December 2004     Vol.5 Issue 12

Suggested lesson plan for "Kids
make pens, ink like the pioneers"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Office Depot, Wal-Mart, Mathew Kelpe, Hentges Outdoor Education Center, Wildwood, Mo., Shanna Raeker, Brandi Griffith, Osage, Travis Nixon, Bitterroot Mountains
Other words: squished, naturalist, vinegar, estimated, cursive, charcoal, camera, similar, route, journal

BEFORE READING: To assess how difficult or easy the article might be for a young reader, have him or her read the list of possible hard words. Help out with words where help is needed, but keep track of the number of items that require your assistance. I fewer than three items require assistance, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If four to six items are problems, ask the child to read the article aloud. If seven or more items need help, you offer to read the article aloud. In all three instances, point out that questions will be asked afterward.

DURING READING: For the one reading silently, offer to help out with any names or words if asked. For the one reading aloud, supply troublesome words fairly quickly in order to insure fluency. If you read aloud, model fluent oral reading.

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

1. How did the pioneers make their pens and ink?
2. What was the purpose of adding vinegar to the homemade ink?
3. What did the explorers have to use in place of cameras?
4. What were some of the disadvantages of quill pens and homemade ink over modern ballpoint pens?