January 2003     Vol.4 Issue 1

Suggested lesson plan for "For some kids,
a wildlife habitat is close at hand"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Jessica Hendin, Aron Hendin, Monica Streeter, Chesterfield Citizen's Committee for the Environment, National Wildlife Federation, Parkway Central Middle School, Solomon Spector Day School, Creve Coeur Creek, Darcy Capstick, Sachs Butterfly House and Education Center, Faust Park, Monsanto-Pharmacia
Other words: habitat, certified, marigolds, coyotes, composted, hibiscus, miniature, reestablishing, evolving, symposium

BEFORE READING: To determine how easily the young reader can handle the vocabulary load in this article, have him or her read all the items from the possible hard words list. Provide help as needed but keep track of how many items call for your assistance. If no more than three items call for help, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If four to six require assistance, suggest that the child read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items cause difficulty, you volunteer to read the article aloud. In all instances, point out that question will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to provide any help requested. For the child reading aloud to you, supply troublesome words fairly promptly to maintain reasonable fluency. If you read aloud, model expressive, fluent oral reading.

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

1. What does a family need to do to get its backyard named a wildlife area?
2. What sorts of animals are attracted to these areas?
3. Besides private homes, what other places are setting up wildlife habitats?
4. Have you played any part in helping out the wild birds and animals? Explain.