Readability:  Above sixth 

Possible hard words: Proper names: Becky Cacioppo, Igor Lisovsky, Mallory Simmons, South Roxanna, Ill., Heather Cook, Twillman Accelerated Elementary School, Becky Kern-Ryan, Leta Redd

Other words: solos, precision, opportunities, oftentimes, routine

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of names and words from the list above. Help out with any words causing difficulty.  Then suggest that he or she read the article aloud and that you will help out with any words they don’t know.  Indicate that the article will be discussed after reading.

DURING READING: Pronounce any words that cause the reader to hesitate.  Try to keep the reading fluent. 

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

1. What do you think is the difference between solo and precision team skating?
2. Which one of the girls seems to be most serious about a future in ice-skating?  Why do you think that?
3. What do you think she means when a skating coach says, “I’m sort of gentle when it comes to coaching”?
4. Is it just kids that take skating lessons?  How do you know from the article?
5. Have you ice-skated before?  Do you have any interest is taking lessons?  Why or why not?