First Read Strategies

Introduction

Curriculum Area and Level

• Curriculum Area: English Language Arts
• Level: 11th Grade
• Time: 40 minutes
• Class Size: 28 students

Objective: Students will employ first read strategies to understand "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, focusing on initial comprehension, vocabulary, and annotating skills aligned with US ELA standards for 11th Grade (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.4).

Materials

• Copies of "The Story of an Hour"
• Highlighters or colored pens
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sticky notes

Agenda

1. Warm-Up: Anticipation Guide (5 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and pique students' interest.

• Distribute an anticipation guide with statements related to themes in "The Story of an Hour," such as:

  • "Freedom is the most important aspect of life."
  • "True happiness can only be achieved alone."
  • "Significant news should always be delivered gently."

• Have students mark whether they agree or disagree with each statement.

• Facilitate a brief class discussion about their choices.

2. Introduction to First Read Strategies (5 minutes)

Objective: Explain and model first read strategies.

• Write the following strategies on the board:

  • Previewing: Skim the text to get an idea of the content.
  • Annotating: Highlight unfamiliar words and key phrases.
  • Questioning: Note down questions that come to mind while reading.
  • Summarizing: Write short summaries for each paragraph or section.

• Model each strategy using a short passage from the text.

3. Guided Reading (20 minutes)

Objective: Practice first read strategies with the text.

• Previewing (2 minutes): Ask students to skim "The Story of an Hour," looking at the title, any headings, and the structure of the text.
• Annotating (8 minutes): Read the first half of the story aloud. Pause to highlight and discuss unfamiliar vocabulary and significant phrases.
• Questioning (5 minutes): Have students jot down any questions they have about what has been read so far.
• Summarizing (5 minutes): Ask students to write a 1-2 sentence summary of the first half of the story.

4. Partner Activity (5 minutes)

Objective: Encourage collaborative learning and deeper understanding.

• Pair students up.
• Have them share their summaries, annotations, and questions with their partner.
• Encourage them to discuss and clarify any questions or confusions they have about the text.

5. Whole Class Discussion (5 minutes)

Objective: Foster a classroom discussion to consolidate understanding.

• Bring the class back together and invite a few pairs to share their thoughts and summaries.
• Address any common questions or confusions.
• Highlight important themes and literary devices noted by students.

Conclusion

Exit Ticket (3 minutes)

Objective: Assess understanding and reflect on learning.

• Distribute sticky notes and ask students to write down:

  • One new vocabulary word they learned.
  • One question they still have about the story.
  • One theme or idea they found interesting.

• Collect the sticky notes as they exit the class.

Homework

• Ask students to finish reading "The Story of an Hour" on their own.
• Provide them with a set of guiding questions to answer, which will be discussed in the next class.

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Teacher's Reflection:

• Evaluate students' participation and engagement in activities.
• Note any areas where students struggled to adjust the next lesson accordingly.
• Use exit tickets feedback to inform upcoming lessons on "The Story of an Hour."

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Note for Teachers: This lesson plan is designed to scaffold students' comprehension through structured first read strategies. Adjust timings and activities based on your class's needs and pacing.