Lesson Plan

Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: ELA
Standard(s)/Objective(s): Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in
order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
Learning Activity/Assessment: I will read The Junkyard Wonders aloud to students, while
they jot down key details from the story that can use to determine a theme or themes found in
the book. I will give them a graphic organizer so that they can use details from the text and keep
the information organized. Before we read the book and learn what it is about, students will be
given a sticky note. On this sticky note I will tell them to write down a time it was good to be
different. I will ask for any volunteers to share with the class.

Beginning:

-The students will come to the carpet with a clipboard and something to write with. We will first
start out by viewing a PPT that reviews the difference between main idea and theme.
Have students raise their hands to tell me if the sentence(s) is main idea or theme

-Introduce the book (do not start reading or tell students what it is about)

-Give each student a sticky note, tell them to write about a time where it was good to be
different (can be something they experienced, or made up)
give the students an example so they have some guidelines or inspiration about
what to write
-Come together and have students share out if they are willing
-Stick the notes to the chart paper at the front after the lesson is complete (or just collect)

-Hand out organizer, tell students to be listening while I read the book and to write down
possible theme ideas on the left side of the paper and things they heard from the book that
made them think this on the right
The purpose of this is so that they can think of multiple ones along the way, and support
them with actual details from the text

-Read the book The Junkyard Wonders, stop at sticky notes and ask questions

-Come together and share with a partner what you think a theme could be

-Come together as a class and decide on a few

-Go back to their seats and write about a time they experienced one of the themes, just a
sentence or two
Examples:
o A time you never gave up
o A time you were determined
o A time you overcame a difficulty
o A time you used problem solving
o Friendship
o Bullying

-Share if they want then collect

This is an I do, we do, you all do type of lesson. I will make a pre made graphic
organizer that enables students to dissect the writing and organize their information properly
and in a way they understand it. This organizer will help students to make sense of their content
instead of just writing it on lined paper or talking about it aloud.