Print Collector/Getty Images
The first phones looked like this.
The first phones were invented around that time. But people did not have them in their homes yet. Computers were not invented yet either. You would not have the internet or email!
Print Collector/Getty Images
If You Lived 150 Years Ago . . .
You are about to read the story of a brave girl who lived 150 years ago. First, imagine what life was like back then.
From the March/April 2024 Issue
Give students background knowledge about daily life and technology in the past before they read this issue’s Big Read, “Kate and the Midnight Express.”
Lexile® measure: 390L
Vocabulary: trestle, boarded
Topic:
Social Studies,
Common Core Standards
TEKS Standards
1) You would not have a phone or computer.
2) You might ride in a big train.
Science History Images/Alamy Stock Photo
train trestle
There were no cars or planes back then. If you wanted to go far and fast, you could take a train. Sometimes trains went over bridges like this train trestle.
3) Your train would stop at a station.
Stocktrek Images, Inc./Alamy Stock Photo
train station
Trains traveled on tracks. There were stations along the tracks. At the stations, the trains stopped. Some people got off the train, and other people boarded. That means they got on.
video
(1)
Activities
(4)
Skills Activities
Answer Key
(1)
About the Article
Social Studies Focus
Time, continuity, and change
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Implementation
- Small group; whole group; independent reading
Pairings and Text Connections
- Pair this article with the Big Read, "Kate and the Midnight Express.”
Before-Reading Resources
- Text Preview Bookmarks
(10 minutes) Kids can cut out the nonfiction bookmark and use it to preview the text.
- Play the Vocabulary Slideshow
(5 minutes) Help students become familiar with the vocabulary words they will see in the article.
- Watch the video “The History of Getting Around.”
This fun video will give students additional background knowledge about transportation in the past.
Suggested Reading Focus
Comprehension, nonfiction text features (30 minutes)
- This article gives students background knowledge that will help them better understand this issue’s Big Read, “Kate and the Midnight Express,” on pages 6-11.
After-Reading Skills Practice
(15 minutes each)
- Quiz: Comprehension check
- Nonfiction Text Feature Hunt: Help students find nonfiction text features in the article.
- Two Different Texts: Using this T-chart, students can compare and contrast “If You Lived 150 Years Ago . . .” and “Kate and the Midnight Express.”
Text-to-Speech