ALEX Lesson Plan: In Search of Rhyme and Reason

You may save this lesson plan to your hard drive as an html file by selecting "File", then "Save As" from your browser's pull down menu. The file name extension must be .html.

This lesson provided by:
Author:	Beth Glasgow
System:	Shelby County
School:

Lesson Plan ID:

10532

Title:

In Search of Rhyme and Reason

Overview/Annotation:

Students in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade language arts class will read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. Discussions and activities will focus on idioms as they are used in the English language.

Content Standard(s):

AE(6) Visual Arts	28. Use multimedia and other technology to create visual imagery and design.
ELA(7)	1. Apply strategies appropriate to the type of reading material, including setting purposes for reading and making generalizations, to comprehend seventh-grade recreational reading materials.
ELA(7)	2. Relate literary elements and devices to each other, including main idea and supporting details, climax, point of view, and imagery.
ELA(7)	14. Present findings from inquiry and research using a variety of resources.
TC2(6-8)	5. Use basic features of word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software.
TC2(6-8)	6. Select specific digital tools for completing curriculum-related tasks.

Local/National Standards:

Primary Learning Objective(s):

Students will read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and log idioms encountered in the text. Students will explain the meaning of various idioms and use them in a sentence or short story. Students will utilize graphics software to illustrate idioms.

Additional Learning Objective(s):

Students will work cooperatively in small groups to brainstorm original expressions to be called idioms.

Approximate Duration of the Lesson:

Greater than 120 Minutes

Materials and Equipment:

Classroom set of The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Technology Resources Needed:

Computer with graphics software that will allow students to draw, microphone, handheld computer (PDA) such as a Palm or Visor with Notepad or Sketchy software (optional)

Background/Preparation:

Students will need to have an understanding of idioms, basic knowledge of MS Paint or other graphics software, and be familiar with Notepad or Sketchy software for the handheld computer.

Procedures/Activities:

1.)Students are to read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster and log idioms found in the story. Each day a five- to ten-minute discussion will center around the idioms students logged during their daily reading. Vary the discussion groups--whole group and small groups that vary in membership. Students will share and add to their idiom log.

2.)If students need additional help in identifying idioms, they can review a listing at the site provided.
(ESL Idiom Cafe)
A complete list of all idioms currently in Dennis Oliver's collection.

3.)The teacher will periodically select (place checks on their papers as you circulate during small group discussion) two to three idioms from each student's list and ask them to briefly explain the idiom in one to two sentences.

4.)After the book has been read, whole group discussion will be conducted. Possible leading/thought provoking questions for the discussion are attached.

5.)Students will work in small groups with AlphaSmarts, handheld computers, or at the classroom computers to record at least 3 idioms they originate. The idiom and a brief explanation of it will be given.

6.)Students will utilize MS Paint (or any other graphics software) or Notepad or Sketchy for the handheld to illustrate one of their original idioms. (Samples attached) OR Students may select one idiom from the list created with the Alphasmart, draw the idiom in Notepad or Sketchy, and beam the file to a peer for him/her to interpret and explain the idiom.

7.)Additional resource
(Paint by Idioms)
This site offers levels of difficulty and categories to select in a 'test' of idiom understanding.

Attachments:**Some files will display in a new window. Others will prompt you to download.

wet.doc
lips.doc
Discussion starters for The Phantom Tollbooth.doc
Idiom Rubric.xls
eggs.doc

Assessment Strategies:

Teacher observations in class/group discussions
Daily idiom log kept by each student
Evaluation of idiom explanations turned in periodically
Idiom illustration (see attached rubric)

Extension:

Students can interview family members to collect additional idioms to add to their logs. Students can write a short paragraph incorporating some of the idioms they and their classmates have originated. Students can record their story to go along with their illustrations. Watch the movie The Phantom Tollbooth. Compare and contrast the different qualities and characteristics of the movie vs the book. Students can beam one of their illustrated idioms to another student who must act out the idiom. (Idiom Charades) Afterwards, the student who beamed the idiom must explain its meaning.

Remediation:

Another book on the students' reading level that features idioms may be selected. Practice idiom exercises are located at http://a4esl.org/q/h/idioms.html

Each area below is a direct link to general teaching strategies/classroom accommodations for students with identified learning and/or behavior problems such as: reading or math performance below grade level; test or classroom assignments/quizzes at a failing level; failure to complete assignments independently; difficulty with short-term memory, abstract concepts, staying on task, or following directions; poor peer interaction or temper tantrums, and other learning or behavior problems.

Presentation of Material

Using Groups and Peers

Assisting the Reluctant Starter

Dealing with Inappropriate Behavior

Be sure to check the student's IEP for specific accommodations.

Variations Submitted by ALEX Users: