The Reef
Personal Narrative (fiction), 3,861 words, Level X (Grade 5)

Lesson Objectives

Reading Strategy	Visualize
Comprehension	Analyze Plot
Grammar and Mechanics	Sentence Fragments
Word Work	Content Vocabulary

Book Summary

The Reef, a fictional text, is the diary of Will Reynolds, a fictional crewmember on the ship The Endeavour, led by Captain James Cook. Captain and crew travel around the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand, charting coastal maps. They become stuck on a coral reef, which threatens to finish them. Suspense builds as the danger increases. Eventually, one of the crewmembers comes up with a way to temporarily fix the broken hull, and everyone is saved.

About the Lesson

Targeted Reading Strategy

• Visualize

Objectives

• Use the reading strategy of visualizing events and characters in order to understand text
• Identify the parts of a plot
• Recognize sentence fragments
• Use content vocabulary

Vocabulary

• Content words: agitated, commissioned, Endeavour, esteemed, lieutenant, naturalist, poisonous, salvage, superstitious, surveyed

Book Resources

Formats Single-Sided Book Single-Sided Color Cover Double-Sided Book Double-Sided Color Cover Pocketbook Lesson Resources Lesson Plan Worksheets Discussion Cards Comprehension Quiz Level X Answer Sheet