Readability:  About sixth grade

Possible hard words: Proper names: Jan Starke, Newfoundland dog, President Thomas Jefferson Other words: replica, coordinates, canton

BEFORE READING: This is a relatively easy article with few technical words.  ‘Have the young reader read the few names and words from the list.  Help out with any that might cause a problem.  Ask the reader to read the article aloud, indicating that you will help with words if needed. Tell the reader that the article will be discussed when the reading is finished.

DURING READING: Provide any words causing difficulty in order to keep the reading smooth and fluent.

AFTER READING: Use the following questions or similar ones to promote discussion and check for understanding.

1. Explain what it means to say the boat on display is a one-half scale model.
2. How many boats were taken and what kinds of supplies were carried on the trip up the Missouri River?
3. Why was this expedition so important historically?
4. Why were there only 15 stars in the flag in 1804?