1. Topic-
Students will understand why a thesis is the point a person is trying to make in an essay.
 
2. Content-
Key Vocabulary: thesis statement
 
3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
1. Students will understand how to articulate their thesis.
2. Students will begin to develop their thesis and ask interesting questions about their topic.
3. Students will turn questions into statements of ideas or opinions to develop their thesis statement.
 
4. Objectives-
1. Students will speak in complete sentences.
2. Students will remain focused on the lesson and track the speaker.
3. Students will interact with peers responsibly.
 
5. Materials and Aids-
Smartboard, Sharks by Seymour Simon, "Thesis" Appendix, Writing notebooks, pencils
 
6. Procedures/Methods-

A. Introduction-

1. All students have decided what they are going to write their essay about and should already have their audience in mind.
2. We will think about a thesis and consider it as the point a writer is trying make in an essay.
3. We will think about a thesis and consider it as the point a writer is trying make in an essay.
 

B. Development-

1. Demonstrate with Sharks that Seymour Simon has a clear thesis in his book. Take a look at the text using Smartboard.
2. Discuss how writers begin to develop their thesis by asking interesting questions about their topic and then turn those questions into statements of ideas or opinions.
3. What questions could Seymour Simon have asked about Sharks?
4. Look at one together and ask students to help formulate a thesis statement for Sharks based on the question: "How do people feel about sharks?"
 

C. Practice-

1. Students will review their notes and create a list of interesting questions about their topic.
2. Students will share their questions with peers and discuss with each other which question they find the most interesting.
3. Regroup to share examples of interesting questions.
 

D. Independent Practice-

Students will begin to develop their thesis by turning some of the their questions into statements that include their opinion and thoroughly answers the question.
 

E. Accommodations (Differentiated Instruction)-

1. Small group instruction will be provided for support in developing interesting questions for their topics.
2. Teacher will facilitate accountable talk during peer conferencing.
3.
 

F. Checking for understanding-

1. "What do you have to say about your topic?"
2. "What is the most important thing you want readers to know?"
3. "Does your thesis statement give your opinion and answer your questions thoroughly?"
 

G. Closure-

Children will complete an Exit Slip. They will respond to two questions.
a. Why does your essay need a thesis statement?
b. Does your thesis statement give your opinion and answer your questions thoroughly?
 

This Lesson Plan is available at (www.teacherjet.com)