Robust Vocabulary Lesson for A Frog Thing by Eric DrachmanAuthorship Credit: Stacy Brown

1st GradeDouble Diamond Elementary

Tier 2 Words Selected:

discouraged determined modest ordinary

Other Tier 2 Words Considered:

repay, admitted, proud, buried, explain, nervous, polite, relaxed, respond, understand, and embarrassed

Planning for instruction/ Resources needed- A Frog Thing by Eric Drachman

Day 1-Read aloud and discuss A Frog Thing by Eric DrachmanBriefly clarify Tier 2 words if needed in order to understand the story.

Day 2- Introduce Tier 2 Vocabulary Words using the following steps:1. Say the word and show the written word on a card or listed on the board.2. Tell the students the word in the context of the story. “In the story…”3. Provide a student-friendly definition4. Talk about the word in an additional context beyond the one used in the story.5. Give students opportunities to interact with the word.

Note: The italicized sentences indicate words that a teacher might use to instruct the students.

*discouraged-

In the story, Frank couldn’t fly and everyone laughed at him. He felt discouraged and buried his head in his big webbed feet. If you are feeling discouraged then you have a loss of hope toward being able to do something.

Here’s an example of how I might use the word discouraged: The boy practiced riding his bike every day for a month and felt discouraged because he still wasn’t able to ride by himself.

*If I say something that would make you feel discouraged then say “discouraged.” Don’t say anything if what I say wouldn’t make you feel discouraged.-having to take a test on a book you haven’t read-being invited to a pool party and not knowing how to swim-earning extra computer time for good behavior-not finishing homework in time to watch T.V.

*determined –

In the story, Frank the frog was determined to learn to fly. People who are determined never quit or give up until they have succeeded or finished doing whatever it is they wanted to do.

*Here’s an example of how I might use the word determined.The student was determined to study hard, learn how to spell his spelling words, and pass his test with a perfect score.

I am going to give you some examples. If the person in the example is determined, say “determined.” If the person in the example is not determined, say “not determined.”

-The dad exercised everyday so that he could run the 5K race.-The faucet was leaking and the plumber couldn’t fix it so he left.-The dog trainer taught the dog how to sit and stay.-The child did chores and jobs until he saved and earned enough money to buy a bike.

*modest –

In the story, Frank was modest about his great swimming ability. People who are modest don’t talk about their talents or abilities.

Here’s an example of how I might use the word modest.

*The athlete never took all the credit for winning the game. He was modest.

I am going to give you some examples. If the person in the example is modest say “modest.” If the person in the example is not modest say “not modest.”

-The Olympic swimmer said he won the gold medal because of his supportive teammates.-The Olympic swimmer said he deserved the gold medal because he was the best swimmer in the Olympics.-The teacher was awarded the “Outstanding Teacher of the Year.” She said it was because of her exceptional students.-The quarterback took his team to the Super Bowl and won. He said it was because he played football since he was five, and he was the best in the NFL league.

*ordinary –

In the story when Frank’s mom watched from the bank as the birds helped Frank fly she said, “This is no ordinary frog thing!” Ordinary means common, usual, a normal thing.

Here’s an example of how I might use the word ordinary. It was an ordinary school day.

I am going to give you some examples. If you think it’s an example of something ordinary, say “ordinary.” If you think it’s an example of something not ordinary say “extraordinary!” which is the opposite of ordinary.

-a pink tomato-a meowing dog-a sleeping baby-a fast jet

Day 3- Practice with words: Students should have an opportunity to write and discuss the words with classmates. The most important thing is for students to discuss and use the words in context.

Place students in partnerships or groups of 4 for a larger class to discuss.

Partnership/Group 1-modestHow might a cook…a musician…a basketball player…show he/she is modest?

Partnership/Group 2- ordinaryDescribe three things that are ordinary and three things that would be extraordinary.

Partnership/Group 3- discouragedWhen might a clown…a doctor…or a child feel discouraged?

Partnership/Group 4- determinedTell about a time you were determined to do or accomplish something.

Have each partnership/group share with another partnership or group. If time permits, each group can share out.

Day 4- Vocabulary Log: Depending on your classroom procedures or skill level of your students, provide an

opportunity for students to record the Tier 2 words.

Provide students with a copy of the examples below.Directions: Write one of the words with each of the following examples:

discouraged determined modest ordinary

The first grader said, “I’ll never learn how to jump rope.” He is feeling…..The actor said, “I’ll keep practicing my acting lines until I have memorized them all.” He is ……The firefighter exited the burning building with two puppies and said, “It was nothing; I would do it again in a second if I had to. This firefighter is ……I’ll have oatmeal and water for breakfast please. This meal is….

Day 5- Informal Assessment of Tier 2 Words

Draw a line from the vocabulary word to the matching example.

*discouraged I will continue my education until I get my degree and become a doctor.

*determined Nothing exciting happened today. It’s just another day.

*modest Our basketball team has lost our last four games and now our best player is out for the rest of the season with a broken leg.

*ordinary I owe all my success to my family. I couldn’t have done it without them.