Module 11: Grow a Pumpkin-Language Arts 2 - Course Guide

Module Overview:

In this module, learners build essential reading, writing, and language skills by identifying, decoding, reading, and spelling multisyllabic words with the consonant-le pattern and practicing fluency with grade-level text and high-frequency words. Learners expand vocabulary by using context clues, identifying antonyms, and distinguishing shades of meaning, while also recognizing key characteristics of nonfiction texts. Learners apply writing conventions by correctly using commas and revising sentences and paragraphs. Through the writing process, learners draft, revise, edit, and publish a how-to writing piece. The module also reinforces handwriting skills as learners demonstrate correct cursive letter formation for the lowercase letters d and g.

Module Materials:

Lesson # Lesson Title Material(s)
1 11.1 Grow a Pumpkin None
2 11.2 Grow a Pumpkin modeling clay
Writing Notebook
3 11.3 Grow a Pumpkin note cards or pieces of paper;
4 11.4 Grow a Pumpkin shaving cream (optional)
baking sheet (optional)
watercolor paint (optional)
paintbrush (optional)
paper towel (optional)
cup of water (optional)
paper (optional)
highlighters (assorted colors)
5 11.5 Grow a Pumpkin None

Module Objectives:

Lesson # Lesson Title Objective(s)
1 11.1 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. Identify words with consonant-le syllables.
  2. Identify high-frequency words: apple. little, table.
  3. Use context clues to find the meaning of new vocabulary words.
  4. Recognize characteristics of nonfiction.
2 11.2 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. Match a new vocabulary word to its antonym.
  2. Identify characteristics of nonfiction.
  3. Identify when to use commas.
  4. Construct a draft of a how-to writing piece.
  5. Demonstrate correct letter formation, cursive d and g.
3 11.3 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. Distinguish shades of meaning in vocabulary words.
  2. Recognize characteristics of nonfiction.
  3. Construct a sentence using commas in a series.
  4. Revise a how-to passage.
4 11.4 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. Apply phonetic knowledge by decoding multisyllabic words with the consonant-le pattern.
  2. Apply spelling knowledge by spelling multisyllabic words with the consonant-le pattern.
  3. Use context clues to determine the correct vocabulary word to complete a sentence.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of conventions by editing a How To Paragraph.
  5. Demonstrate correct cursive letter formation of the lowercase letters d and g.
5 11.5 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. Identify, read, and spell words with consonant-le syllables.
  2. Demonstrate fluency when reading grade-level text.
  3. Revise sentences with commas.
  4. Create a published how-to writing piece.

Module Key Words:

Key Words Words of the Week Spelling Words Vocabulary Words
context clues
fluency
graphic organizer
syllables
commas
rough draft
revise
edit
publish
 apple
little
table
 cable
fable
title
able
maple
thimble
dimple
shuttle
puddle
settle
 separate
difference
energy
continue
cause

Module Assignments:

Lesson # Lesson Title Page # Assignment Title

Learning Coach Notes:

Lesson # Lesson Title Notes
1 11.1 Grow a Pumpkin To prepare your learner for consonant-le words, you may need to review vowels, consonants, and open and closed syllables. You can write consonant-le words on paper and have your learner cut apart the consonant-le at the end to see what is left for the first syllable. If your child needs more reinforcement, have them label vowels and consonants in the first syllable so that they can see whether the syllable is closed or open.
2 11.2 Grow a Pumpkin The word chaining activity gets more challenging when the words are more complex. If your learner struggles with the activity, encourage them to write the word, highlight the sound that will change, and write the new sound above it. They could also write the word on paper and rip or cut the paper to separate the C-le and the first syllable. If your learner is in need of a challenge, invite them to make their own word-chaining activity.
3 11.3 Grow a Pumpkin If your learner struggles to decode or spell words that follow the C-le pattern, it may help to show them a word that makes the same sound. For example, if they are not sure how to read sable, show them the words table and babble. Have them explain how they know the vowel sounds in those words. Then, ask them to apply what they know to the word they are reading. If your learner needs a challenge, invite them to build words with any of the patterns listed in the first activity. They can create real or nonsense words by adding consonants, digraphs, and trigraphs to the front of the list of sounds.
4 11.4 Grow a Pumpkin If your learner struggles to read nonfiction, you can explain that reading nonfiction is different than reading stories. Generally, you start reading a story at the beginning and continue page by page to the end. With a nonfiction text, readers may want to understand the meanings of the vocabulary words before reading. Previewing headings can help your learner set a purpose for reading and raise questions that to activate their prior knowledge. Reassure your learner that stopping and checking for understanding is necessary more when reading nonfiction text than when reading fiction.
5 11.5 Grow a Pumpkin If your learner struggles to finish spelling a word, ask them to write the spelling that they are considering. Then, encourage them to write the word different ways until it “looks right.” In activities like Detective Dino, where students fill in the missing letters, this strategy can be very helpful. As your learner looks at different patterns to spell the word, ask them to explain their reasoning out loud. That way, you can guide them or point out errors in their thinking.

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
11.1 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. How do you know when a word with consonant -le has a short vowel or long vowel?
11.2 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. What is included in How-To Writing?
11.3 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. When do you use a comma?
11.4 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. What is the difference between a fiction and nonfiction text?
11.5 Grow a Pumpkin
  1. What are some text features you will find in nonfiction texts?

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 How to Catch a Dragon Adam Wallace
2 How to Catch a Unicorn Adam Wallace
3 How To Train a Grandpa M.S. Curtis

Module Outing:

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

# Outing
1 Take your learner on an outing to an art studio where they can paint a picture or create a ceramic piece. During the experience, they will follow step-by-step directions to complete their artwork. Afterward, ask your learner to summarize the steps they took, which helps reinforce sequencing and supports how-to writing skills.