Before Reading

Lesson Plans for SEA TURTLES level R

Before Reading

Building Background
Most children have some knowledge about sea turtles, either from reading books, going to the aquarium, or seeing them at the beach. Children may not know how many different types of sea turtles there are, how many different sizes, which part of the world they live in, what foods they eat, how they nest, and how they are protected.

Write the name sea turtles on the chalkboard or chart paper. Tell children that sea turtles are among the earth’s oldest surviving animals—they lived during the time of dinosaurs. Begin a discussion by asking questions. Ask: How many of you know what a sea turtle looks like? Where did you see one? Can you describe it? Encourage children to tell all that they think they know about sea turtles. Record their responses on a KWL chart. Ask: What would you like to know about sea turtles? Record the information on the chart.

Tell children they are going to read a book about sea turtles. As they read, tell them to write the information they are learning on their Book Marks or Reading Logs. After they complete the book, tell them you will record the information they learned on the KWL chart.

K (What I Think I Know) W (What I Want to Learn) L (What I Learned)

Introducing the Book
Direct children’s attention to the cover of the book. Note the title and the names of the author and illustrator. Ask: What information does the cover give you about the book? Turn to the Title Page. Tell children that the title, as well as the author’s and illustrator’s names, also appear on this page. However, there is one difference that you want them to notice. Ask: How is the title page different from the cover? What information does this photo tell you? Explain that the title page sets the scene for the book.

Book Walk
Have children follow along in the book as you introduce and acquaint them with important features:

Table of Contents
Section headings, pages 4, 6, 12, 16, 20, 22
Bold-face terminology
Do You Know special interest boxes
Photos and photo captions
Glossary of key vocabulary words

Reading Strategies
Introduce children to strategies they might find helpful while reading this scientific informational text. Using a Reading Log or Bookmark as they read will help them remember and internalize important factual information. Using these strategies, they will also be better able to self-monitor.

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