August 2001     Vol.2 Issue 8

All Lesson Plans

Reading

Suggested lesson plan for "Famous kids' book authors to lead local classes this year"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Cooperating School Districts, Patricia and Fred McKissack, Gasconade, Ruth Litman-Block, Martha Bogart, Nathanial Hawthorne, Pershing, Brittany, Nzingha, Matamba, Angola, Portuguese
Other words: unique, video-conferencing, critique, mentoring, diary

BEFORE READING: Have the child read the names and words from the possible hard words list. Help out as needed. Explain that these are names and words from the article, but you will help out if needed as the child reads the article aloud to you. Indicate that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: Supply troublesome words as needed to keep the reading smooth and fluent.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to stimulate a discussion or check for understanding.

1. What does it mean to say that either your parent or your teacher can "lobby" your school principal to apply for one of the fall sessions with children's authors?
2. How will e-mail be part of the video-conferencing?
3. What kinds of things went on during the summer video-conferences?
4. Have you ever participated in a conference such as the ones described? Would you really like to be part of one? Why or why not?

News

Suggested lesson plan for
"Berkeley girl is library poster girl"

Readability: Above sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Doniesha Carter, George Thampy, Holman Elementary School, Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Jefferson City, Edward and Donna Burse, Jerrell Carter, Jermaine
Other words: persistence, comprehend, converted, insulation, proctor, concentrate, librarian

BEFORE READING: Ask the young reader to read all the names and words from the list. Provide help as needed. Then suggest the child read the article aloud to you and be prepared to discuss it after the reading.

DURING READING: Provide words as needed to keep the reading smooth and fluent.

AFTER READING: Use questions to guide a discussion and check for the reader's comprehension of the substance of the article.

1. Why does it seem unusual that Doniesha ended up as a poster girl for the St. Louis County Library?
2. What service did Doniesha and her classmates provide that lead to Doniesha's selection as the library's poster girl for this year?
3. Why does Doniesha claim you really have to concentrate while recording your reading?
4. Would you like to record books for the blind and physically handicapped? Why or why not?

Profile

Suggested lesson plan for "Eureka youth finds career path with community service"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Lance Rutter, Eureka, St. Thomas Catholic School, Hannibal, Marymont Manor Nursing Center, Wendy Wells, Miami, Florida, Sacred Heart Church, Father Alexander Anderson, Tracey Mueller
Other words: confirmation, sophomore, commitment, cerebral palsy, nominated, responsibility, integrity, philosophical

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the terms from the list above. Help out where help is needed. If no more than three are missed, suggest the child read the article silently. If four to six are missed, suggest that the child read the article aloud. If seven or more are missed, you volunteer to read the article to the child. In all instances, indicate questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to help with any difficulty words if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply words as needed to keep the reading as smooth and fluent as possible. If you read aloud, model good oral reading that communicates the ideas so the listener can readily pick them up from listening.

AFTER READING: Use questions to promote discussion and check for comprehension. Some examples follow.

1. What lead Lance to consider his career direction?
2. What part did Harry Potter books play in Lance's service at the nursing home?
3. Besides reading to the patients, what other things does Lance do?
4. What does it mean to say that Lance is "philosophical about the situation?"

Books

This month's book reviews

A book by a local author about a
legendary 16th century African heroine

Patricia McKissack is a nationally renowned author of children's books. One of her more recent publications is a title in a series of historical books for children called the "The Royal Diaries," which feature fictional diaries based on events in famous women's lives when these figures were teenagers. "Nzingha, Warrior Queen of Matamba" tells the story of a young girl who rose to become the Queen of those in her nation who resisted the colonial invasion of Portugal in that southwest African nation now called Angola.

Nzingha was unusual in her time because she learned to use weapons like a man and secretly learned Portuguese from a missionary priest. As the assertive daughter of an African king, she became a powerful political figure in her own right. Angola is directly across the Atlantic Ocean from Brazil, which was also exploited by Portugal. Portuguese slave traders engaged in capturing Africans from the west coastal area and shipping them directly to Brazil to work the fields in that country.

Nzingha resisted Portuguese colonial expansion and fought the slave trade rather than profit from it like some African leaders, who exploited their own people. As a result, she became a legendary figure in Africa, as well as among the slaves in both North and South America. The story of her life is good reading for both boys and girls, whatever their racial background.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

Can a book supposedly written at a third grade reading level crack-up an adult?

I've been doing these kids' book reviews for over a year now. This little paperback is the first one that had me laughing out loud repeatedly while reading it. As a kid, I grew up reading Superman, Captain Marvel, and Batman comic books. MAXimum boy, the hero of "The Hijacking of Manhattan," is the most hilarious superhero I've run across.

Among other things, MAXimum Boy, as a superhero, gets to go to a meeting of the League of Superheroes. He is disappointed to find out that Spider Man has sticky hands, Superman has super bad breath, and Captain Marvel smelled like he hadn't showered in over a month. Wonder Woman was okay but she gossiped too much. He really didn't think superheroes were supposed to brag like these older guys did, so he quit going to the meetings.

When the President of the United States noticed the spaghetti sauce stains on Max's costume, the President suggested that he "shout it out." Max asked if that meant that he should hang it up and "scream at it."

Anyway, your kids ought to appreciate the humor. There is plenty of opportunity to talk about farce and satire. You might want to read it yourself, just for fun. And remember, the publisher says it's only third grade reading level. And that's not supposed to be one of the jokes.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

A kids' book with a fascinating gimmick

"River of No Return" is just one title in a series of books called the "Choose Your Own Adventure" series. The gimmick involves the inserting of choice points in the plot as the story unfolds. The young reader can pick from two or three choices and be directed to pages in the book that are consistent with the choice he or she picks. Each choice leads to a different set of next steps in the plot. Naturally, the young reader usually is confronted with choosing a resolution to some dangerous dilemma. Often, it appears that a wrong choice could lead to disaster.

"River of No Return" involves river rafting on a white water river in Montana. The main character is a youth who is embarking on this trip with people who are older than he is. As is often the case in kids' books, the young hero or heroine is called on to make decisions when surrounding adults cannot or will not make them.

The publisher reports a fourth grade reading level. Note that there are numerous books that have been published over recent years in this same series. They all make use of the same choice-point device.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

Another wholesome series
for middle grade girls

The Magic Attic series is one that has stood the test of time. "Trapped Beyond the Magic Attic" is just one title in a series that now has over two dozen titles in it. The popularity of the books is related to the way time travel has appealed to readers, kids and adults, for decades. In this story, the time travel provides a core around which to deal with the social relationships young girls can get involved in at school, issues of ethnicity, the role that computer literacy can play in today's world, and even some history background. There is a somewhat mysterious adult mentor provided in the role of the owner of the old Victorian House in which the girls find the magic mirror.

The paperbacks are easy to read and colorfully illustrated. This might offer another way to get a daughter involved in recreational reading - reading that has some redeeming social value.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

Entertainment

Suggested lesson plan for "Kids face mass audition to get on Muny stage"

Readability: About sixth grade level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Jack Erbs, Elana Estrin, Ellen Ransom, Eddie Szewczyk, Shrewsbury, Seven Holy Founders School, Gershwin, Harvest Ridge Elementary School, J. K. Rowling, Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville, Ill., Al Gore, Jerry Costello, Bob Costas
Other words: schedule, organization, character, orchestra, journalist, publicity, personality, audition

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read all the names and words from the list and provide help where needed. There are 22 items on the list. If no more than four terms are troublesome, suggest that the young reader read the article silently. If five to eight items cause problems, suggest that the child read the article aloud to you. If nine or more terms are missed, you offer to read the article aloud. Indicate that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to help with any troublesome words if asked to help. For the child reading aloud, supply words fairly quickly if the reader seems to be struggling. If you read aloud, model expressive and fluent reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as these to check comprehension and/or to promote discussion:

1. Why are the kids who get Muny parts called "survivors?"
2. What makes you think that kids trying out for Muny parts probably should have had some earlier entertainment experience?
3. What is Eddie Szewczyk doing that pays him a salary?
4. Have you had any performing experience? Would you be interested in performing at the Muny? Why or why not?

Music

Suggested lesson plan for "New
recognition for 'improving' kid musicians"

Readability: Above sixth grade level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Ashley Green, CLASSIC99 Radio, AmerenUE Bright Star, Tricia Oates, Barrington Elementary School, Hazelwood School District, Chicago, John Muerer
Other words: initiatives, recognizes, performances, audience, ordinarily, nominations, website, announcements

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the names and words from the list. If no more than three cause a problem, suggest the child read the article silently. If four to six are missed, suggest the child read the article aloud to you. If seven or more terms are missed, offer to read the article aloud to the young reader. Indicate in all cases that questions will be raised at the end of the reading.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, indicate that you will help with any words if asked. For the child reading aloud, quickly provide any words that impair fluency. If you read aloud, model smooth and expressive reading.

AFTER READING: Raise questions such as the following in order to check for understanding and to promote discussion.

1. What is the purpose of the awards in the Bright Star program?
2. What is Ashley's favorite instrument and why did she take it up?
3. What does the director demand of the players in the band?
4. What do the Bright Star winners get for winning the award?

Sports

Suggested lesson plan for "Area kids enter nationals of youth hunter challenge"

Readability: Above sixth grade level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Missouri Magnum, Franklin Clayton, Robertsville, Franklin County, Mick Muckerman, Chesterfield, Jay Hentges Range and Training Center, Danielle Metzger, Cameron Hall, James Vest, John Marshall, Antire Road, Winnington Center, Raton, N.M., Colorado, Bootheel, Rolla
Other words: opportunities, orienteering, compass, topographical map, tournament, precautions, quail

BEFORE READING: This article has a high percentage of proper names. Have the young reader read the names and words while you provide help as needed. If the reader needs help with four or fewer terms, suggest that he or she read the article silently. If the reader needs help with five to eight words, suggest that he or she read the article aloud to you. If nine or more terms are missed, you volunteer to read the article aloud to the child. In all three cases, indicate questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: Tell the child reading silently that you will help with any words or names if asked during the reading. For the child reading aloud, supply words as needed to keep the reading smooth and fluent. If you read aloud, model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions similar to the following to check understanding and stimulate discussion.

1. What advantage did Franklin Clayton have in turning into a good hunter?
2. What is orienteering?
3. Why can't the four from Missouri who qualified for the nationals compete as a team?
4. Besides shooting, what other things were tested in the competition?
5. Would you have any interest in participating in a hunting competition? Why or why not?

Pets

Suggested lesson plan for "Fun
Sundays at St. Louis dog museum"

Readability: Fourth grade reading level

Possible hard words:
Proper names: Queeny Park, Schnauzer Craze, Dalmatian Drill Team, Catie Fedyk, Katelyn Twillmann, Alexis Eveland, Jane Brennan-Mueller, Spotsavers of St. Louis, German-Shepherd Border Collie, Australian bat, Bridgeway Elementary School, Our Redeemer Lutheran School, American Kennel Club, Mason Road, Manchester Road
Other words: theme, demonstrations, courtesy, participate

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the names and words from the list above, while you help out where help is needed. If the child misses three or fewer of the terms, encourage him or her to read the article silently. If four to six of the terms are troublesome, suggest that he or she read it aloud to you. If seven are more terms are missed, offer to read the article aloud.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer help with words if asked for help. For the child reading aloud to you, supply and words as needed to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model expressive and fluent oral reading.

AFTER READING: Raise questions such as these to promote discussion and/or check for understanding.

1. Describe the program for Schnauzer Craze on Sunday, August 19.
2. Describe the proper courtesy on meeting dogs that are with their owners.
3. What are some of the things included in the dog museum?
4. Have you visited the dog museum? Would you like to visit it? Why or why not?

History

Suggested lesson plan for "For St. Louis kids, much aviation history is local news"

Readability: Fourth grade reading level

Possible Hard words:
Proper names: James S. McDonnell Prologue Room, Lambert Field, Robert Wheelington, Ashley Mahone, Michael Tate, Richard Barr, Future Geniuses Child Care Learning Center, Berkeley, Wilbur and Orville Wright, Mercury, Gemini, Woodland Elementary, Jennings School District
Other words: museum, squadron, stability, vertical, horizontal, assembly, maneuver, aviation, exploration, modules, components, veterinarian, gymnast

BEFORE READING: There are 26 items in the list above. Ask the child reader to read the list, with you providing help where needed. If help is needed with four or fewer terms, suggest that the child read the article silently. If five to eight terms are troublesome, suggest that the child read the article aloud. If nine or more terms are missed, you volunteer to read the article aloud to the child. In all cases, indicate questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For that child reading silently, offer to help out with any words if asked to do so. For the child reading aloud, supply words quickly that impair fluency of reading. If you read aloud, model smooth and fluent oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as those following to encourage discussion and check comprehension.

1. Why are the summer months the best time for families to visit the aviation museum?
2. What were the four elements of flight that the Wright brothers had to solve?
3. Try to point out how each of these four problem areas was addressed in the early development of aviation?
4. What was the role that St. Louis played in the history of aviation?

Answers to Fun & Games

Note that the words used in Young Saint Louis.com crossword puzzles are all taken from the articles appearing in this months issue.

Young Saint Louis.com - August #1

Young Saint Louis.com - August #2

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