Code Breakers 6-pack Author: Various ISBN: 9780176358266 Lesson Plan Grade Level: 8 Theme/Topic: Communication, History, Physical Science, Problem Solving Classification: Fiction, Nonfiction

Key Reading Strategy: Monitoring for Meaning

The lesson plans in this issue of High Wire Magazine highlight the reading strategy of Monitoring for Meaning.  Opportunities to practice this strategy are indicated by the symbol.  For more information on this strategy, see page 10.  Assessment Master 11 in the Program and Assessment Guide can be used for this strategy.

Curriculum Links: social studies, technology

Introducing the Magazine

Setting the Scene

Tell the students that, by the time they have finished reading this issue of High Wire Magazine, they will be experts in the art of developing and breaking codes.  To help set the scene for the magazine’s theme, ask questions such as the following:

• When you hear the words “code breaker,” what comes into your mind?
• When might you use a code?
• Why do people need codes?

Record the students’ ideas on a chart or have them record the ideas themselves.

Making Connections

Explain that this magazine looks at different kinds of codes.  Ask:

• What famous codes do you know about?
• Can you tell us about them?

Have the students brainstorm a list of words and ideas about codes.  Encourage them to generate as many questions as possible.

For more information please see our Lesson Plan