1. 🎧 Listen for the Big Idea (First Listening)
Step 1: Listen one time without reading.
Don’t worry about every word. Just ask yourself:
- What does Boone do that surprises Caldwell?
- Who is hiding near the river?
- How does the chapter end?
Big Idea Question:
In one sentence, what is this chapter mainly about?
Example starter: “This chapter is mainly about __________________________.”
2. 📖 Read While Listening (Second Listening)
Now listen again while reading the text.
Tip: Try this listening order:
- Normal speed
- Slower speed (0.75)
- Normal again
Focus on:
- ranch setting words (pasture, fence line, cottonwoods)
- action words (froze, bolted, crouched, reined up)
- feelings (suspicious, calm, proud, relieved)
3. 🧾 Vocabulary List (Key Words from the Story)
Study these words before listening again.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example / Your Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| pasture | a field where animals eat grass | “They headed for the west pasture…” |
| herd | a group of cattle | Make your own sentence. |
| fence line | the line where a fence runs | Make your own sentence. |
| froze | stopped suddenly and stayed still | Make your own sentence. |
| bolted | ran suddenly and fast | Make your own sentence. |
| cottonwoods | large trees (often near a river) | Make your own sentence. |
| brush | thick bushes/plants | Make your own sentence. |
| crouched | sat low, hiding | Make your own sentence. |
| rustlers | people who steal cattle/horses | Make your own sentence. |
| hobbled | tied (a horse’s legs) so it can’t run far | Make your own sentence. |
| earned his keep | proved he is useful / deserves to stay | Make your own sentence. |
| Reckon… | informal: “I think…” | Make your own sentence. |
4. 🔁 Key Phrase Practice (Repeat Aloud)
Say these aloud 3 times each:
- “That ain’t no rabbit bark, boss. I’ll take a look.”
- “Fine day to be hidin’ in the willows, ain’t it?”
- “You’ll walk out quiet and easy.”
- “Looks like your dog ain’t much for chasin’ rabbits after all.”
- “I’d say that dog’s earned his keep.”
🎤 Try reading them with emotion, like a storyteller.
5. ❓ Comprehension Questions (Answer in Your Own Words)
Write full sentences.
- Where do Jake and Caldwell ride in the morning?
- What does Boone do before he runs toward the cottonwoods?
- Who does Jake find in the brush, and why is it suspicious?
- How does Boone help Jake control the situation?
- What does Caldwell decide to do with the two men?
- How does Caldwell’s opinion of Boone change by the end?
6. 🗣 Speaking Prompts (Record Yourself if Possible)
Answer out loud. Speak for 1–2 minutes.
- Do you think animals can “work” and help people? Give an example.
- Was Jake brave, careful, or both? Explain your answer.
- Why do you think Caldwell tests people (and Boone)? Is that fair?
- Have you ever changed your opinion about someone (or something)? What happened?
- If you were Jake, what would you say to Boone after the sheriff takes the men away?
🎧 Optional: Record yourself and listen again.
7. ✍️ Writing Task (5–10 Sentences)
Choose ONE:
- Option A: Summary – Write 5–8 sentences summarizing what happens in Chapter 3.
- Option B: Personal Reflection – Write about a time you proved you could be trusted.
- Option C: Continue the Story – Write what happens at supper when Caldwell allows Boone “a seat at the table.”
✅ Lesson 3 Complete: Use the helpful Student Writing Workbook for this lesson
You have now finished:
- Listening
- Reading
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
This is a full professional self-study lesson based on one ranch chapter.