CLASSROOM LESSON 2:
Second Earth Dictionary
BOOK TITLE: The Merchant of Death
AUTHOR: D.J. MacHale
LESSON PLAN AUTHOR : Becky Carr
GRADE
LEVEL: 6-8
LESSON DURATION: 90-100 Minutes
OBJECTIVE
- Students will identify uses for a dictionary and parts of a dictionary entry.
- Students will create definitions, synonyms, and context clues to formulate meaning to words.
- Students will recall and review 8 parts of speech.
- Students will evaluate text to infer meaning to new words.
- Students will examine how vocabulary in genres of science fiction and fantasy can be created to establish other settings and cultures.
MATERIALS
- Markers, crayons, and/or colored pencils
MOTIVATION
- Re-read pages 85-86 and discuss the abstract concept of how Bobby understands language as a traveler.
- Ask students if they would like to have this ability to understand any language or understand any new words. Allow students to share on how this would or wouldn’t benefit them.
NEW INFORMATION
- Give each student a dictionary and ask class, “What are the reasons to use a dictionary?” Allow students to manipulate dictionary to supply answers. Answer examples: spelling, definitions, part of speech, word origin, pronunciation, pictures, etc.
- Illustrate to students the parts of the entry for the word “student” as you point them out on overhead. Ask them what type of picture they would put in to illustrate this word.
- Explain how giving a synonym or antonym helps to understand the meaning of a word sometimes more than the definition does.
- Show students in their dictionary where to find pronunciation guide and how to interpret.
- Next, show students the word “kacisonic” on overhead. Have them look up in their dictionary. When students discover the word is not there, share with them that it is a created word.
- Display the pronunciation, part of speech, synonym, antonym, definition, and context clue of the word. Ask students what type of picture they would draw to illustrate word.
- Explain to students that words are sometimes made up to fit a particular story. This especially occurs in genres of fantasy and science fiction where vocabulary is created to establish unfamiliar settings and cultures, like Denduron.
PRACTICE/APPLICATION
- Students will create a dictionary for Mark and Courtney to use on Second Earth with special vocabulary from Denduron.
- Provide each student with the worksheet Denduron Word List. Tell them that pages listed will aid them with meaning, yet the words can be found throughout the novel.
- Provide each student with 12 index cards.
- Have them write each word from the list on a card. Students should then create for each word a pronunciation, part of speech, synonym/antonym (if possible), well-written definition, and context sentence. Remind students that the definitions need to be accurate for their usage on Denduron, not Second Earth.
- After students have completed note cards, provide them with Denduron’s New World Dictionary book template and six pieces of computer paper. These should be folded into a booklet to create dictionary including the information on each index card and an illustration.
EVALUATION
- Informal evaluation should be used during class discussions and work times to determine need for review of parts of speech and/or dictionary entry components.
- Evaluate dictionary entries for accurate interpretation of words as used in novel, specifically focusing on parts of each word entry.
CLOSURE
- Have students explain in what way their dictionary from Denduron might help Bobby; consequently, students will examine a dictionaries multiple uses.
NCTE STANDARD 2
Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience.
NCTE STANDARD 5
Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes.
NCTE STANDARD 6
Students apply knowledge of language structure, language conventions (e.g., spelling and punctuation), media techniques, figurative language, and genre to create, critique, and discuss print and non-print texts.
NCTE STANDARD 9
Students develop an understanding of and respect for diversity in language use, patterns, and dialects across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and social roles.
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