Dragon Inquiries Slides HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words Day 1 Focus: 3.RL.1
Standard 3.RL.1: Ask & Answer Questions with Text Evidence
Dear Dragon: Pen Pal Inquiries
Text begins on page 181 • George's first letter starts on page 184.
Pages 181–182
"Combined Projects"
Page 184 (Sept. 12)
George Writes to Blaise
40-Min Activity
I Do • We Do • You Do
Exact Text Clues: Pages 181–182
myBook Words
Page 181 (Text Begins)
"Hello, students! Our poetry and pen pal projects this year are combined. Upon your desks you'll see the pen pals that you've been assigned."
Vocabulary at bottom of p. 181: projects and assigned!
Page 182 (The Rules)
"Please make sure the letters that you write are all in rhyme. Now open up your envelopes because it's pen pal time!"
The rule is clear: every single letter must be written in rhyme!
Key Evidence Rule: When answering questions, quote or cite directly from pages 181 and 182!
I DO
Teacher Model: Questioning Page 181
myBook p. 181
The Text Question:
What two school activities are combined for the students on page 181?
Check Page 181 Lines:
"Our poetry and pen pal projects this year are combined."
Explicit Evidence & Answer:
Model Answer: According to page 181, the teacher announces that the poetry project and the pen pal project are combined into one assignment.
"On page 181, the text directly states: 'Our poetry and pen pal projects this year are combined.'"
Evidence Stems: "According to page 181..." or "The author writes on page 181..."
WE DO
Guided Practice: Page 184 (September 12th)
Turn & Talk (3 Mins)
Partner Investigation (Page 184):
George Slair writes the first letter to Blaise on page 184. What does George share?
George's Feelings About Writing:
• What does George confess about writing poems?
Hint: He admits he doesn't really like writing!
George's Real Passions (p. 184):
• Designing and building a giant fort
• Playing catch and soccer with friends
Check Sentence Stem: "In George's September 12th letter on page 184, he explains that..."
Cite Page 184
YOU DO
Independent 40-Minute Workshop
Day 1 Activity
1
Review I Do
Check how the combined project lines on page 181 were cited directly.
2
We Do Partner Check
Complete questions on George's letter (p. 184) with your elbow partner.
3
You Do Solo Quest
Independently answer questions for Blaise Dragomir's reply on page 186.
Success Criteria (3.RL.1):
Complete sentence • Exact page citation (p. 181, 182, or 184) • Direct text proof
Dragon Inquiries Worksheet HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words
Dear Dragon: Evidence Inquiries
Text begins: p. 181 • September 12 Letter: p. 184 • Standard: AZ 3.RL.1
Name:
Date:
Pacing: 40 Minutes Total
Standard 3.RL.1: Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Part 1: I Do (Teacher Model • 8 Min) Page 181 Lines
Question: What two school activities are combined on page 181, and what rule is stated on page 182?
Model Answer: On page 181, the text states: "Hello, students! Our poetry and pen pal projects this year are combined." Then on page 182, the teacher adds: "Please make sure the letters that you write are all in rhyme."
Notice: Explicit evidence directly quotes the exact text lines and cites pages 181 and 182.
Part 2: We Do (Guided Practice • 12 Min) Page 184 (September 12th Letter)
Guided Question: In George Slair's letter to Blaise on page 184 (dated September 12th), what does George admit about writing, and what sports or building activities does he love?
Work with your partner to cite details from George's letter on page 184:
Text Evidence Stem: "In his September 12th letter on page 184, George explains that..."
Part 3: You Do (Independent Practice • 20 Min) Pages 186–187 (Blaise's Reply)
Read Blaise Dragomir's rhyming reply on pages 186–187 and answer with explicit text citations:
1. According to page 186, what outdoor activities does Blaise share, and how does his dragon perspective shape what he describes?
2. Looking back at page 181, find the two vocabulary words defined at the bottom. Write their definitions in your own words.
3.RL.1 Checklist: Full sentence answer Cited page number (p. 181, 182, or 184) Referenced September 12th letter
Hidden Clues Slides HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words Day 2 Focus: 3.RL.1
Standard 3.RL.1: Deep Evidence & Character Perspectives
Hidden Clues & Double Meanings
Exploring George & Blaise's letters across pages 188–199 of myBook.
Pages 188 & 190
Skydive, Knights & Tigers
Pages 194 & 198
Fire Breathing & Demolition
Page 196 News
June Picnic Planned!
How Clues Trick Our Pen Pals (pp. 188–191)
Perspective Clues
George Slair (Page 188)
"You know how to skydive? That's as awesome as it gets!"
George dresses as a knight for Halloween, unaware knights are dragons' mortal enemies!
Blaise Dragomir (Page 190)
"Knights are super-scary! ... My pet's a Bengal kitten..."
George pictures a cute baby cat, but page 191 shows Blaise bathing a giant tiger!
Key Discovery: Each character's words make sense in their own world, but completely mislead their pen pal!
I DO
Teacher Model: The Knight Misunderstanding
myBook pp. 188–190
The Text Question:
Why does Blaise react with fear to George's Halloween costume on page 190?
Look on Pages 188 & 190:
George: "I'm trick-or-treating as a knight." Blaise: "Knights are super-scary!"
Explicit Text Evidence:
On page 188, George says he is dressing as a knight. On page 190, Blaise writes, "Knights are super-scary!" Because Blaise is a dragon, he fears knights who fight dragons with swords!
"Direct citations from p. 188 and p. 190 explain Blaise's dragon point of view."
Notice how citing both letters proves the cause and effect of their misunderstanding!
WE DO
Guided Practice: Fathers' Jobs (pp. 194–198)
Turn & Talk (3 Mins)
Partner Investigation (Pages 194–198):
Look at Blaise's letter on page 194 and George's reaction on page 196:
Blaise's Father (pp. 194, 198):
• Won local fire-breathing contest twice; melts 50 ice cubes (p. 194).
• Works in demolition (p. 198).
George's Reaction (p. 196):
• "Fire breathing? What's your father's job? My folks are teachers."
Announces the pen pal picnic planned for June!
Vocabulary: retains & precious (p. 194); demolition (p. 198)
Explicit Evidence
YOU DO
Independent 40-Minute Workshop
Day 2 Activity
Hidden Clues Worksheet HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words
Dear Dragon: Clues & Perspectives
Letters: Pages 188–199 • Focus Standard: AZ 3.RL.1
Name:
Date:
Pacing: 40 Minutes Total
Standard 3.RL.1: Refer explicitly to the text when asking and answering questions about characters' points of view, double meanings, and unexpected clues.
Part 1: I Do (Teacher Model • 8 Min) Pages 188 & 190
Question: Why does Blaise write that "Knights are super-scary!" on page 190 in response to George's Halloween letter?
Model Answer: On page 188, George says he is trick-or-treating as a knight. On page 190, Blaise replies, "Knights are super-scary!" Because Blaise is a dragon, he fears knights with swords and shields, while George just views it as a fun costume!
Notice: The answer explicitly cites the exact words from both page 188 and page 190.
Part 2: We Do (Guided Practice • 12 Min) Pages 190–191 (Bengal Kitten)
Guided Question: On page 190, Blaise writes, "My pet's a Bengal kitten..." How does the illustration on page 191 reveal Blaise's true dragon identity?
Look at the text on page 190 and picture on page 191 with your partner:
Evidence Stem: "While Blaise calls his pet a kitten on page 190, page 191 shows that..."
Part 3: You Do (Independent Practice • 20 Min) Pages 194–198 (Fathers & Demolition)
Read pages 194–198 independently and answer the questions below with text citations:
1. On page 194, what competition has Blaise's father won, and what record does he retain? How does George react to this on page 196?
2. On page 198, Blaise writes that his dad works in demolition and plans to take him flying. Why doesn't George realize Blaise is a dragon from this clue?
3.RL.1 Checklist: Cited page 188, 190, 194, 196, or 198 Quoted or referenced exact clues Used full complete sentences
Pen Pal Worlds Slides HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words Day 3: 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9
Standards 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9: Comparing Settings & Routines Across Texts
Pen Pal Worlds: Comparing Daily Life
Comparing George & Blaise (Dear Dragon pp. 184–186) directly with Carlitos & Charlie (Dear Primo pp. 112–121).
Dear Dragon (p. 184)
Forts & Falcon Peak
Dear Primo (pp. 112–114)
Farm vs. Skyscraper City
3.RL.9 Focus
Twin Text Evidence
Comparing Settings Across Stories
myBook Settings
Dear Dragon (pp. 184–186)
• George (p. 184): Designing giant cardboard forts, playing catch and soccer in the yard.
• Blaise (p. 186): Skydiving near Falcon Peak, attacking castle forts, soaring high.
Dear Primo (pp. 112–114)
• Charlie (p. 112): Farm in Mexico with maíz, burro, pollos, and a crowing gallo.
• Carlitos (p. 114): American city with bridges, zooming cars, and cloud-tickling skyscrapers.
Compare & Contrast (3.RL.9): Characters use vivid sensory words so their pen pal can picture places they have never visited!
I DO
Teacher Model: Setting Evidence
Dear Dragon p. 184 vs. Dear Primo p. 114
Comparative Question:
How do George (Dear Dragon) and Carlitos (Dear Primo) describe where they live in their first letters?
Check Both Opening Letters:
Page 184 in Dear Dragon and Page 114 in Dear Primo.
Modeled Evidence & Proof:
On page 184, George describes building a giant outdoor fort and playing in his yard. In contrast, on page 114, Carlitos writes, "Skyscrapers are buildings so tall they tickle the clouds."
"Both characters use colorful comparisons to describe their physical surroundings."
Citing exact quotes from page 184 and page 114 anchors your 3.RL.9 answer!
WE DO
Guided Practice: Travel & Play
Comparing Games
Partner Investigation (Travel & Sports):
Compare how the characters travel and play across both stories:
Dear Dragon (pp. 184, 186):
• George plays catch and soccer (p. 184).
• Blaise's favorite sport is skydiving near Falcon Peak (p. 186).
Dear Primo (pp. 116–119):
• Charlie rides his bicicleta (p. 116) & plays fútbol yelling ¡gol! (p. 118).
• Carlitos rides the subway snake (p. 117) & plays basketball (p. 119).
Comparison Stem: "In Dear Dragon (p. 184), George plays soccer, just like Charlie plays fútbol in Dear Primo (p. 118)!"
Pen Pal Worlds Worksheet HMH myBook (ISBN: 978-0-358-46153-1) • Module 2
Pen Pal Worlds: Comparing Daily Life
Dear Dragon: pp. 184–186 • Dear Primo: pp. 112–121 • Standards: AZ 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9
Name:
Date:
Pacing: 40 Minutes Total
Standards 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9: Compare and contrast how characters in different stories describe their homes, games, and daily routines through letters, citing text evidence from both myBook selections.
Part 1: I Do (Teacher Model • 8 Min) p. 184 vs. p. 114
Comparative Question: How do George (Dear Dragon) and Carlitos (Dear Primo) describe where they live in their opening letters?
Model Answer: On page 184 of Dear Dragon, George Slair describes building a giant outdoor fort and playing in his yard. In contrast, on page 114 of Dear Primo, Carlitos writes: "Skyscrapers are buildings so tall they tickle the clouds."
Notice: The comparison directly pairs specific details and page numbers from each myBook story.
Part 2: We Do (Guided Practice • 12 Min) Comparing Sports & Recess (pp. 118–119 vs. p. 184)
Guided Question: Compare the sports played by George in Dear Dragon (p. 184) with Charlie and Carlitos in Dear Primo (pp. 118–119). What similarities and differences do you find?
Cite evidence from page 184 (Dear Dragon) and pages 118–119 (Dear Primo) with your partner:
Comparative Stem: "In Dear Dragon (p. 184), George plays soccer, similar to Charlie playing fútbol on page 118, while Carlitos..."
Part 3: You Do (Independent Comparative Practice • 20 Min) Travel & Food
Answer each comparative question independently, citing both stories:
1. Foods: On pages 120–121 of Dear Primo, what favorite foods do Charlie and Carlitos describe? How does cooking quesadillas compare to buying a pizza slice?
2. Travel: Compare how Charlie (p. 116) and Carlitos (p. 117) travel to school with Blaise Dragomir's skydiving over Falcon Peak (p. 186). Cite exact details.
Standards 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9 Checklist: Cites Dear Dragon pages (pp. 184–186) Cites Dear Primo pages (pp. 112–121) Compares daily settings and routines
Worlds Collide Slides HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words Day 4 Focus: 3.RL.9
Standard 3.RL.9: Compare & Contrast Characters Across Stories
Worlds Collide: Pen Pal Showdown
Comparing George & Blaise (Dear Dragon pp. 181–201) with Carlitos & Charlie (Dear Primo pp. 112–137).
3.RL.9 Analysis
myBook Selections
4 Pen Pals
Dragons, Humans, Cousins
40-Min Activity
Matrix Comparison
Standard 3.RL.9: Cross-Text Detectives
myBook Comparison
Dear Dragon (pp. 181–201)
• Characters: George Slair (human) & Blaise Dragomir (dragon).
• Assignment: School project requiring rhyming poetry (p. 181).
• Conflict: Don't realize they are different species!
Dear Primo (pp. 112–137)
• Characters: Carlitos (city) & Charlie (farm/village).
• Relationship: Family cousins writing across international borders.
• Focus: Sharing real-world cultural traditions and foods.
The Big Question: How does communicating through letters help both pairs overcome physical and cultural boundaries?
I DO
Teacher Model: Motive & Connection
myBook: p. 181 vs. p. 112
Comparison Prompt:
How do the reasons for writing letters differ between George & Blaise versus Carlitos & Charlie?
Check Opening Lines:
Dear Dragon p. 181 vs. Dear Primo p. 112.
Modeled 3.RL.9 Response:
On page 181 of Dear Dragon, George and Blaise write because their teachers assigned a school rhyming project. In contrast, on page 112 of Dear Primo, Charlie writes: "Do you wonder like me what life is like far away?" to stay close as cousins across borders.
"Both stories use letters to bridge distance, but one begins as schoolwork while the other begins as family love."
Notice how transition words like "In contrast" clarify differences!
WE DO
Guided Practice: Traditions & Clues
Compare Characters
Partner Comparison (3.RL.9):
How do cultural traditions and language misunderstandings compare across texts?
Dear Dragon (pp. 188–198):
• George and Blaise misunderstand everyday words (knight, kitten, skydive).
They assume the other person is their own species!
Dear Primo (pp. 128–137):
• Charlie shares charros, Día de los Muertos, and Posadas with piñatas (pp. 132–135).
Carlitos shares Halloween and Thanksgiving (pp. 136–137)!
Worlds Collide Worksheet HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words
Worlds Collide: Pen Pal Showdown
Dear Dragon: pp. 181–201 • Dear Primo: pp. 112–137 • Standard: AZ 3.RL.9
Name:
Date:
Pacing: 40 Minutes Total
Standard 3.RL.9: Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories about characters who share similar experiences (communicating through pen pal letters).
Part 1: I Do (Teacher Model • 8 Min) Page 181 vs. Page 112
Question: How do the reasons for writing letters differ between George & Blaise and Carlitos & Charlie?
Model Answer: In Dear Dragon (p. 181), George and Blaise write because their teachers assigned a rhyming poetry pen pal project for school. In contrast, in Dear Primo (p. 112), Charlie writes voluntarily to his cousin Carlitos to ask, "Do you wonder like me what life is like far away?"
Part 2: We Do (Guided Matrix • 12 Min) Comparing Characters Across Texts
Work with your partner to complete the comparison matrix:
Feature Dear Dragon (pp. 181–201) Dear Primo (pp. 112–137) Who are they? George Slair (human boy) & Blaise Dragomir (dragon). Carlitos (American city cousin) & Charlie (Mexican village cousin). Communication? Rhyming poems assigned by teachers (p. 181). Personal letters paired with colorful drawings (p. 112). Traditions / Clues?
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Part 3: You Do (Independent Analysis • 20 Min) 3.RL.9 Written Synthesis
Prompt: On page 201 of Dear Dragon, Blaise writes that he never liked to write until writing to George. Compare this with page 138 of Dear Primo where Charlie thinks, "My primo should come visit me!" How do letters turn distant pen pals into true friends?
3.RL.9 Checklist: Cites George & Blaise (pp. 181–201) Cites Carlitos & Charlie (pp. 112–137) Compares how letters create friendship
Friendship Unmasked Slides HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words Day 5: 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9
Standards 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9: Thematic Synthesis & Resolution
Friendship Unmasked: The Big Reveal
Comparing the endings: Dear Dragon (pp. 202–210) & Dear Primo (pp. 138–140).
The Picnic (pp. 202–209)
"My Pen Pal is a Dragon?"
The Visit (pp. 138–140)
"I Have an Idea!"
40-Min Activity
Thematic Synthesis
The Climax: Meeting Across Boundaries
Resolutions Compared
Dear Dragon (pp. 204–209)
• The Reveal (pp. 204–207): "Blaise?" "George?" "My pen pal is a dragon?" "My pen pal is a human?"
The Celebration (pp. 208–209): They high-five, laugh, and celebrate because their poems proved who they are on the inside!
Dear Primo (pp. 138–140)
• The Idea (pp. 138–139): Both boys lie in bed wishing: "My primo should come visit me!"
The Unity (p. 140): Carlitos and Charlie walk together arm in arm, connecting Mexico and America!
Universal Theme: True friendship sees past outward physical differences—whether across countries or across species!
I DO
Teacher Model: Thematic Comparison
3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9
The Synthesis Prompt:
What central message about friendship do the resolutions of both stories teach readers?
Check Both Endings:
Dear Dragon (pp. 208–209) + Dear Primo (p. 140).
Synthesized Model Answer:
Both stories teach that true friendship connects hearts despite different worlds. On pages 208–209, Blaise and George high-five and celebrate because their poems proved they are kindred spirits. On page 140, Carlitos and Charlie walk together arm in arm across borders.
"Both texts show that words build empathy and unite different worlds."
Notice how citing the final spreads (pp. 208–209 and p. 140) provides strong thematic proof!
WE DO
Guided Practice: Character Transformation
Partner Discussion
Turn & Talk (Character Growth):
How do the characters grow from their very first letter to their final page?
George & Blaise (pp. 184 ➔ 208):
• Both start by saying "I really don't like writing" (pp. 184, 186).
➔ By the end, they love writing to each other (p. 201) and high-five as best friends (p. 208)!
Charlie & Carlitos (pp. 112 ➔ 140):
• Start by wondering what life is like far away across the border.
➔ Conclude by dreaming of visits (pp. 138–139) and walking side-by-side (p. 140)!
Friendship Unmasked Worksheet HMH Into Reading • Module 2: Use Your Words
Friendship Unmasked: Thematic Synthesis
Comparing Endings: Dear Dragon (pp. 202–210) & Dear Primo (pp. 138–140) • AZ 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9
Name:
Date:
Pacing: 40 Minutes Total
Standards 3.RL.1 & 3.RL.9: Synthesize central themes and character growth across texts, referring explicitly to evidence from both myBook stories to justify conclusions.
Part 1: I Do (Teacher Model • 8 Min) pp. 208–209 vs. p. 140
Question: What shared message about friendship and differences do both Module 2 stories convey at their conclusions?
Model Answer: Both stories prove that true friendship looks past external differences. On pages 208–209 of Dear Dragon, Blaise Dragomir and George Slair high-five and celebrate because their poems proved they are best friends. On page 140 of Dear Primo, Carlitos and Charlie walk together arm in arm connecting Mexico and America.
Part 2: We Do (Guided Practice • 12 Min) Climax & Acceptance (pp. 204–207 vs. pp. 138–139)
Guided Question: On pages 204–207, Blaise and George meet in person ("My pen pal is a dragon?"). Compare this with Carlitos and Charlie thinking, "My primo should come visit me!" (pp. 138–139). How do both pairs demonstrate open-mindedness?
Cite evidence from pages 204–207 and pages 138–139 with your partner:
Evidence Stem: "In Dear Dragon (pp. 206–207), they show acceptance by..., while in Dear Primo (p. 138)..."
Part 3: You Do (Independent Culminating Task • 20 Min) Final Evaluative Writing
Independent Prompt: On page 210 of Dear Dragon, the teachers ask if the project was a success. Looking at Blaise and George (pp. 208–209) and Carlitos and Charlie (p. 140), explain why pen pal letters are powerful tools for breaking down stereotypes. Cite evidence from both stories.
Final Mastery Checklist: Cites Dear Dragon pages (pp. 202–210) Cites Dear Primo pages (pp. 138–140) Explains theme of accepting differences
