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Children will characterize Naomi Mills, a smokejumper who works with a team to extinguish forest fires.
community workers
key details, vocabulary, writing, character traits
read a diagram
smokejumpers, extinguish
RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meaning of words; RI.2.7 diagrams; RF.2.4 read on-level texts; W.2.2 writing; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions
490L
Provide students with some background on firefighter jobs.
Build background knowledge (10 min.)
Watch our video "Be a Fire Safety Expert." 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.
Review vocabulary (3 min.)
Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are smokejumpers and extinguish.
Assessment: Reading Quiz
Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.
Send a Girl! The True Story of How Women Joined the FDNY by Jessica Rinker (20 min.)
All readers will enjoy this true story of perseverence and grit. Imagine thinking a woman isn’t courageous, brave, or strong enough to be a firefighter! Meet Brenda Berkman, who proved women can be firefighters!
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: Character Traits (15 min.)
Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on firefighter jobs:
You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here: