1. 🎧 Listen for the Big Idea (First Listening)
Step 1: Listen one time without reading.
Don’t worry about every word. Just ask yourself:
- Who is the story about?
- What happens near the creek?
- What changes for Jake by the end?
Big Idea Question:
In one sentence, what is this story mainly about?
Example starter:
“This story 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:
- how Jake speaks
- repeated story rhythm
- descriptive Western language
3. 🧾 Vocabulary List (Key Words from the Story)
Study these words before listening again.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example from the Story |
|---|---|---|
| plains | wide flat land | “The sun hung low over the plains…” |
| foreman | ranch manager / leader | “Jake Harmon, new foreman…” |
| herd | group of cattle | “three steers had broken away…” |
| steer | a male cow | “one tried to break into a run…” |
| draw | small valley or dip in land | “drifting toward a draw…” |
| whistled sharp | whistled loudly | “Jake whistled sharp…” |
| spooked | suddenly scared | “if they spooked and bolted…” |
| creek | small river | “swing east toward a narrow creek…” |
| warily | cautiously, carefully | “The dog watched him warily…” |
| flicker of hope | small sign of hope | “a flicker of hope…” |
| remounted | got back on the horse | “Jake remounted…” |
| trust was earned | trust takes time | “trust was earned slow…” |
4. 🔁 Key Phrase Practice (Repeat Aloud)
Say these aloud 3 times each:
- “The sun hung low over the plains.”
- “Jake aimed to do it right.”
- “Easy, boy.”
- “Guess we’re both new to this range.”
- “Sometimes friends find you.”
🎤 Try reading them with emotion, like a storyteller.
5. ❓ Comprehension Questions (Answer in Your Own Words)
Write full sentences.
- Why does Jake feel pressure as the new foreman?
- What problem happens with the cattle in the pasture?
- Where does Jake find the dog?
- How does Jake help the dog?
- Why does Jake name the dog Boone?
- What is the main message of the story?
6. 🗣 Speaking Prompts (Record Yourself if Possible)
Answer out loud. Speak for 1–2 minutes.
- Have you ever helped an animal or a stranger? What happened?
- Why is trust important in friendship?
- Describe a peaceful evening like the one at the end of the story.
- What kind of person is Jake Harmon?
- If you were Jake, what would you do next?
🎧 Optional: Record yourself and listen again.
7. ✍️ Writing Task (5–10 Sentences)
Choose ONE:
- Option A: Story Summary – Write 5–8 sentences summarizing what happens in Chapter 1.
- Option B: Personal Reflection – Write about a time you found a “friend for life.”
- Option C: Continue the Story – Write what happens the next morning at the ranch with Boone.
✅ Lesson 1 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.