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Children will discover how hermit crabs grow and work together to find new shells to live in.
animal adaptations
key details, vocabulary, writing, text evidence, digraphs
logic puzzle
scorching, defense, cooperation, variety
RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.10 read informational texts; R.F.2.3 decode words; W.2.1 writing; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions
550L
Provide students with some background on animal adaptations.
Build background knowledge (10 min.)
Watch our video “What is a Hermit Crab?” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:
Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)
Read together (20 min.)
Pass out the Read and Think skill sheet. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions.
Review vocabulary (3 min.)
Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are scorching, defense, cooperate, and variety.
Assessment: Reading Quiz
Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.
You can use our printable worksheets to focus on ELA skills. Here’s how.
ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)
Editor’s Pick: Text Evidence/Writing (15 min.)
ELA Focus: Diagraphs (15 min.)
Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on animal adaptations:
You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here: