Entering Ivan’s World

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Overview

Grade: 4th
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 16 students
Unit: Exploring Ivan's World (Lesson 1 of 12)
Book: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

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Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

• I can identify the author and illustrator of The One and Only Ivan.
• I can make predictions about the story by examining the book’s cover and title.
• I can discuss main themes introduced through initial observations.
• I can engage in respectful group discussions to share ideas and listen to others.

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards: English Language Arts - Reading: Literature

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.3: Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text. (Preview character/themes here)
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 4 topics and texts.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.2: Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats.

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Success Criteria

• Students actively participate in predicting the story and sharing responses.
• Students provide at least one reason for their predictions based on cover elements or the title.
• Students demonstrate respect by listening and building on others’ ideas during discussions.

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Materials Needed

• One copy of The One and Only Ivan (book cover visible to the whole class, either physical or projected)
• Chart paper or whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes or small note cards
• Student journals or notebooks
• “Prediction Chart” handout (Title, Cover, What I think the book is about, Questions I have)

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Lesson Plan

1. Welcome & Activate Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)

• Greet class and briefly introduce the unit: “Exploring Ivan’s World.”
• Ask: “Have you ever made guesses about a story just by looking at the cover or title?”
• Share a quick example from a familiar book or a personal story to relate.

2. Author and Book Introduction (7 minutes)

• Introduce Katherine Applegate as the author, pointing out roles of author and illustrator.
• Show the book cover to the class, making sure everyone has a clear view.
• Read the title aloud slowly and clearly; ask students to echo.
• Discuss: What do you notice on the cover? What clues do you see?

3. Prediction Activity (15 minutes)

• Distribute Prediction Chart handouts or have students use their notebooks.
• Prompt students to write/draw:
  • What they see on the cover
  • What they think the story might be about (based only on cover and title)
  • Any questions they have about the story
• Pair students for 3 minutes to share and expand their ideas (peer collaboration aligns with CCSS.SL.4.1)
• Regroup and invite students to share thoughtful or unique predictions and questions verbally; chart main themes or ideas on whiteboard.

4. Introduce Main Themes Briefly (5 minutes)

• Share simple themes of friendship, freedom, and courage (without spoilers), connecting to predictions.
• Invite students to keep these themes in mind as they read the book.

5. Wrap-up and Reflection (8 minutes)

• Quick write in journals: “What do you want to learn or find out about Ivan?”
• Volunteers share reflections aloud.
• Teacher summarizes the lesson, revisiting the I can statements.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Type	Strategy
Struggling Readers	Provide sentence starters for predictions (e.g., “I think the story is about... because…”) and offer visuals to support comprehension.
English Language Learners (ELL)	Use paired discussions with a buddy and provide vocabulary preview of key words (author, illustrator, prediction, theme).
Advanced Learners	Challenge to hypothesize a backstory for Ivan based on cover clues and justify reasoning with inferences.
Students with Attention Challenges	Provide movement break options during prediction-sharing (e.g., passing a ball as a talking piece). Use clear, concise directions.

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Extension Activities

• Art Connection: Draw a new cover for The One and Only Ivan based on current predictions. Include at least three elements predicting story themes or events.
• Creative Writing: Write a short paragraph imagining a conversation between Ivan and another character seen or guessed about from the cover.
• Home Connection: Ask students to share the book cover with a family member and discuss their predictions; bring back new questions or ideas for class discussion.

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Teacher Reflection Notes

• Monitor student engagement and participation to inform grouping and discussion norms for future lessons.
• Note which predictions show deeper inference skills for targeted small-group instruction.
• Listen for emerging vocabulary or theme understanding to scaffold reading for next lessons.

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This lesson lays the foundation for immersion in The One and Only Ivan while embedding critical reading and discussion skills aligned with Common Core.