The Gymnast Day 1

Concept Talk Why do people try to change themselves?

Think about the different things people do in order to improve themselves. Have you ever tried to change yourself? What could you do to improve at a skill or task?

Turn to page Why is the boy practicing the piano? Is horseback riding competitive? Do you think the girl worked to develop her math skills?

Listen: The story “The Winning Stroke” is about a boy who wants to join a swim team. Listen for: Competitive Champion Develop perfected

Competitive- using competition He was new to competitive swimming. Champion- a person who wins first place in a competition The champion of the spelling bee receives a scholarship. Teach your partner these words

develop- to become better or more useful The athlete lifted weights to develop bigger muscles. Perfected- made perfect without faults She perfected the dive by the end of the class. Teach your partner these words.

Draw Conclusions  A conclusion is a reasonable decision you make after you think about the facts or details you read.  If you read that someone is wearing a hat, scarf and mittens, what conclusion can you draw about the weather?  You could use your prior knowledge to help you draw conclusions, which is also called making inferences

Draw Conclusions  Turn to “The History of Gymnastics” on page 139  Today we’re going to read about the sport of gymnastics. In the first paragraph I learned that the early Greeks taught gymnastics to everyone.  I know that exercise keeps your body healthy and strong. I can use what I read and what I already know to conclude that the early Greeks thought it was important to be physically fit.

Visualize Visualizing is a strategy that can help you understand what is going on in a story.

When I read about the early Greeks teaching gymnastics more than three thousand years ago. I made a picture in my mind of what might have looked like. I pictured the tall white columns of ancient Greek buildings. I imagined what Greek students and schools might have looked like.

Bluish- somewhat blue Her lips were bluish from the cold. Cartwheels- perform such a handspring She can do three cartwheels in a row. Teach your partner these words.

gymnastics- exercises developing agility and coordination The gymnastics team won the competition. hesitation- the action of pausing He stuttered with his hesitation to talk in front of others. Teach your partner these words.

Limelight- the focus of public attention Frank loved being in the limelight. Skidded- slip, slide The dog skidded to a stop. Teach your partner these words.

Somersault- an acrobatic feat in which a person turns head over heels in the air on the ground and finishes on his feet Mary performed a somersault on the mat. Throbbing- beat or sound with a strong regular rhythm His thumb was throbbing with pain. Teach your partner these words

Wincing- give a slight involuntary grimace Paul stopped wincing when the doctor came in. Teach your partner this word.

Negative prefixes: Il- not In- not Im- not Ir- not

So, what does: Imperfect mean? Incorrect? Inactive? Illegal? Illogical? Invisible?

The word “Who” can only be used when it is the subject of a verb. Who paid for the meal? The word “Whom” is never the subject of a verb. You sat by whom all night? Use “whom” after prepositions. With whom did you go to the movies ?

Persuasive writing; Introductory paragraph-your position Each paragraph should focus on your evidence Describe and then prove the opposing views key points wrong Restate and reinforce the thesis and supporting evidence

Your topic is: Describe your favorite time of the year, and explain what makes this time of year special to you. Persuade your reader that your choice is the best time of year.