Mini-Lesson

Problem/ Solution

Mini-Lesson: Grades 4-6

Objective: Students will identify problems and solutions in a science article.

1. After reading the timeforkids.com article Cubs on the March, ask students to identify some of the problems that the tigers were facing. Ask: In what section of the article can you find this information? Then, direct students' attention to the section of the story called "Old Problems, a New Approach." Have students identify in this section two problems that were affecting the tigers (poachers were hunting the animals because tiger skins were worth a lot of money; villagers were collecting firewood from the park where the tigers live and grazing their cattle there too).

2. Next, have students identify solutions that helped to protect the tigers (local officials gave villagers water and gas with which to cook; local people were given jobs, housing and schooling in exchange for helping to stop illegal hunting, or poaching, in the park).

3. Close the mini lesson by pointing out that many nonfiction articles-and lots of fiction stories, too-contain problems and solutions. Being able to identify problems and solutions in a story can help readers understand the story better.