THEME: Rejoice in Hope … in our Schools /
LESSON ONE: Jeremiah Learns to Read
Author: Jo Ellen Bogart
Illustrator: Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson
ISBN: 9780590515276 /
GRADE LEVEL: Junior /
TEACHER INFORMATION:
Jeremiah is an older man who can do many things. He knows how to make a split-rail fence, how to build a table and how to grow corn. Although Jeremiah can do all these things, he cannot read. One day, he goes to the schoolhouse where the teacher and children help him to learn to read. In turn, the other students and teacher gain from his life experiences and knowledge. This story portrays Hope in our Schools.
MATERIALS: Jeremiah Learns to Read
Chart paper, markers, bristol board, journals
TIME FRAME: 1 x 45 minute lesson
MINISTRY CURRICULA LINKS
Oral Communication: OE 1
Reading: OE 1
Writing: OE 1, 3 / CATHOLIC CONNECTIONS
Catholic Social Justice Teachings: Rights and Responsibilities
Scripture Connections: James 1:2-4; Isaiah 43
Religious Education Program: Grades 4, 5 and 6 Unit 4
Grade 4 Unit 6
Fully Alive Program: Theme 2 - Living in Relationship
Catholic Graduate Expectations: 4(a) A self-directed, responsible, life long learner who demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Explain whether or not you think it is important that Jeremiah learn to read.
· Why is it important for all of us to learn how to read?
· Why is it never too late in life to learn something new?
Students can respond individually concerning their own challenges as readers, their interests and the benefits they enjoy as readers.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope
in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24
“May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put hope
in your word.”
Psalm 119
“Consider it pure joy,
my friends, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete,
not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 / Before Reading:
· When you think of the word ‘hope’ what comes to mind?
· Explain the meaning of hope by sharing a personal experience that reflects that virtue.
· Elicit examples from the students’ own experiences.
· Teacher explains that Jeremiah Learns to Read is an example of hope and perseverance.
· Before showing the students the cover of the book, ask the children to predict who they think “Jeremiah” is and what the book might be about (think/pair/share). Record some of these predictions on chart paper.
During Reading:
· Teacher reads and shows the pictures up to and including page 7, then stops and asks the children to confirm or make new predictions. Discuss changes.
· Use the chart paper to check off predictions that have remained the same and write new predictions.
· Teacher reads to the end of page 12 and then stops to ask, “I wonder what Jeremiah is going to do?”; “Why did Jeremiah never learn to read?”
After Reading:
Think/Pair/Share and then discuss:
· Why do you think that Jeremiah wanted to learn to read?
· Did your predictions match what happened? Look at the chart and highlight the predictions that were right.
· How did Jeremiah keep hope?
· What was Jeremiah’s goal?
· How did he reach this goal?
· Re-read Jeremiah Learns to Read to find examples of hope.
· Record ideas on chart paper.
· Read up to p. 7 and think aloud: “Jeremiah is thinking about all the things he can do but he keeps saying, ‘I can’t read.’ I wonder why?”
· Read p. 8-12. Ask students what is different now. Notice first Jeremiah said: “I can’t.” Next, he said: “I want to learn …” I wonder what made Jeremiah change from saying: “I can’t read” to “I want to learn to read.” Reflect on this change and relate it to a goal that you achieved in your own life.
· How do you think he felt when his brother and his wife said “Learn?” How do you think he would feel if they had said forget it?
· On chart paper, write: “I want to learn …” and write student responses on the chart paper. Think of one thing that they want to learn. Complete the sentence: “I want to learn to …”
· Write a personal learning goal on BLM “Rejoicing in Hope in Our Schools.”
ACCOMMODATIONS:
How I will change the lesson to meet the needs of individual students?
Peer Tutor/ Partner Increase/Decrease Time Manipulatives
Oral Explanation Include Visuals Extend
ASSESSMENT:
How will I know when my students are successful?
Anecdotal Notes Peer/Self Assessment Checklist
Rubric Oral Reports Rating Scale
Interview/Conference Include Visuals Extend
Rejoicing in Hope ... in Our Schools
I want to learn ...
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