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Lesson 5

We will analyze an article about youth sports, “Baseball for Life,” by Sara Corbett and form claims. As we read this article, we will annotate the text to answer a guiding question. We will also work to develop supporting claims and use evidence from the text to support these claims. We will utilize the Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool to help organize our ideas for this activity.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I use a variety of strategies (e.g., context clues, word study, and vocabulary resources) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words, phrases, and figurative expressions from “Baseball for Life"?

  • Can I gather and organize relevant and sufficient evidence to demonstrate an understanding of texts and topics, support claims, and develop ideas?

Texts

Core

  • Unit Reader
    • “Baseball for Life,” Sara Corbett, The New York Times Company, 2006

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Discuss – Write

We will create Word Maps for key terms from “Baseball For Life” that are important in comprehending the text. Knowledge of these terms will allow us to read the chapter with more fluency.

The following terms are key to comprehending "Baseball for Life."

With your group, create a Word Map for each of the following terms:

  • exuberance

  • uncanny

  • alluring

  • boisterous

Continue to practice defining vocabulary using context or by referencing sources such as a dictionary.

Activity 2: Discuss – Read – Write

We will review the Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool to clarify what we should focus on while reading “Baseball For Life.” we will write down the guiding question for the lesson’s reading and prepare for the reading and activity.

Step 1

As a class, review and discuss the Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool. Indicate what you will be required to identify as you read and what information is necessary to complete the tool.

On your document, write down the following as a guiding question:

  1. According to "Baseball for Life," are young athletes being prepared for the real world?

Closely reread "Baseball for Life," looking for evidence that will help you develop a claim in response to that question.

Step 2

With your group, complete the Forming Evidence-Based Claims Tool for the guiding question.