Transformations 6-pack Author: Various ISBN: 9780176358020 Lesson Plan Grade Level: 7 Theme/Topic: Change over Time Classification: Nonfiction, Fiction

Key Reading Strategy: Making Connections

The lesson plans for this issue of High Wire Magazine concentrate on the reading strategy Making Connections.  Opportunities to use this strategy are marked with the symbol.  For more information about this strategy, see page 6.  Assessment Master 8 in the Program and  Assessment Guide can be used for this strategy.

Curriculum Links: social studies, science, careers

Introducing the Magazine

Setting the Scene

Tell the students that they will know a great deal about transformations by the time they have finished the magazine.  Ask the students questions such as the following:

• What thoughts or ideas strike you when you hear the word “transformation”?

Clarify the meaning of the word (a marked change in nature, form, or appearance), and give the students the opportunity to ask more questions to clarify their understanding of the term. Ask questions such as the following:

• Have you ever been in a situation in which you have transformed yourself, either by choice or because you were required to do so?
• What was it?
• How did it make you feel to be something or someone different?

Making Connections

Have the students brainstorm ideas about the transformations – of any type – that they have experienced.  Explain that the magazine talks about all kinds of transformations, not only personal ones. They also need to know that the selections in the magazine include a variety of genres. It may be a good idea to have them identify some different forms of writing. Have the students produce an ABC chart on the theme Transformation by listing a word related to the topic for each letter of the alphabet.