February 2004     Vol.5 Issue 2

Suggested lesson plan for "Kids vie
for spots on basketball "feeder" team"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Alex Whiteside, Ryan and Troy Robertson, Ryan Kiernan, Terry Hollander, Brad Heckman, Kramer Soderberg, Billikens, Savvis Center
Other words: alma mater, tradition, varsity, immediate

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of names and words as a way to prepare for a fluent oral reading of the article. Help out with items as help is needed. Ask him or her to read the article aloud and be prepared to discuss it afterward.

DURING READING: Help out with any words as needed to keep the reading fluent.

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

1. What do you think a "feeder" team is as described in the article?
2. What do you think is referred to in speaking of the West "tradition"?
3. What does it mean to say someone "can play with the varsity but cannot dress for the games"?
4. Describe what your interest is in basketball.