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Lesson Plan - A Look Back at 2023
Read the Article
Get the Answer Key
Learning Objective
Students will read about and reflect on some of the major news events from the past year.
Content-Area Connections
Social Studies, Current Events
Standards Correlations
CCSS: RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, RI.4.5, RI.4.8, RI.4.10
NCSS: Time, Continuity, and Change
TEKS: Social Studies 4.19
Text Structure
Chronology
1. Preparing to Read
Preview Words to KnowProject the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.
Set a Purpose for ReadingAs students read, have them identify which of the news events they think were most important.
2. Close-Reading Questions
1. Why are countries interested in exploring the moon’s south pole? According to the article, countries are interested in exploring the moon’s south pole because it may be a source of water. The article explains that “the craters in the area are filled with frozen water that might be used by astronauts for future missions.”(RI.4.1 Text Evidence)
2. Based on the article, why was this summer’s wildfire on Maui able to spread so easily? The article suggests that the fire was able to spread quickly because “dry conditions and strong gusts of wind fueled the flames.”(RI.4.5 Cause and Effect)
3. What are two record-setting accomplishments described in the article? Sample response: Greta Gerwig and Taylor Swift both had record-setting accomplishments in 2023. Gerwig directed Barbie, which earned more money than any other film directed by a woman. Swift was the first musician to become a billionaire from only her songs and performing.(RI.4.9 Integrate Information)
3. Skill Building
FEATURED SKILL: Reading ComprehensionShare the skill builder “What a Year!” to have students reflect on what they liked about and learned from the article.(RI.4.1 Demonstrate Understanding)
Striving Readers Support striving readers by preteaching any challenging vocabulary.
Math Extension Poll students on which news event in the article they think is most important. Graph students’ responses.
Enrichment Activity Have students circle the words or phrases that tell when each news event occurred. Organize the events on a timeline, and invite students to add other news events they recall from 2023.
Writing Activity Point out that each news event in the article has its own title or heading. Have students write a new title for each section that sums up the main idea and would catch a reader’s attention.