Readability:  Sixth grade

Possible hard words: Proper names: Bobby Sutherland, Kingdom Kids Academy, Florissant, St. Louis Orienteering Club, Babler State Park, David Price, David Hashagen, Jason Williams, Kevin Gettemeyer, Mary Elizabeth Mingo, Ebony, Bryon, Al Bromley

Other words: competition, familiarize, destination, intermediate, compass, topographic, participants, kilometers, right-of-way

BEFORE READING: This is not a difficult article to understand, but there are a number of proper names and a few technical words.  Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words.  Offer help where needed.  If the reader has difficulty pronouncing no more than three of the words without help, encourage him or her to read the article silently and be ready to discuss it.  If the reader misses four to six words, suggest he or she read it aloud to you and you will be ready to help with any troublesome words.  If the reader misses seven or more of the words, offer to read the article aloud. 

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to help on any words if asked to do so.  For the child reading orally, supply the correct words where it is clear the reader is having a problem.  Try to keep the reading as smooth and fluent as possible.  If you read it aloud, model smooth and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to check for comprehension and/or stimulate discussion after reading.

1. Why is orienteering essential in wilderness areas of today, or why was it essential even in cities of the past?
2. Explain what “orient” means.  What kinds of features are used in orienteering?
3. Why was November a good time for Mary Elizabeth to go orienteering?
4. Is “orienteering” something you might enjoy doing?  Why or why not?