Readability: Sixth Grade level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Stephanie McNair, AllowanceNET, Catholic, Nickelodeon TV Channel Other words: participate, negotiate, monitor, diabetes, carbohydrates, cello

BEFORE READING: There are ten words and names on the list of possible hard words.  Ask the young reader to read the list. Help pronounce any that cause difficulty.  Use this performance to gauge how easy or difficult the article is likely to be for the reader. The goal of the lesson is to develop fluency in reading.  If only two words cause problems, encourage the reader to read the article silently.  If three or four words are missed, suggest that the young reader read the article aloud. If five or more cause difficulty, you volunteer to read the article aloud.  In all instances, tell the reader to be prepared to discuss the article. 

DURING READING: For the silent reading, be prepared to pronounce or explain the meaning of any word, if asked.  For the oral reading, supply any words that impair fluent reading. If you read the article aloud, model fluent and expressive oral reading.  In addition, be ready to briefly define any terms that seem to be unfamiliar to the child, while trying to keep the reading as fluent as possible. 

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

1. What are the kids supposed to do on the AllowanceNet website?
2. How is Stephanie McNair’s plan likely to differ from that of most kids?
3. How does Stephanie’s hobby tie in with what she wants to do when she grows up?
4. What impression do you have of how Stephanie feels about her five-year-old brother?
5. Do you think Stephanie’s plan should have been a prizewinner?  Why or why not?