Lesson Plan

Subject: Grade: Topic:

English Language Arts 6 Serafina and the Black Cloak

NC Content Standards:
Reading standards:
1. Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from
the text.
2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a
summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
3. Describe how a particular storys or dramas plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the
characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.
4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and
connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone
Writing standards:
2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information
through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
a. Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition,
classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g.,
charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.
Language Standards:
1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or
speaking.
2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
when writing.

ISTE NETS Technology Standards:

2. Communication and collaboration
Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a
distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others.
3. Research and information fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
5. Digital citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and
ethical behavior.
6. Technology operations and concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Objective:
Students will respond to expressive materials that are read, heard and/or viewed by drawing inferences
and/or conclusions
Students will determine the main idea and/or significance of events
Students will explore relationships between and among characters, ideas, concepts, and/or experiences
Students will explore how the authors choice and use of the historical fiction genre shapes the meaning of
the literary work.
Students will use multiple sources in designing and developing informational materials (computer input
and hand writing)
Students will demonstrate an understanding of spelling and writing rules

Description of Technologies Employed:

PowerPoint - teacher presentation and book trailer video
Edmodo
 padlet.com
Quia.com

Support materials/resources:
Serafina and the Black Cloak Book, IPads, Internet access, teacher projector and computer, student Edmodo
accounts

Description of Lesson
Activity Description of Activities and Setting Time: 60
minutes
I. Warm up activity: Teacher informs students that their new book assignment will be a
Focus and historical fiction novel written about a girl who lived at the Biltmore House. She
Review asks students to pause a few seconds and think about their trip earlier in the year to 10
the Biltmore House. minutes
Next, students are instructed to login to Edmodo, open todays lesson and click on
the Padlet link.
On the Padlet wall, students will write down at least five things they liked or found
fascinating about Biltmore House. When finished, if time permits read other
students post. The teacher reviews some of the post with the class.
II. Students will improve reading skills and use technology to assist in accessing and
Statement reviewing lessons and other materials 2 minutes
III & IV Teacher presents a PowerPoint that gives background information about The
Teacher Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, the book Serafina and the Black Cloak, and the 10 minutes
Input and meaning of historical fiction.
Guided Teacher shows the book trailer video. She holds up the book to show the students
Practice and explains that they will have reading for homework, but before getting started
they need to become familiar with some vocabulary used in the book.
V. Students are given a 15 word vocabulary list with definitions
Independent Student instructions: 35 minutes
Practice 1. Read over vocabulary for five minutes
2. Edmodo - click on the link to Quia.com. Review vocabulary by playing a
Quia matching game using the vocabulary handout. (students use this website
often for review so no further instructions are needed)
3. Teacher circulates around the room to ensure students are on task
4. Students will hold up their hand and show the teacher their screen once all the
vocabulary is matched.
5. Use the rest of class to read
VI. Three minute warning bell rings on teachers phone; Students know that ring means
Closure to listen for homework instructions. 3 minutes

Students are given a handout containing questions for chapters 1-5 (resource is listed
below). The teacher explains that the next five nights, they are to read a chapter per
night and complete the chapter handout and bring it to class the next day.

The teacher will not take time to read the whole book with the class, but the hope is
that once they read five chapters, they will want to continue reading and finish the
book on their own.
Resources Educational Materials: http://robert-beatty.com/education/
http://robert-beatty.com/serafina-book-trailer/