Module 23: Exploring the Past-Language Arts 2 - Course Guide

Module Overview:

In this module, learners strengthen reading, writing, and language skills while conducting a simple research project. Learners practice recognizing words with silent letter combinations such as kn-, wr-, and -mb and reading high-frequency words including comb, know, and write, while using context clues and real-world connections to understand new vocabulary. Learners also explore the difference between formal and informal uses of English and practice using appropriate language in their writing. To organize their learning, learners use a KWL chart to record what they know, want to know, and learn about a topic. Throughout the module, learners build reading fluency and move through the writing process to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish a research project, while practicing proper formation of the cursive uppercase letters A and O.

Module Materials:

Lesson #	Lesson Title	Material(s)
1	23.1 Exploring the Past	None
2	23.2 Exploring the Past	Writing Notebook;
3	23.3 Exploring the Past	None
4	23.4 Exploring the Past	pipe cleaners (chenille stems) (optional) wax craft sticks (optional) highlighters (assorted colors)
5	23.5 Exploring the Past	None

Module Objectives:

Lesson #	Lesson Title	Objective(s)
1	23.1 Exploring the Past	Identify the silent letter combinations kn-, wr-, and -mb. Identify high-frequency words: comb, know, write. Use context clues for the meaning of new vocabulary words. Identify formal and informal uses of English.
2	23.2 Exploring the Past	Identify the use of the KWL chart. Classify formal and informal uses of English. Construct a rough draft of a research project. Demonstrate proper letter formation of cursive uppercase A and O.
3	23.3 Exploring the Past	Identify real-world connections with new vocabulary words. Recognize the use of a KWL chart. Recognize formal and informal uses of English. Revise a research project.
4	23.4 Exploring the Past	Demonstrate the use of the KWL chart. Use formal and informal English. Demonstrate understanding of convention by editing a research project. Demonstrate proper letter formation of cursive uppercase A and O.
5	23.5 Exploring the Past	Demonstrate fluency by reading grade-level text. Cite evidence from the use of a KWL chart. Revise sentences with formal and informal English. Create a published research project.

Module Key Words:

Key Words	Words of the Week	Spelling Words	Vocabulary Words
context clues fluency graphic organizer silent letters KWL chart formal language informal language research rough draft revise edit publish	comb know write	wrap wreck wrong wreath lamb thumb climb knock knife knot	local collect career excess explore

Module Assignments:

Lesson #	Lesson Title	Page #	Assignment Title

Learning Coach Notes:

Lesson #	Lesson Title	Notes
1	23.1 Exploring the Past	This week, students will learn about the silent letter patterns kn, wr, and mb. They will use context clues to find the meaning of unknown words, and they will learn about using a KWL chart to plan a research project. Students will also learn the difference between formal and informal language.
2	23.2 Exploring the Past	Students will continue learning about silent letter patterns kn-, wr-, and -mb. Challenge your learner to find words with these patterns in other books they read this week or in the community. Students will continue learning the meaning of their vocabulary words and identifying the differences between formal and informal language. They will also write a rough draft of their research project and practice forming the cursive uppercase letters A and O.
3	23.3 Exploring the Past	Today, students will continue practicing words with the kn-, wr-, and -mb silent letter spelling patterns. They will review the meaning of their vocabulary words and continue practicing formal and informal language. If your learner struggles with this concept, remind them that informal language is how they talk to their friends. Formal language is how they would talk to respected adults. Students will also be revising their research reports.
4	23.4 Exploring the Past	Today, students will continue working on the silent letter patterns kn-, wr-, and -mb. They will continue to practice their vocabulary words for the week and use KWL charts. If your learner struggles with this, have them practice making KWL charts using other nonfiction texts. Students will also continue to identify formal and informal language and will edit their research reports.
5	23.5 Exploring the Past	Today, students will finish their practice of the silent letter spelling patterns kn-, wr-, and –mb and will practice citing evidence by using KWL charts. Students will publish their research projects and revise sentences using formal and informal language. If your learner is struggling with this concept, make a game of changing sentences from formal to informal and from informal to formal.

Guiding Questions
Suggested Books

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
23.1 Exploring the Past	What are some examples of silent letter combinations?
23.2 Exploring the Past	What is the difference between formal and informal language?
23.3 Exploring the Past	What is a KWL chart?
23.4 Exploring the Past	What are the things you do when writing a research paper?

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	If You Lived When There Was No Internet	Ellen Levine
2	If You Lived With the Iroquois	Ellen Levine

Module Outing:

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

#	Outing
1	A meaningful outing for this module could include visiting a local history museum, historical village, or cultural heritage center where learners can explore how people lived in the past. During the visit, learners can observe exhibits about Native American tribes, pioneer life, early transportation, or immigrant traditions, helping them connect to topics such as farming, homes, travel, and daily life long ago. Learners can take notes or discuss what they learn using a KWL approach, thinking about what they already know, what they want to learn, and what they discover during the visit. After the outing, learners can use the information they gathered to help research and write their projects about life in the past, while practicing formal writing and sharing facts about how different groups of people contributed to early American communities.