This was a great book to use because it tied into our Social Studies unit. I like the informational text features in this book and the clear wording and illustrations. You could show this book to the class or use an Elmo to let students read with you.
** "Imaging" is the term that my district uses for "visualizing". In order to stay true to the district expectations, I'll continue to use this verbage. Visualizing is a critical skill for 2nd graders because they need to 'go deeper' in the text. By visualizing as they read, they are creating and tweaking images in their minds as they actively read. This kind of 'close reading', forming images using text, verifying and changing those images, and ultimately comparing their images to the author, creates critical readers and deepens comprehension.
Underlined words below are lesson vocabulary words that are emphasized and written on sentence strips for my Reading & Writing word wall. I pull off the words off the wall for each lesson, helping students understand this key 'reading and writing' vocabulary can be generalized across texts and topics. The focus on acquiring and using these words is part of a shift in the Common Core Standards towards building students’ academic vocabulary. My words are color coded ‘pink’ for literature/’blue’ for reading strategies/’orange’ for informational text/'yellow' for writing/’green’ for all other words)
Common starting point
Introduce the task
Modeling & Practice with math symbols in an organizer
My goal here is not that the kids can do math. The true purpose of this lesson is for the students to realize that using symbols to create images lessens the wording and makes for a clearer images. The Common Core Standards ask students to connect ideas and create a clear image to describe the connection between those concepts (RI.2.3). Using symbols allows students to simplify the image with fewer words, universal symbols, and improve comprehension.
Modeling and Guided Practice with an organizer
When you are reading informational text, make sure the kids are familiar with the topic. My goal was that the kids would see some common symbols (+ @ $) and be able to understand that they add meaning to text, without extra wording. I was not focused on teaching all of the money symbols, but it did tie into our Social Studies unit about money around the world.
It is really difficult to teach a new social studies concept while reading a new book. We had discussed the vocabulary and basic concepts in a Social Studies class the day before (for example) and then read this book and discussed how the information can be imaged/visualized.
Reflect on your work
Scaffolding and Special Education: This lesson could be scaffolded up or down, depending on student ability.
Students with academic challenges may need help with these concepts because there is reading, math and conceptual images involved. I would pair them up with a partner to work.
Students with higher language may be able to explain better about their symbols and use more sophisticated math skills. Perhaps they could show several symbols for money, instead of just one.