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Children will discover one town’s tradition of pumpkin boat racing.
giant pumpkins, engineering
key details, vocabulary, writing
read a life cycle
shell, pulp, sturdy
RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.3 describe steps in a technical procedure; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.7 diagrams; RF.2.4 read on-level texts; W.2.2 write informative texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions
500L
Provide students with some background on giant pumpkins.
Build background knowledge (10 min.)
Watch our video "Paddle That Pumpkin!” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:
Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)
Read together (20 min.)
Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions.
Preview vocabulary (3 min.)
Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are shell, pulp, and sturdy.
Assessment: Reading Quiz
Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.
How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? by Wendell Minor(20 min.)
This engaging read-aloud takes readers on a journey from sea to shining sea discovering familiar landmarks and landforms while highlighting incredible things you can do with giant pumpkins!
You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here’s how.
ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)
Editor’s Pick: Writing (15 min.)
ELA Focus: Read a Diagram (15 min.)
Here is a past issue you can use to extend your lesson on giant pumpkins:
You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here: