Fears and Phobias 6-pack Author: Various ISBN: 9780176358181 Lesson Plan Grade Level: 7 Theme/Topic: Health, Overcoming Obstacles Classification: Fiction, Nonfiction

Key Reading Strategy: Monitoring for Meaning

The lesson plans in this issue of High Wire Magazine highlight the reading strategy Monitoring for Meaning.  Opportunities to practice this strategy are indicated by the symbol.  For more information on this strategy, see page 7.  Assessment Master 11 in the Program and Assessment Guide can be used with this strategy.

Curriculum Link: social studies

Introducing the Magazine

Setting the Scene

Tell the students that this issue of High Wire Magazine is about people’s fears and phobias, from the most common to the very strange.  The students will read about the possible causes of fears and phobias, how fear can affect everyday life, and how fear might be overcome.

Making Connections

Ask the students to brainstorm their fears.  Tell them that their fears could be anything from bugs and sharks to scary movies and heights.  Ask:

• What have you read, seen, or heard that makes you (or someone you know) feel fearful or phobic?
• Have the students write down all that they know about fears and phobias using a T-chart with the headings “Before” and “After.” Explain that they will fill in the “Before” column before reading and the “After” column after reading.  Discuss the differences in the students’ knowledge before and after reading the text.

For more information please see our Lesson Plan