Paola Dalmonech
CPB 011.3957 – Reflective Practice Seminar II
Prof.Frias
November 18, 2009
Mini-lesson for the Reading Workshop in fourth or fifth grade
Teaching Point:
Understanding “Juicy language sentences” in a text. Juicy language sentences are phrases or sentences that sometimes we have difficulty in understanding because of their vague meaning.
Connection:
“Yesterday, boys and girls, we read Home at Last by Susan Middleton Elya and we talked about the theme of immigration with the example of Ana’s mother. Remember how Miguel brought up the example of his mother who had trouble in adapting in this country. However, some of you were having trouble in getting the meaning of certain sentences that emerged in the book. Therefore, today I’m going to teach you how readers interpret and understand juicy language sentences .”
Teach:
“Do you remember this sentence?
Ana tried to help explain, but the clerk was too busy.
He shooed her away like he would a bird in the park . Let me show you how I understood the meaning of it. I want you to pay attention to what I am going to do now.”
The teacher takes the sheet and fills it out in front of the class, while students are just looking at what the teacher is doing.

“Did you notice how I got to the last box? By doing this exercise, I was able to understand the meaning of this tricky sentence.”
Active Engagement:
“So, let’s try to find out what this sentence means.
Ana knew her mother was worried as she trudged up the stairs with the babies.
Turn and talk to your partner.”
The teacher listens to and observes students as they work for a couple of minutes.
“Readers, stop for a moment and listen to what Kathy just said.”
Link:
“So, when you are reading your books and you don’t understand the meaning of certain phrases that we know are called juicy language sentences , remember that you can always use this sheet as an example that serves you to comprehend the meaning. Now, all of you are going to look in your book bins and find one juicy sentence that you feel you can not fully understand and you are going to fill in this sheet.”
Share:
“I walked around the tables and I saw very interesting works. Allen, would you show and explain to the class what you found in your book, and how you were able to identify the meaning of that juicy sentence?”

Name: ____________________ Date: _________________
“Look for beautiful language”
Juicy sentences
1. What I think it means: 2. Vocabulary words (draw a picture, use the word in a sentence)
3. Write your own mini-sentences
4. Now I know… (rewrite the sentence in your own words)
“Be a language matcher”