Readability:  About sixth grade level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Emily Boyce, Neil Chapman, Clearview School, Crayola, Mattel-Intel, Sharon Seely, Blurt!, Patch, Dustin Ferree, Knex’s Ferris wheel, Alison Marchetto, Laycie Graves, Karen Smith
Other words: manufacturers, combination, digital microscope, exceptions, complicated, questionnaire, petri dishes, projected

BEFORE READING: There are 21 sets of names and words above in the possible hard words list.  Have the young reader read the list, helping out where any help appears needed.  It the reader miscalls no more than three, suggest that he or she read the article silently.  If four to eight words are missed, suggest that he or she read the article aloud to you.  If nine or more words are missed, offer to read the article aloud to the young reader.  In all cases, indicate questions will be asked after reading.

DURING READING: Before the child reads silently, indicate that you will supply any unknown words, if asked.  For the child reading aloud, supply unknown words fairly quickly as they are reading.  For the child listening to the article, model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to check understanding and stimulate a discussion of the article.

1. What use is made of the toy testing results done by the students at Clearview School?
2. Why was the digital microscope better than the old-style one?
3. Describe the card game Blurt!
4. What happens to the toys after the kids test them?
5. Would you like to test toys in your school? Why or why not?