Lessons & Units :: Vocabulary in Context Kindergarten Unit

Lesson 2: Using Initial Sounds and Picture Cues to Read Unknown Words

Lesson Plan

Growing Vegetable Soup

Growing Vegetable Soup
Learning Goal
Use picture cues to read unknown words.
Use initial sounds to read unknown words.
Duration
Approximately 50 minutes
Necessary Materials
Provided: Independent Practice Worksheet
Not Provided: Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert

  • Teacher Modeling

    will explain that sometimes when we come to an unknown word while reading, the picture will give us a clue to the word, but we may still guess incorrectly. I will explain that there are other clues to figuring out unknown words. Show the picture of the parrot in Lesson 1 Independent Practice. Say: "Yesterday when I was reading this sentence, I looked at the picture and I thought the sentence read 'This is a bird.' I knew that wasn’t right though because although this is a bird in the picture, the word does not start with a 'b'. It starts with a 'p'. And bird starts with the letter 'b'. So now I know that the picture is of an animal that starts with the letter 'p'. Then I guessed 'parrot', which is correct." I will use Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert (big book) to model how to use picture cues and initial word sounds to figure out unknown words. I will model this using the words “tools” (page 3), “planting” (page 4), “seeds” (page 4), and “sprouts” (page 6). I will discuss how the picture gave me several ideas about what the word could be and the initial sounds helped me determine which word matched the letters.

  • Think Check

    Ask: "How did I read the words I didn't know in the story?" Students should respond that you looked at the picture and thought about what would make sense. Then you thought about the first letter sound of that word to see if the word actually starts with that letter.

  • Guided Practice

    will use picture cues and initial word sounds to read the words “water” (page 9), “plants” (page 14), “vegetables” (page 18), “vegetable” (page 26), and “soup” (page 28). We will discuss how the pictures and the initial sounds of each word help us determine the unknown words.

    TIP: When practicing this strategy, begin with the easier words in the book and build up to more challenging ones.

  • Independent Practice

    will use picture cues and initial word sounds to read the words in bold on the independent practice pages. (Independent Practice is provided.) Note: Assess whether your students are using the initial sounds and picture clues by conferencing with each student individually as they read the Independent Practice pages.

Build Student Vocabulary package

Tier 2 Word: package
Contextualize the word as it is used in the story The seeds being planted are from the seed package.
Explain the meaning student-friendly definition) A package is a container. The package of seeds in the book is an envelope containing seeds. A package can be something which is in a small box, or it can be an object wrapped in paper and tied with ribbon or cord.
Students repeat the word Say the word package with me: package.
Teacher gives examples of the word in other contexts I love getting packages in the mail. When our class runs out of pencils, I go to the supply closet to get another package of pencils. I bought a package of potato chips at the supermarket.
Students provide examples What is something that comes in a package? Tell me about it by saying, “A ____________ comes in a package.”
Students repeat the word again. What word are we talking about? package
Additional Vocabulary Words too, next

Build Student Background Knowledge

Pause after identifying "tools" on pages 2-3. Explain what each tool is used for in a garden. A rake is used to loosen and smooth dirt in the ground before you plant a seed. A shovel helps you move dirt and rocks from one part of the garden to another. It also helps you pat down the dirt so it is firm. A hoe is a tool used for digging up weeds and unwanted plants from the dirt.

Texts & Materials

Standards Alignment

(To see all of the ReadWorks lessons aligned to your standards, click here.)

User Comments

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Submitted by zhett2_2574522 on 1/26/17

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Submitted by bcarroll on 10/1/15