Module 7: Solving Problems-Language Arts 3 - Course Guide

Module Overview:

In this module, learners develop reading and language skills by using context clues to define vocabulary, making inferences, and distinguishing between literal and nonliteral meanings in text. They apply spelling rules and generalizations for adding endings by mapping sounds to letters. Learners strengthen grammar by using and classifying concrete and abstract nouns and revising complex sentences. In writing, learners construct, revise, and improve an opinion essay, analyze editing choices, and create a published piece. They also demonstrate proper letter formation of lowercase cursive letters e and l.

Module Materials:

Lesson # Lesson Title Material(s)
1 7.1 Solving Problems timer
Language Arts Notebook
highlighters (assorted colors)
2 7.2 Solving Problems Language Arts Notebook;
3 7.3 Solving Problems timer
Language Arts Notebook
4 7.4 Solving Problems Language Arts Notebook;
5 7.5 Solving Problems Language Arts Notebook;

Module Objectives:

Lesson # Lesson Title Objective(s)
1 7.1 Solving Problems
  1. Identify spelling rules for adding endings in words.
  2. Use context clues to find the definitions of vocabulary words.
  3. Define literal and nonliteral, or figurative, meanings.
  4. Revise complex sentences.
2 7.2 Solving Problems
  1. Revise complex sentences.
  2. Use literal and nonliteral language to answer comprehension questions.
  3. Construct a rough draft of an opinion writing.
  4. Demonstrate proper letter formation of lowercase cursive letters e and l.
3 7.3 Solving Problems
  1. Use context clues to determine the correct spelling word that completes the sentence.
  2. Use inferences to identify literal and nonliteral meanings in a story.
  3. Use abstract nouns.
  4. Revise opinion writing.
4 7.4 Solving Problems
  1. Use concrete and abstract nouns.
  2. Revise complex sentences.
  3. Analyze and explain editing choices to improve opinion writing.
  4. Demonstrate proper letter formation of lowercase cursive letters e and l.
5 7.5 Solving Problems
  1. Apply spelling generalizations to spelling words with endings correctly by mapping sounds to letters.
  2. Define vocabulary words.
  3. Distinguish between literal and nonliteral meanings.
  4. Create a published version of an opinion essay.

Module Key Words:

Key Words Words of the Week Spelling Words Vocabulary Words
context clues
fluency
graphic organizer
literal
nonliteral
figurative language
concrete noun
abstract noun
complex sentence
opinion
rough draft
revise
edit
publish
 far
hurt
long
start
 runner
chased
hugged
making
arriving
boxes
dishes
pennies
stories
windiest
faster
brightest
 harsh
capture
doze
outcome
starve
risk

Module Assignments:

Lesson # Lesson Title Page # Assignment Title

Learning Coach Notes:

Lesson # Lesson Title Notes
1 7.1 Solving Problems Explore a variety of figurative language examples with your learner before beginning the lesson. Look for examples in many kinds of texts, including ads you and your learner see (“This toothpaste will make your smile as bright as sunshine!”) and daily speech (“His words felt chilly and made me sad.”) Discuss these examples of the literal and nonliteral use of the words. Have your learner recall what they already know about figurative language and give examples (“I’m so thirsty that I could drink all the water in the city!”). Taking time to become aware of how often people use figurative language in writing and speaking will deepen your learner’s understanding of the lesson.
2 7.2 Solving Problems Provide your learner with extra practice identifying the problem and solution in stories by recalling simple, traditional stories like fables and fairy tales. After your learner summarizes the problem in a story they know, challenge them to write a sentence about how the characters face or solve the problem. Encourage them to use figurative language—metaphor, simile, or imagery—or a sound effect like alliteration—in their sentence. This practice will reinforce their understanding of nonliteral language, especially in creative storytelling.
3 7.3 Solving Problems Encourage your learner to find examples of nonliteral, or figurative, language use throughout the week to reinforce this concept. Provide support to help your learner add an example of figurative language to their opinion essay, as this is a challenging skill. Use the examples provided throughout the week to help them brainstorm ideas for their own writing. Have them read sections of their rough draft to you, and together, ask questions to identify sentences that your learner can make more interesting by adding figurative language. For example, ask “What is this idea like in some surprising way? How can I explain it by comparing it to something else?” and “Can I add alliteration to a sentence to catch readers’ attention and help them remember an important idea?”
4 7.4 Solving Problems Give your learner extra practice finding the problem and solution in a story. Think about some stories that are familiar to them. Retell each story and ask your learner to identify the problem and solution. Then, give them the opportunity to tell short stories they know that have problems and solutions. Together, identify the problem and the solution in each story. During the week, if you and your learner watch stories in movies or on television, practice summarizing these stories’ problem-and-solution structure as well.
5 7.5 Solving Problems Use the interactives to see how well your learner understands the module skills and concepts. If your learner struggles with the week’s spelling words, use the interactives multiple times for repeated practice. To deepen your learner’s understanding of the vocabulary words, have them give examples or scenarios that use the words. For example, a movie fan who finds a particular movie boring might doze in the dark theater.

Module Guiding Questions:

When a student starts a lesson ask them questions to check for prior knowledge and understanding and to review concepts being taught. At the end of the lesson ask the questions again to see if their answer changes.

Lesson Title Question
7.1 Solving Problems
  1. What is a literal meaning?
7.2 Solving Problems
  1. What is a non-literal meaning?
7.3 Solving Problems
  1. What is an abstract noun?
7.4 Solving Problems
  1. What is a concrete noun?

Module Video Questions:

When a student watches a video take time to ask them questions about what they watched. Suggested questions for the videos in this module are listed here. Suggestion: Have the student watch the entire video first all the way through. Then have them watch the video a second time, as they watch it pause the video and ask the questions.

Lesson Title Video Question

Module Suggested Read Aloud Books:

Take time to read to your student or have them read aloud to you. Read a different book each day. While reading the book point out concepts being taught. You may purchase these books or find them at your local library. Suggested things to discuss while reading the book:

  • What is the main idea?
  • What are three things new you learned?
  • How does this book relate to what you are learning about?

# Book Author Lexile Level
1 What Do You Do With a Problem? Kobi Yamada
2 The Most Magnificent Thing Ashley Spires
3 Rosie Revere, Engineer Andrea Beaty

Module Outing:

Take some time to apply what your student is learning to the real world. Suggested outings are below.

# Outing
1 Learners can visit a local community helper location, such as a fire station, police department, or public works center, to observe how real-world problems are identified and solved. During the visit, learners can ask questions about the types of problems encountered and the steps taken to choose effective solutions. This experience helps learners make meaningful connections between real-life problem solving and their opinion writing, as they consider and evaluate the best ways to solve problems in their own work.