Read-Aloud Anthology - EngageNY

Recount a personal experience with insects with appropriate
facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in
coherent sentences (SL.2.4)
Add drawings to descriptions of insects to clarify ideas,
thoughts, and feelings (SL.2.5)
Use the antonyms microscopic and gigantic appropriately in oral
language (L.2.5a)
Prior to listening to “What Makes an Insect an Insect?” identify
orally what they know and have learned about insects and their
habitats
Prior to listening to “What Makes an Insect and Insect?” orally
predict the characteristics of an insect, and then compare the
actual outcomes to predictions
Core Vocabulary
abdomen, n. The end part of an insect’s body; the body segment that
contains the digestive and reproductive structures
Example: The abdomen is the largest body part of most insects.
Variation(s): abdomens
antennae, n. Sensory appendages, or feelers, on the heads of insects
Example: The mosquito’s feathery antennae provide it with a highly
developed sense of smell.
Variation(s): antenna
exoskeletons, n. The stiff body coverings of insects, providing support
and protection; skeletons on the outside of the body
Example: The thick exoskeletons on beetles protect them from being
squashed by larger animals.
Variation(s): exoskeleton
microscopic, adj. Refers to something that is too small to be seen
without the aid of a microscope; very small
Example: Tiny microscopic bugs live in the pond behind my house, but
they are too small for me to see with my eyes alone.
Variation(s): none
thorax, n. The middle part of an insect’s body between the head and
the abdomen; the body segment that contains the heart and the leg
attachments
Example: Joshua’s favorite dragonflies have a bright green thorax.
Variation(s): thoraxes, thoraces
24 Insects 2 | What Makes an Insect an Insect?
© 2013 Core Knowledge Foundation