The Fastest Man in the World Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will follow Marshall “Major” Taylor’s difficult journey from a young cyclist to the “fastest man in the world.”

 

Social Studies Focus:

Black History Month


SEL Focus:

social awareness

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, character traits, main idea/details

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a timeline

 

Vocabulary:

cyclist, champion, athlete, retired

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.5 use text features; RI.2.10 read informational texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

 

Guided Reading Level: 

L

 

Lexile Level: 

520L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on Black History Month..

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "5 Things to Know About Major Taylor." After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is one thing you learned about Major Taylor?

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured terms are cyclist, champion, athlete, and retired.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. Ask students if they have ever watched or participated in a race. What kind of race was it?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 2: “Think about all the things Major did to become a champion.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read..

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Assessment: Reading Quiz 

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

  • Use the online game show to gauge comprehension and reinforce the issue’s content. Students can play by themselves or in teams. For each question they answer correctly, they win a point.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on social and emotional learning and ELA skills. Here’s how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words cyclist, champion, athlete, and retired.

Editor’s Pick: Character Traits/Text Evidence (15 min.)

ELA Focus: Main Idea and Details (15 min.)

  • The Main Idea and Details skill sheet asks students to support the idea that Major Taylor was a champion using details from the article.

 Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on Black History Month:

  • "Misty’s Dream,” February 2021. Dive into another Black athlete’s journey with this issue on ballet star Misty Copeland.
  • "Blast Off, Mae,” March 2021. This issue follows the story of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space!

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher-Lexile level: 620L
  • Lower-Lexile level: 490L