December 2003     Vol.4 Issue 12

Lewis and Clark headed to St. Louis

Possible hard words: Proper names: Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, Scott Mandrell, Harper's Ferry, Va., Merriwether, Monongahela, Cairo, Hurricane Isabel, Tim Gore, Jim Strum, Camp Dubois, Bud Clark
Other words: reenactment, expedition, accommodate, debris, technology, coordinator, satellite, navigation, replica, pirogue, refurbishing, descendant

BEFORE READING: This short article has a high percentage of fairly hard words. Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words in order for you to ascertain how well he or she is likely to be able to read the article. Offer help with the items on the list and keep track of how many require your help. If no more than three items offer difficulty, ask the child to read the article silently. If four to six require assistance, ask the young reader to read the article aloud. If seven or more are overly difficult, you volunteer to read the article aloud. In all three instances, point out that questions will be asked afterward.

DURING READING: For the silent reader offer to help with any words if asked for help. For the one reading aloud, supply difficult words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading as fluent as possible. If you read aloud, model fluent oral reading.

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

1. What is the St. Louis connection to the reenactment in terms of participants?
2. Why did the reenactors start from Pittsburgh?
3. Point out some of the technology the reenactors are using that was not available to the original expedition.
4. Do you think today's reenactment is an important event? Why or why not?