A Journey in the Desert

1. Use clues in the text to make predictions about the content.

2. Identify the main idea of a short reading passage.

​

Learning Goals:

Word Cloud

Brainstorm: Write as many words you can think of about the desert.

A Journey to the Desert

Poll

I think this story will be about...

• A desert disaster

• Drifting

• Making it rain

• Finding water

Open Ended

Predict: What do you think this story will be about based on the title and pictures?

Underline or highlight any words you don't know

Can you figure out the meaning of the word from the rest of the sentence? (context clues)

​

SKIM the text and look for new words.

merciless

​​expanse

​​plod

​​ squint

​?

​​rhythmic

teeming

​​arduous

drought

​?

​?

​?

​?

Multiple Choice

The sun beat down mercilessly, baking the vast expanse of sand dunes a golden brown. What is the meaning of "mercilessly" in this sentence?

• slowly and gently

• brightly and warmly

• intensly and harshly

Multiple Choice

Ahmed was on a mission to reach the hidden oasis his grandfather had told him about, a place teeming with palm trees and a crystal-clear spring.

Question: What is the meaning of the word "teeming" in the sentence above?

• completely empty

• full of life and activity

• located in the mountains

Does the story match your predictions?

Discuss with class

​

Read the text silently

• What is the main topic of the passage?

• What does the author want us to know about the desert journey?

• What details support the main idea?

​

Read the text again

Open Ended

What is the main topic of the passage?

Open Ended

What are some details that support the main idea?

Open Ended

What does the author want us to know about the desert journey?