Disciplinary Unit: Lesson Plan Format

I. General Information:
Grade Level: 7
Discipline: English/Language Arts
Unit Topic: Main Idea
Time Frame: 1 class period 1 hour
Text: Chasing Lincolns Killer by James L Swanson
Other Materials:
Titles Handout Student Copy
II. Essential Understanding/Questions:
Chapter titles are the main idea of the impending
chapter.
Main idea is the most important thought of the text
that the author wants you to comprehend.
III. Standards/Indicators

RI.2.7: Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development
over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.

W2.7.b: Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations,
or other information and examples.
RH.6-8.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary
source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or
opinions.
SL.7.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in
groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts, and issues,
building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

IV. Lesson Objectives

Students will be able to analyze the first four
chapters of the text and determine the main idea of
each chapter.
V. Evaluation/Assessment:

 Students will submit their chapter title analysis

handout.
VI. Procedures:
Introduction:
The class will finish reading chapter four of Chasing Lincolns
Killer with the support of an audiobook.

Teaching/Activities:
1. After reading the fourth chapter, the class will participate in a
discussion about how has happened so far in the text.
a. Discussion point: At point in the text, Booth has now
begun his escape journey to south but the journey is put to
a halt because of his injuring.
2. Next the instructor will lead the discussion to bring awareness
about how there are no chapter titles in the text. Have students
think about why there are no titles in the text and what
information do titles provide.
3. The instuctor will then introduce the chapter title analysis
activity.
a. Students will work may work individually or in pairs to
develop their own chapter titles for the anchor text.
Students will briefly describe the events that lead to this
title and provide a drawing that reflects the events in the
book.
b. If students finish early, the will answer the questions on the
bottom of the sheet on the back of the handout.
c. Students will present their titles and should verbalize a
brief rationale for the title.
4. Allow students to work on the chapter analysis for 20 to 25
minutes.
5. Reconvene the class and allow students to share their chapter
titles with the class.
Closure:

 In whole group discussion, students will share their chapter titles

and the reasoning behind the titles name. The instructor will
review the pondering questions as to what chapter titles can
provide the reader in text, and the purpose of main idea.

NAME: _________________________________

Chasing Lincolns Killer Chapter Title Analysis

The author decided not to use chapter titles. After the first four chapters of the text,
decide on a title for the chapter based on events that occurred in the chapter. Write a few
details from the chapter that supports your choice of a chapter title. Draw a quick sketch
that reflects the content of the chapter.

CHAPTER
TITLE

EVENTS IN THE STORY

THAT LEAD TO THIS
TITLE

QUICK SKETCH

Ch. 1

Ch. 2

Ch. 3

Ch. 4

Ponder this
1) Why do you think the author chose not to use actual chapter
titles, instead of just numbering them?
2) How does having actual chapter titles (instead of just numbers
add to the story, in your opinion?