74
Nonfiction
by Julia Wall
Summary
Robert Goddard has become known as the father of the
space age, although his accomplishments were largely
unnoticed while he was living. This biography explores his
life and outlines his major achievements.
Features of the Text
• Biography
• Explanations
• Diagrams
• Sequencing and organization of information
• Specialized language
Purpose
The Rocket Man can be used to introduce and reinforce the
following skills:
• identifying features of biography;
• skimming and scanning;
• synthesizing information;
• note taking.
The Guided Reading Lesson
S Identifying the features of biography
S Synthesizing information
Introducing the text
Review the features of biographies and the kinds of
information they contain. Ask the students to look at the
cover and the contents page.
– What does the title suggest about its contents?
– What kind of information do you predict will be in each chapter?
Reading and discussing the text
Ask the students to read to the end of page 3.
– What features of biography have you noticed so far? (general
introduction, year and place of birth, early interests and influences)
– How would you describe Robert?
– What do you think is the importance of this section?
Encourage the students to skim through the pages and
identify characteristics of Robert that are implied or stated in
the text, for example, determination (page 2), fascinated,
interested, experimenter (page 3). If necessary, show the
students how to skim and scan the text for specific
information.
Ask the students to read to the end of page 9, identifying
further key events and characteristics. Ask them to make
brief notes of the key events, then discuss these in pairs
before sharing them with the rest of the group.
– Why did his ideas seem so ridiculous?
– Why did Goddard keep quiet about his accomplishments? Would you
have done that? Why/why not?
Discuss how the environment, people’s opinions, and the
times can affect or shape our actions.
Ask the students to read to the end of the book.
– Why do you think people read biographies? What can we learn from
them?
Draw out the idea that biographies often convey themes such
as overcoming conflicts or struggles against nature and
society. Ask the students to identify and discuss the themes
of this biography.
– How would you characterize Robert Goddard?
– What other people share these attributes?
– Have you had to face criticism for your ideas? What kept you going or
caused you to give up?
– Do you think stories like this can have an effect on other people?
Following Up
The students can:
• use the blackline master on page 75 to identify key information and record notes • create a timeline of Robert
Goddard’s life • compare and contrast Goddard’s character traits with those of another inventor that they have
read about.
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The Rocket Man
