Lesson Plan - Hey, Jerry! Who Would Win?

Watch a Video: Who Would Win? With Jerry Pallotta
Discuss: What question would you most like to ask Jerry Pallotta? Why?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• predicts 
• vs. (versus)

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, challenge them to identify three facts about how Jerry writes his books.

1. Why does Jerry Pallotta sometimes imagine that he’s a kid?
Jerry imagines that he is a kid to decide what creatures kids might want to read about. This helps him pick topics. 
^{(RI.3.8 CAUSE/EFFECT)}

2. What details does Jerry share to explain why he likes the Harvard Museum of Natural History?
Jerry explains that the museum has stuffed versions of many mammals from around the world, including some that are extinct. He can even stand next to a tiger, an elephant, and a giraffe. 
^{(RI.3.6 POINT OF VIEW)}

3. What does Jerry think about when deciding which of two animals would win a match?
When deciding which animal would win, Jerry thinks about things like size, speed, poison, intelligence, and features that are weapons. 
^{(RI.3.1 TEXT EVIDENCE)}

FEATURED SKILL: Research Guide
After reading “Who Do You Think Would Win?,” have students choose a pair of animals. Use the skill builder “Pick the Winner!” to have students research the animals and choose a winner. 
^{(W.3.2 RESEARCHING A TOPIC)}