Teacher's Resource - Nelson Education

In a Rainforest
Instructional Focus
VISUALIZING
Visualizing is the process of using
words, structures, and meanings
in a text to create mental pictures
as one reads in order to aid
comprehension.
Instructional Approach
GUIDED OR INDEPENDENT
READING/VIEWING
“In a Rainforest” Student
Book 4a, p. 46
Guided and Independent Reading Kit
Selection available on audio CD.
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Student Book 4a, pages 46–49
Applying Strategies
OL: Oral Language R/V: Reading/Viewing W/R: Writing/Representing
OL
OL
A1: Use speaking and listening to contribute to a class goal, share ideas
and opinions, and improve/deepen comprehension
A2: Stay on topic, recount experiences in a logical order, give
details/examples, and explain/support a viewpoint when speaking
R/V B5, B6, B7: Select and use strategies before, during, and after reading
and viewing to develop understanding of text
W/R C2: Write a variety of clear informational writing for a range of purposes
and audiences
SCIENCE CONNECTION
Life Science: Compare the structures and behaviours of local animals and
plants in different habitats and communities.
About This Selection
This richly illustrated article tells about the animals and vegetation in
temperate and tropical rainforests.
The straightforward text, together with the
photographs and illustrations, make this
article accessible to most students. New
vocabulary is explained in context.
ACCESSIBILITY
Easy Average Challenging
ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING
Ongoing Observation
Students who understand will
• identify words that help them create
pictures in their minds
• add to their mental pictures when they
get more information
• connect the reading to personal
experience
• explain how visualization helps them
understand the text and monitor
comprehension
Differentiated Instruction
If students do not understand,
• provide extra support in a guided
reading lesson (see Differentiated
Instruction: Guided Practice, p. 25)
If students find this text difficult to read,
• use a guiding practice approach, or
• choose an alternative selection from
your school collection
Assessment
Demonstration Task, p. 28
Key Assessment Question
• How did visualizing help you to
understand what you read
Assessment Tools
BLM 2: Oral Language Tracking Sheet
BLM 3: Small-Group Observation Tracking
Sheet
BLM 4: Self-Assessment Checklist and
Personal Goal Setting
BLM 6: Strategy Rubric Strip—Visualizing
What Research Says about Read Alouds
The term visualizing implies seeing pictures. Proficient readers create
images from all of their senses when they read. (Harvey, 2000)
Reflecting on Your Practice
How might I use examples of vivid text to give students
opportunities to practise visualization
NEL In a Rainforest 23