January 2002     Vol.3 Issue 1

Suggested lesson plan for "St. Cecilia
kids write, score and record music

Readability; Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: St. Cecilia, Hispanic, Los Pasadas, Carmen Alfonso, Madeline Alfonso, Jim Ford, Katy Harr, Casey and Kevin Cavanaugh, Armando Leos, Allison Crudden
Other words: liturgical dance, traditional, curriculum, multiplication tables, accompaniment, emphasis, guitar, percussion

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read all the terms from the list. Help out where needed. If there are problems with no more than three words, have the child read the article silently. If four to six are missed, suggest the child read the article aloud. If seven or more missed, you volunteer to read the article aloud. Note that questions will be raised afterward in all instances.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to help with any terms if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply any words needed to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model smooth, fluent oral reading.

AFTER READING: Questions such as the following can be used to check comprehension and to promote discussion.

1. What is so unusual about the St. Cecilia School's music program?
2. Why is Spanish featured along with English songs?
3. Who seemed to bring about the special emphasis or music at St. Cecilia's and why did he think it was important?
4. What's hard about writing the words for a song after the music is written?
5. Would you like your school to have a similar music program? Why or why not?