August 2001     Vol.2 Issue 8

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?