Lesson Plan - Escape From a War Zone

Watch a Video: Escaping the War in Ukraine
Discuss: How have Ukrainians been affected by the Russian invasion and the ongoing war?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• civilians 
• decimated

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about the challenges the Rokhmail family has endured.

1. Why does the author say that getting out of Ukraine “wouldn’t be easy”?
Getting out of Ukraine was hard because millions of people were trying to leave at once. Leaving also meant saying tough goodbyes and traveling through bombed-out areas.
^{(RI.4.2 KEY DETAILS)}

2. What might Vladik mean when he says that “everything is different”?
Vladik means that life in Florida is very different from life in Ukraine. He’s living in a new home in a new country, attending a new school, and learning a new language.
^{(RI.4.1 INFERENCE)}

3. Based on the sidebar, describe some differences between refugees and immigrants.
Refugees must leave their country to escape danger and often cannot bring many belongings. Immigrants choose to leave their country and may have time to pack.
^{(RI.4.5 COMPARISON)}

FEATURED SKILL: Integrating Information
After reading the text and watching the videos, use “Seeking Safety” to have students think about what refugees experience. 
^{(RI.4.9 INTEGRATE INFORMATION)}