1

Lesson
Title/Focu
s

Class Literacy 6: JTs Journals

Cours
e

Literacy 6

COURSE OUTCOMES
1.1 Discover and Explore:
- experiment with a variety of forms of oral, print and other media texts to discover those best suited
for exploring, organizing and sharing ideas, information and experiences
- assess a variety of oral, print and other media texts, and discuss preferences for particular forms

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson students will be able to:
- understand how journal entries or personal letters provide a different medium for expressing
different kinds of ideas.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Fountas and Pinnell Books:
- JTs Journal
- The Absolute WORST Vacation Ever

PREPARATION AND LOGISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

-

Due to shorter Wednesday, we might not get through both books in one class- can use part of
tomorrow to finish up.

PROCEDURE
Introduction

Time

Good morning grade sixes. How is everyone doing today?

Great. So, I have a question for you, have you ever been on a vacation that you didnt
want to go on, but your parents forced you to go for some reason?
-

3 min

Listen to answers

TRANSITION:
That leads the
book we are
going to start

Body
Tell them title. Read the back.

Start with reading. Go counterclockwise to change it

up.

Time
14 mins

2
with today.

Use popsicle sticks to get answers from

students.
Pg 2-3 - ASK: What do we know so far? What kind of
format is this book taking?
Pg 4-6- Tell me something about the character of this
book. Remember, when we look at character, we can
describe what they look like or how they act. Tell me
something about them.
- Does anyone have anything to add about the
main character?
Pg 8-11- has anyone ever been to waterfalls or to a
hot spring? Can you tell me something about them?
End of book
ASK- What do you think? Was that the worst vacation
ever?
- She got to see mountains, trees, waterfalls,
natural hot springs, even a bear.
Mention hyperbole- not a technique they need to
know yet, but describes it well- an exaggeration of
the truth.
- For example, Im so hungry I could eat a
horse! or This worksheet is going to take me
a hundred years to finish!. Those are
exaggerations of the truth- very likely not true,
but they show how the speaker feels in a very
dramatic way.
ASK:
- What do you notice is different about the letter
format? The writing sounds a little bit different
to me. Can you tell me how it is different and
why you think that makes sense in this format?

Great work
sixes, we are
going to start
a second book
today. We
might not
finish so we
might have to
use some of
tomorrows
class to work
on it. But first
I want

TELL THEM: This book also takes on a different format

than a textbook or a novel might.
- Read the title, what kind of format do you think
it is? (Hint: its a bit obvious).

Stretch
break: 1
min

Start reading:
Pg1-2- It sounds like this character has something in
common with Caroline as well. How are they similar?
Page 4- How do we think our character feels about
being at camp? He said he doesnt like nature, but his
parents made him go anyways. What do we think he
feels?

Reading:
17 mins

3
everyone to
stand up and
stretch!
Wiggle your
arms and legs
if you need.
Okay lets get
started on the
second book!

7- The characters in both of these books have

mentioned how upset they are about not being near a
TV or games or the internet. What are some benefits
about not having technology for a short period of
time?
11- Anna is really excited about nature, which I think
seems a little bit annoying to JT. On page 11 though,
it sounds like his attitude is a little bit different. What
do you think JT is thinking?
16- halfway down the page- How do we think Anna
feels towards JT? Why?
24- I noticed a change, but you tell me what you
think is different about JTs attitude towards being at
camp.
- What about his relationship with Anna?

Closure
Great work sixes. I have one more question for you. Which did you prefer:
- The letter format of Carolines Absolute worst vacation ever or the journal format of JTs Journals?
(Ask students why as they answer.)

Assessment of Students
Who reads well today?
Who is improving noticeably?
Who was active in answering questions?
Who needed to be redirected several times?

Reflection on Teaching (Self Assessment)

Time

3 min