• Students use this interactive, multiple-choice activity to become familiar with lesson vocabulary words.

• In each exercise, students read a sentence containing a vocabulary word, then use context clues from the sentence to select the best definition for that word.

• Students must select the correct definition for the current exercise in order to move to the next exercise.

1. pampered: treated with too much care and attention; spoiled

2. outfit: set of clothing

3. showoff: a person who tries to impress others with a special skill or trait

• Students think about their special interests and hobbies, and record these in a word web. They share their web with a partner and discuss how they might learn more about each other's interests.

• Student then learn some amazing facts about several hobbies.

• Students are directed to print out or copy the worksheet (if needed) before proceeding to the reading selection.

"Meeting Marta"

• (Skill: Characterization)

• Students read a set of fictional diary entries in which a fifth-grade girl tells about meeting a new girl, Marta Flores, who has a special talent: she is an expert juggler.

• Students complete a worksheet containing a chart in which they record information about what Marta is like, based on what the writer thinks about her, and on what Marta says and does.

• Students use the information in the chart to describe how the diary writer's opinion of Marta changes from their first meeting to the last diary entry.

Skill Reminder: Writers help readers know what a person or character is like through the person's words, actions, and thoughts as well as through description. Readers also learn about a person through what other characters say or think about the person.

The following information should appear in the appropriate sections of the chart:

What Writer Thinks About Marta: At first she thinks Marta is stuck up, pampered, and a showoff. At the end of the third day she changes her mind when she gets to know Marta better.

Marta's Words: "Excuse me. This is yours."; "Do you need help?"; "De nada."

Marta's Actions: returns the homework; speaks politely; juggles bean bags; helps solve the math problem; offers to teach the writer how to juggle.

Using the information in the chart, write a sentence telling what the diary writer first thinks Marta is like. Answers will vary. Example: Marta is stuck up, pampered, and a showoff.

Write a sentence telling what the diary writer thinks about Marta by the end of the third day. Answers will vary. Example: Marta is shy, but considerate, helpful, and friendly.

Students use this self-evaluation to assess their performance in the reading lesson.

• Students print a worksheet to take home that directs them to interview an adult family member to find out about his or her special hobbies and interests. Students are asked to record the information in a word web and then share the web with classmates.

• Students are encouraged to display the webs on a bulletin board under the title Special People, Special Interests.

Look for the following as students share the results of their interviews:

• Have they recorded the interview information in a word web?

• Does the web include information about what the person whom they interviewed liked to do as a child?

• Can students describe how the interviewee's hobbies and interests changed as he or she grew older?