N. Romance, FAU IES Project
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
Story Title: An American Hero Flies Again
Unit: 6
Pages: 350 – 352
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Word Families and Definitions for Steps 1 - 2 - 3
STEP 1- Key Words
(These definitions are written on the board or chart paper and pre-taught at the start of Step 1.)
(Pg 351) orbited - moved regularly or repeatedly along the same path, especially a circular path
(Pg 351) historic - famous in history
(Pg 352) qualified - to have had or shown the skill or ability needed for a special purpose or event
STEP 2- Target Words
(These definitions are written on the board or chart paper and pre-taught at the start of Step 2.)
For orbited:
lapped - traveled once around a path or track
rounded - past around an object
For historic:
notable - remarkable, worthy of praise
epic - great in size or importance, usually memorable
For qualified:
capable - having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do or accomplish
something
eligible - entitled or qualified to do, be, or get something
STEP 3- Target Words
(These words are written on the board, but their definitions are NOT TAUGHT in Step 3.)
For orbited:
circled - moved or revolved around
looped - made a circle or loop in
For historic:
significant - having an important meaning or impact
famous - known and recognized by many people
For qualified:
skilled - able to do something well, usually gained through training or experience
experienced - possessing knowledge and skill acquired through involvement in or
exposure to something over a period of time
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Teacher Questions for Steps 1 - 2 - 3
STEP 1 - Questions
(When the sentence in story with the key word is reached, stop and ask the following questions.)
(Pg 351) SENTENCE with Key Word:
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the U.S.
again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, orbited Earth in 1961.
Questions:
1. What does the word orbited mean in this sentence?
2. How does the word orbited contribute toward the overall meaning of this story so far?
Definition for Questions 1 - 2:
orbited - moved regularly or repeatedly along the same path, especially a
circular path
Page 1
Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
N. Romance, FAU IES Project
An American Hero Flies Again (Unit 6)
(Pg 351) SENTENCE with Key Word:
It was a historic mission.
Questions:
1. What does the word historic mean in this sentence?
2. How does the word historic contribute toward the overall meaning of this story so far?
Definition for Questions 1 - 2:
historic - famous in history
(Pg 352) SENTENCE with Key Word:
They needed a qualified older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
Questions:
1. What does the word qualified mean in this sentence?
2. How does the word qualified contribute toward the overall meaning of this story so far?
Definition for Questions 1 - 2:
qualified - to have had or shown the skill or ability needed for a special purpose
or event
STEP 2 - Questions (Students are directed to three-sentence block containing each Key Word. Students then
read the three-sentence block and substitute Target Words.)
(Pg 351) THREE-SENTENCE BLOCK With Key Word: orbited: (For reference- NOT to be re-read)
The mission to get a manned spacecraft into orbit was called Project Mercury.
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the U.S.
again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, orbited Earth in 1961.
Ten months later, Glenn climbed aboard the 10-foot-long Friendship 7 and became the first
American to circle Earth in a spacecraft.
FIRST TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
The mission to get a manned spacecraft into orbit was called Project Mercury.
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the
U.S. again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, lapped Earth in 1961.
Ten months later, Glenn climbed aboard the 10-foot-long Friendship 7 and became the first
American to circle Earth in a spacecraft.
Questions:
1. What does the word lapped mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen lapped, how would the word lapped contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word lapped instead of orbited changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3:
orbited - moved regularly or repeatedly along the same path, especially a
circular path
lapped - traveled once around a path or track
SECOND TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
The mission to get a manned spacecraft into orbit was called Project Mercury.
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the
U.S. again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, rounded Earth in 1961.
Ten months later, Glenn climbed aboard the 10-foot-long Friendship 7 and became the first
American to circle Earth in a spacecraft.
Questions:
1. What does the word rounded mean in this sentence?
Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
N. Romance, FAU IES Project
An American Hero Flies Again (Unit 6)
2.
3.
If the author had chosen rounded, how would the word rounded contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
Explain whether using the word rounded instead of lapped changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3:
lapped - traveled once around a path or track
rounded - past around an object
(Pg 351) THREE-SENTENCE BLOCK With Key Word: historic (For reference- NOT to be re-read)
During that time, Glenn orbited Earth three times.
It was a historic mission.
However, this was not the end of the space race.
FIRST TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
During that time, Glenn orbited Earth three times.
It was a notable mission.
However, this was not the end of the space race.
Questions:
1. What does the word notable mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen notable, how would the word notable contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word notable instead of historic changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3:
historic - famous in history
notable - remarkable, worthy of praise
SECOND TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
During that time, Glenn orbited Earth three times.
It was a epic mission.
However, this was not the end of the space race.
Questions:
1. What does the word epic mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen epic, how would the word epic contribute toward the overall
meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word epic instead of notable changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3:
notable - remarkable, worthy of praise
epic - great in size or importance, usually memorable
(Pg 352) THREE-SENTENCE BLOCK With Key Word: qualified (For reference- NOT to be re-read)
NASA scientists needed to find out the best way to study the effects of aging on the body.
They needed a qualified older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
That person would also launch a spacecraft to study the heat and winds surrounding the sun.
FIRST TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
NASA scientists needed to find out the best way to study the effects of aging on the body.
They needed a capable older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
That person would also launch a spacecraft to study the heat and winds surrounding the sun.
Questions:
1. What does the word capable mean in this sentence?
Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
N. Romance, FAU IES Project
An American Hero Flies Again (Unit 6)
2.
3.
If the author had chosen capable, how would the word capable contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
Explain whether using the word capable instead of qualified changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3:
qualified - to have had or shown the skill or ability needed for a special
purpose or event
capable - having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do or accomplish
something
SECOND TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
NASA scientists needed to find out the best way to study the effects of aging on the body.
They needed a eligible older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
That person would also launch a spacecraft to study the heat and winds surrounding the sun.
Questions:
1. What does the word eligible mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen eligible, how does the word eligible contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word eligible instead of capable changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3:
capable - having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do or accomplish
something
eligible - entitled or qualified to do, be, or get something
STEP 3 - Questions (Students are directed to the three-sentence block containing each Key Word. Students then
read the three-sentence block and substitute Target Words. REMINDER- DEFINITIONS
FOR THESE WORDS ARE NOT TAUGHT.)
(Pg 351) THREE-SENTENCE BLOCK With Key Word: orbited (For reference - NOT to be re-read)
The mission to get a manned spacecraft into orbit was called Project Mercury.
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the U.S.
again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, orbited Earth in 1961.
Ten months later, Glenn climbed aboard the 10-foot-long Friendship 7 and became the first
American to circle Earth in a spacecraft.
FIRST TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
The mission to get a manned spacecraft into orbit was called Project Mercury.
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the
U.S. again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, circled Earth in 1961.
Ten months later, Glenn climbed aboard the 10-foot-long Friendship 7 and became the first
American to circle Earth in a spacecraft.
Questions:
1. What does the word circled mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen circled, how would the word circled contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word circled instead of rounded changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3: (For teacher reference only)
rounded - past around an object
circled - moved or revolved around
Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
N. Romance, FAU IES Project
An American Hero Flies Again (Unit 6)
SECOND TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
The mission to get a manned spacecraft into orbit was called Project Mercury.
Scientists at NASA raced to get a spacecraft ready for launch, but the Soviet Union beat the
U.S. again when Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, looped Earth in 1961.
Ten months later, Glenn climbed aboard the 10-foot-long Friendship 7 and became the first
American to circle Earth in a spacecraft.
Questions:
1. What does the word looped mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen looped, how would the word looped contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word looped instead of circled changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3: (For teacher reference only)
circled - moved or revolved around
looped - made a circle or loop in
(Pg 351) THREE-SENTENCE BLOCK With Key Word: common-sense (For reference- NOT to be reread)
During that time, Glenn orbited Earth three times.
It was a historic mission.
However, this was not the end of the space race.
FIRST TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
During that time, Glenn orbited Earth three times.
It was a significant mission.
However, this was not the end of the space race.
Questions:
1. What does the word significant mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen significant, how would the word significant contribute toward
the overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word significant instead of epic changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3: (For teacher reference only)
epic - great in size or importance, usually memorable
significant - having an important meaning or impact
SECOND TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
During that time, Glenn orbited Earth three times.
It was a famous mission.
However, this was not the end of the space race.
Questions:
1. What does the word famous mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen famous, how would the word famous contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word famous instead of significant changes the meaning of
the sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3: (For teacher reference only)
significant - having an important meaning or impact
famous - known and recognized by many people
Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
N. Romance, FAU IES Project
An American Hero Flies Again (Unit 6)
(Pg 352) THREE-SENTENCE BLOCK With Key Word: qualified (For reference - NOT to be re-read)
NASA scientists needed to find out the best way to study the effects of aging on the body.
They needed a qualified older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
That person would also launch a spacecraft to study the heat and winds surrounding the sun.
FIRST TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
NASA scientists needed to find out the best way to study the effects of aging on the body.
They needed a skilled older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
That person would also launch a spacecraft to study the heat and winds surrounding the sun.
Questions:
1. What does the word skilled mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen skilled, how would the word skilled contribute toward the
overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word skilled instead of eligible changes the meaning of the
sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3: (For teacher reference only)
eligible - entitled or qualified to do, be, or get something
skilled - able to do something well, usually gained through training or
experience
SECOND TARGET WORD SUBSTITUTED and Questions: (Read by students with
substitution)
NASA scientists needed to find out the best way to study the effects of aging on the body.
They needed a experienced older astronaut who was healthy enough to make the trip.
That person would also launch a spacecraft to study the heat and winds surrounding the sun.
Questions:
1. What does the word experienced mean in this sentence?
2. If the author had chosen experienced, how would the word experienced contribute
toward the overall meaning of this story?
3. Explain whether using the word experienced instead of skilled changes the meaning of
the sentence or story.
Definitions for Questions 1 - 2 - 3: (For teacher reference only)
skilled - able to do something well, usually gained through training or
experience
experienced - possessing knowledge and skill acquired through involvement in
or exposure to something over a period of time
Step 4- Expansion Task Using Key and Target Words (All Key and Target Words are written on board, but in a
“random” arrangement (i.e., words are NOT grouped by meaning)
Variation 1: Students are asked to select a word on the board and then use the word in a sentence that involves
something they have either done or experienced. Students present their sentence orally to the
class.
Variation 2: The teacher points to different words on the board and has one or more students use the word in a
sentence that involves something they have done or experienced. Students present their sentence
orally to the class.
Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.
USDOE/IES Teacher Story Guide - Grade 3
N. Romance, FAU IES Project
An American Hero Flies Again (Unit 6)
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General Implementation Notes
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1. Before starting a lesson, mark the key words (and three-sentence blocks) in the teacher edition
using Post-ItTM notes. (Optional: Have students use Post-ItTM notes to mark these pages in their
text books as well.)
2. To help focus your instruction and pacing, feel free to mark or highlight any portions of this
teacher guide as needed before starting the lesson.
3. Write the three key words and definitions on the board or chart paper before starting the lesson.
4. Step 1 should occur the first time the story is read aloud by students. Write the key words and
definitions on the board or chart paper before starting Step 1. Suggestion: Have different students
read the story on a paragraph-by-paragraph basis. Interrupt the reading process when the sentence
with the key word is read. Then ask the two questions for each key word before continuing.
Continue reading until the entire story has been read. (Other approaches to Shared Reading may
be employed to accomplish this same purpose.)
5. For Step 2, after the entire story has been read, add the target words and definitions on the chart
paper or board next to the key words previously taught. After students read a three-sentence block
and substitute a target word, ask the three scripted questions. Note: For the third question in Step
2, the substituted word is always compared to the preceding target word that was used.
6. For Step 3, erase all the words on the board--or cover the chart paper--and write each pair of new
target words on the board or chart paper; however…
DO NOT WRITE OR TEACH DEFINITIONS IN STEP 3. Follow the script for Step 3.
7. Correcting student errors: In Steps 1 and 2 refer students to the definitions and re-ask the
question(s). For Step 3, refer students only to the sentence or story context. Do NOT provide
students with definitions.
8. For cumulative review: Place sample words from the semantic family on the board, and have
students use the words in a sentence, following either Variation 1 or 2.
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Teacher Notes
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Copyright 2010, Michael R Vitale, Center for School Development, Inc.