August 2003     Vol.4 Issue 8

Suggested lesson plan for "Young
Achiever wants to be astronaut"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Alexander Ecklund, U. S. Rep. Todd Akin, Babler Elementary School, Ellisville Rams, Huntsville, Ala., Mr. Snuffles, Webelos, Frank Lloyd Wright, Antarctica, Alaska, ACE Birdhouse Co.
Other words: astronaut, competitive, installation, weightlessness, mandatory, voluntary

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words with you providing help as needed. The purpose is to get an idea of how difficult the article might be for the young reader. Of the seventeen items, if no more than three seem to cause difficulty, ask the reader to read the article silently. If four to six seem to be troublesome, suggest the young reader read the article aloud to you. If seven or more are problems, you offer to read the article aloud to the child. In all instances, note that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help out with any words if asked for help. For the child reading aloud, provide fairly quickly any words that seem to be impairing reading fluency. If you are reading loud, model smooth, fluent oral reading.

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

1. Why does Alexander want to go to the U.S. Naval Academy?
2. Do you think Alexander is unusual for a beginning fifth grader? Why?
3. What different types of birdhouses did he make and sell?
4. How do the activities in your life compare with Alexander's?