December 2003     Vol.4 Issue 12

Suggested lesson plan for "Two youth
symphony spots at age 12"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Nicole Schroeder, St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, Webster University Community Music School, Powell Hall, Berlioz, Schumann, Prokofiev, Hiroka Yoshida, Nancy Bohm, Rockwood Valley Middle School, Austria, Volker Schroeder, Atfuko Schroeder, Chicago, Lawrence, Kansas, Anton Krutz
Other words: auditioned, composers, converted

BEFORE READING: Except for the proper names, especially of the composers, this article is fairly easy reading. Have the young reader read the list of names and words from the possible hard words list while providing any help as needed. Then ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you and be ready to answer some questions about it afterward.

DURING READING: Supply any names or words fairly quickly if they seem to be stumping the reader. The purpose is to keep the oral reading reasonably fluent.

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

1. What two accomplishments does the article suggest set Nicole apart as a musician?
2. Even though she says she likes both instruments especially well, why do you think Nicole may be better at the violin than at the piano?
3. What was Nicole's advantage over the other campers when she went to music camp in Austria?
4. Why do you think it is a good idea for Nicole to have alternative career plans?