Book Summary
Thomas Edison is a biographical text that focuses on the inspiration and motivation of the famous inventor. The book begins by telling us about "Al" as a young, curious boy, and continues through his life, highlighting the important events that shaped him and his accomplishments. It recounts how his whole life was devoted to inventing things and improving other inventions, over a thousand in number, some of which we use every day. Photographs and illustrations support the text.

About the Lesson

Targeted Reading Strategy

• Summarize

Objectives

• Use the reading strategy of summarizing to understand nonfiction text
• Identify elements of a biography
• Understand and use possessive nouns
• Identify homophones

Materials

• Book -- Thomas Edison (copy for each student)
• Chalkboard or dry erase board
• Dictionary
• Content vocabulary, summarize, possessive nouns worksheets
• Discussion cards

     Indicates an opportunity for students to mark in the book. (All activities may be completed with paper and pencil if books are reused.)

Vocabulary

• Content words: alkaline, astound, distraction, filament, fluorescent, for-profit, Morse code, patent, phonograph, stick-to-itiveness, telegraph