February 2004     Vol.5 Issue 2

Suggested lesson plan for "An original
Lewis and Clark opera for kids"

Possible hard words: Opera Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Theater, Webster University, Sarah Baldessari, Stephen Mager, Bach, Beethoven, Omaha (Neb.) Opera, Michele Dumoulin, Aaron Levin, Austin Hope, Ashraele McDowell, Nathanael McClure, Patrice Stribling-Donald
Other words: premiere, commissioned, auditions, percussionist, alto, tutu, previous

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words. Help out with pronunciations of those names or words which cause difficulty. Since most of the problems in reading this article are related to the many proper names, have the young reader read the article aloud so you can help out if needed. Note up front that questions will be asked afterward.

DURING READING: Just help out with names and words enough to keep the reading reasonably fluent.

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

1. What is so special about the "Dream of the Pacific" opera?
2. What impresses the kids in the opera about working with Stephen Mager?
3. What does a percussionist do in terms of music?
4. What did all of the kids have to do in order to be picked for the opera?
5. Would you like to see the opera performed? Why or why not?