Lesson Plan Title: Read and Analyze a Newspaper Article

Developed by: Martha Dobson
 	
Discipline / Subject:  English/language arts
 	
Topic: Reading newspaper article for information and writing personal response	
Grade Level: Middle grades
 	
Resources / References / Materials Teacher Needs: copy of newspaper article from The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, NC (article scanned with this lesson); dictionary; paper and pencil or computer to record answers.

Lesson Summary: Students will read a newspaper article to gain information about the start of Iditarod 2013, identifying and defining unknown words, identifying and explaining figurative language examples, use context clues, complete short answer paragraphs, read for detail, and write a response which applies to a personal challenge. The attached document with this lesson details vocabulary and questioning to use. A crossword puzzle for the vocabulary is also included.

 

 	
Standards Addressed: (Local, State, or National) 
1.	RI.6.4; RI.7.4; RI.8.4
2.	RI.6.1; RI.7.1; RI.8.1
3.	RI.6.10; RI.6.10; RI.8.10
4.	W.6.2; W.7.2; W.8.2	
Learning objectives:  
1.	Read for information.
2.	Increase vocabulary.
3.	Locate answers and details to complete questions.
4.	Write personal response using examples and details to
support writing.
	Assessment: 
80% accuracy on activities.

 
 	
Procedural Activities 
 
Students read copies of the newspaper article titled Mushers, dogs line up for Alaska’s Iditarod race which appears in The Charlotte Observer, 3.2.2013. Scanned article is attached.

Have students identify unknown vocabulary words as they read to create the list to define or use the list on the attached document. Students can work alone or with others to define words, using context clues or dictionary resources. The attached crossword puzzle can be used to review these words.

After understanding the new words, students reread and begin working with the figurative language and questions on the attached document. This work can be done independently or in pairs.

This work should be completed over 2-3 days.

 	
Materials Students Need: newspaper article, dictionary resource, paper and pencil or computer to write answers

 	
Technology Utilized to Enhance Learning: 
 Record answers on computer, dictionary online resource

Other Information 

Modifications for special learners/ Enrichment Opportunities Pair special learners with other students for support. Enrichment-have students interview another sportsperson and write a newspaper article about that sport.

 	
Mushers, dogs line up for Alaska’s Iditarod race newspaper article, The Charlotte Observer, Rachel D’oro, 3.2.2013.

Vocabulary
jaunt, festival, leisurely, unpredictable, trek,  gorges, brutal, plummet, contenders, dual, comeback, ailing, veteran, documentary, redeem, purse.

Figurative language
Personification—“sled dog race kicks off Saturday” (giving the race start the ability to kick)
“whatever Mother Nature throws at us” (the weather and the terrain is given the ability to throw) 
Metaphor—“waving at crowds as they leisurely sail along streets” (compared to a sailboat, sailing smoothly)

What does it mean?
“Some of the 66 teams starting the race will scratch from the running far from the finish line.”
“But the 42-year-old musher said he doesn’t expect a good run after having just scratched in the Quest in February because of a team of ailing veteran dogs.”

Write about it.
Describe the changes from Saturday’s race to the official start on Sunday.
What is meant by the term Mother Nature?
Describe the challenges that Mother Nature provides.
What challenges has Lance Mackey faced in addition to the challenges of this race?
Why was the town of Nome initially established?

Read for details.
How many miles does this article report the Iditarod race to be?
Where is the race start on Saturday? Where is the race start on Sunday?
Write the names of the mushers who are father and son. What is an interesting fact about these two men?
The name of another 1,000 mile sled dog race is ____________________________.
Why do Lance Mackey’s race fans know he shouldn’t be considered to be noncompetitive in this year’s race?
Who is feeding the dogs at Silverbelle Kennels?

Think about it.
The Iditarod is a tough challenge for the mushers. Think about yourself and something that is a tough challenge for you. How can you conquer, or overcome, your tough challenge? Describe the challenge in detail, why it is a challenge for you, and the steps you can take to overcome it.
Write clear, coherent sentences that are properly punctuated. When you finish writing, illustrate your work.

And, a little bit of math.
The first musher to reach Nome wins $50, 400. Subtract that amount from $600,000. Divide that answer by 29 to determine how much each musher receives, if the mushers each won the same amount. (In reality, the amount each musher wins gradually decreases from the 2nd place to 30th place winner.)
How much younger is Dallas Seavey than Lance Mackey?
Write all the numbers you can find in the article, including numerals and number words. If the same number appears more than once, write it each time it appears.

Martha Dobson, 2011 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail, created 2013.

Mushers, dogs line up puzzle
Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
Across
5. two
7. a movie or TV show based on true event
10. the total amount of prize money
12. not feeling well
13. to travel with difficulty
15. people who compete against each other in a contest
Down
1. unhurried
2. to return to the higher position one held in the past
3. one who has experienced the race in the past
4. a small canyon
6. not able to be predicted
8. to make up for a fault
9. harsh or ferocious
10. to fall forcefully from a height
11. a short, pleasurable trip
14. a celebration which happens regularly

WORD BANK

jaunt, festival, leisurely, unpredictable, trek,  gorges, brutal, plummet, contenders, dual, comeback, ailing, veteran, documentary, redeem, purse