Lesson Plan - Nothing Can Hold Me Back

Watch a Video: My Story: Isaiah Bingham
After watching, ask: How has Isaiah’s eyesight affected him? How has he kept it from holding him back?

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

• barrier
• persevere

Set a Purpose for Reading
Point out the As You Read question, and encourage students to think about the difference between “vision” and “sight.”

1. Isaiah says, “I prove a lot of people wrong.” What details does the author give to support this idea?
The author supports the idea by showing that Isaiah plays football, basketball, and baseball—even though a doctor had predicted that he wouldn’t be able to participate in sports other than swimming.
^{R.8 Evaluating Evidence}

2. What is the section “Beating the Odds” mainly about?
This section is mainly about how Isaiah’s mom arrived at the decision to let him play tackle football.
^{R.2 Main Idea}

3. What is the meaning behind Isaiah’s nickname?
Isaiah’s coach gave him the nickname “Vision” because “even though Isaiah doesn’t have perfect eyesight, he has a clear vision for what he wants out of life.”
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

FEATURED SKILL: Explanatory Writing
Use the Skill Builder “Go for Your Goals” to have students outline how they might pursue their goals just as Isaiah has.
^{W.2 Explanatory Writing}