Stand By Me 6-pack Author: Various ISBN: 9780176357924 Lesson Plan Grade Level: 6 Theme/Topic: Character Education Classification: Fiction, Nonfiction

Key Reading Strategy: Making Connections

The lesson plans in this issue of High Wire Magazine higlight the reading strategy Making Connections.  The students can practice using this strategy at places in the magazine marked with the symbol. For more information on this strategy, see page 9. Assessment Master 8 in the Program and Assessment Guide can be used with this strategy.

Curriculum Links: social studies, science

Introducing the Magazine

Setting the Scene

Tell the students that this issue of High Wire Magazine is a collection of fiction and nonfiction stories and articles about the degree to which people stand by one another in times of need.  To help set the scene for the magazine’s theme, ask questions such as the following:

• What do you think of when you hear the words “stand by me”?
• Why is it important to know that you have the support of others?
• How could it affect the way you cope with a situation?

Making Connections

Explain to the students that the magazine looks at a variety of different situations in which people’s reactions have resulted in either a positive or a negative outcome. Encourage a discussion around the following questions:

• What extent would you go to if someone needed your support?
• Where would you draw the line?

Ask the students to work with a partner to draw a T-chart. Have them title one column “Situation” and the other “Reaction.”  Then ask them to give an example of a situation where their reaction would be supportive of another person.  Then have them list a situation in which it would be less likely that they would be supportive of others. Encourage some pairs to share their ideas with the class.

For more information please see our Lesson Plan