books chosen for each student ensures they will be interested in the book, and the assessment is differentiated based on the vocabulary words the students learned at their reading level.

 

Standards Addressed in the Lesson

·         L.4.4		Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
·         L.4.4.c.		Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases and to identify alternate word choices in all content areas.

Lesson Objectives

•         Students will increase their understanding of vocabulary through electronic dictionaries and other strategies.
•     Students will define vocabulary words in digital note form.
•          Students will demonstrate understanding of vocabulary words through discussion and assessment.

Lesson Sequence

1.      I will explain to students that they are going to read a new e-book on their chrome books.  I will project an e-book and introduce the cover, title page, table of contents, and show various pages so they are given a reminder of the layout of an e-book.

2.      I will explain that there are numerous e-books and I have chosen a book for each student based on their interest.  Choosing their book allows me to pick a book at their reading level and since all students will be engaged in reading on the computers, the students below grade level will not feel embarrassed about their books like they might with a traditional book. A student reading above grade level would be an advanced level 4, a student reading on grade level would be a level 3, a student a grade level below would be a level 2, and students two or more grade levels below would be a level 1.

3.       I will then tell students that I selected words in their book that they may or may not be familiar with and as they read they will be word detectives! Their job is to find and learn the meaning of the words I selected.

4.      Before they read, each student will get a copy of the vocabulary words in their book. I will ask students to fill out the “meaning of the word” column on the worksheet before reading.  Students will be assured that it is okay if they do not know the meaning of a word, but they should try their best. 

5.      I will then ask, “What strategies do effective readers use when they encounter a word and they don’t know what it means?” As a class we will brainstorm and discuss ideas (look up words in a dictionary, ask a friend, use context clues, use picture clues, etc.)

6.      Next I will explain that many e-books have a built-in dictionary that allows readers to quickly look up a word without having to put down their e-book.  I will model how to access and use the digital dictionary.

7.      I will explain to students that as they read their e-books and come across the vocabulary words, I want them to use the digital dictionary and any other strategies we discussed to figure out what each word means.  When they have found the definition, they will be instructed to write it down in the “what it really means” column of their worksheet in their own words.

8.      I will model the steps and fill out the worksheet for one of the vocabulary words in my e-book so students understand the process.

9.      Students will read their e-book for fifteen minutes.  As they come across the vocabulary words, they will learn the meaning and record it on their worksheet.

10.  After fifteen minutes, students will meet in small groups to share the vocabulary words they learned and discuss the meaning of the new words.   

11.  Students will be given an assessment that includes their list of words and they will be asked to write a sentence using each word.  This assessment will prove their understanding of the words and their ability to use the words in context.

Meeting the Needs of Students

•          To meet the needs of an EL Learner, the e-book they read would include numerous pictures and graphics to aid in comprehension.
•          To meet the needs of the below grade level readers, their e-book would be a topic that meets their interests and they would enjoy reading.
•       Special needs children will have visual, audio and other physical accommodations made for them, such as the use of headphones to have the story read aloud to them.