Title: Exploring Vocabulary in Chapter 1 of Seedfolks

Objective: By the end of the lesson, ESL students will be able to understand and use key vocabulary words from Chapter 1 of Seedfolks in context.

Materials: - Copies of Chapter 1 of Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers - Index cards - Pictures or real objects related to the vocabulary words (optional)

Procedure:

1. Warm-up (5 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever planted or grown anything before. Encourage them to share their experiences.
   • Introduce the concept of community gardening and explain that the class will be reading a book called Seedfolks, which tells the story of a diverse group of people who come together to create a garden in their neighborhood.
2. Pre-reading Vocabulary (10 minutes):
   • Write the following vocabulary words on the whiteboard or chart paper: vacant, teetered, trowel, furrowed, gnarled, altar, wilted, and bodega.
   • Provide a brief definition or explanation for each word, using simple language and gestures as needed.
   • Show pictures or real objects related to the vocabulary words to help students visualize their meanings.
   • Divide the class into pairs or small groups and distribute index cards with one vocabulary word written on each card.
   • Instruct students to discuss the meaning of their assigned word with their partner/group and come up with a simple definition or example sentence using the word.
3. Reading and Vocabulary Context (20 minutes):
   • Distribute copies of Chapter 1 of Seedfolks to each student.
   • Read the chapter aloud as a class, pausing after each paragraph to check for comprehension and discuss any unfamiliar vocabulary words.
   • Encourage students to highlight or underline the vocabulary words from the pre-reading activity as they encounter them in the text.
   • Discuss the context in which each vocabulary word is used in the story, asking students to explain how they can infer the meaning based on the surrounding sentences or paragraphs.
4. Vocabulary Practice (15 minutes):
   • Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
   • Provide each group with a set of index cards containing the vocabulary words from the pre-reading activity.
   • Instruct students to take turns selecting a card and using the word in a sentence that relates to the story or their own experiences.
   • Encourage students to use gestures or draw pictures to help convey the meaning of the word to their partners.
5. Vocabulary Review (10 minutes):
   • Bring the class back together and review the vocabulary words as a whole group.
   • Ask students to share their sentences or examples using the vocabulary words.
   • Write the words on the whiteboard or chart paper again, this time asking students to provide their own definitions or explanations based on their understanding from the reading.
6. Closure (5 minutes):
   • Summarize the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding and using vocabulary words in context.
   • Ask students to reflect on how the vocabulary words helped them better understand the story and the characters in Seedfolks.
   • Encourage students to continue practicing the vocabulary words in their daily lives and to look for opportunities to use them in conversations or writing.

Note: Throughout the lesson, provide additional support for ESL students by using visual aids, gestures, and simplified language when explaining the vocabulary words. Encourage them to ask questions and provide extra examples or explanations as needed.