January 2004     Vol.5 Issue 1

Suggested lesson plan for "Big family-friendly
Lewis and Clark exhibit to open"

Possible hard words: Proper names: National Bicentennial Exhibit, Philadelphia, Denver, Portland, Smithsonian Institution, Tim Grove, Hidatsa, Shoshone, Sacagawea, Bellefontaine Cemetery
Other words: encountered, grouse, coyote, antelope, interactive, negotiator, territorial, virtual

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words. Provide help where needed and keep track of the number calling for that help. If no more than three items require help, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If four to six terms are missed, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more call for help, you offer to read the article aloud to the child. In all three instances, indicate that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help out with any words if asked for help. For the child reading aloud, supply any words fairly quickly that cause hesitation or difficulty in order to keep the reading reasonably fluent. If you read the article aloud, model smooth, fluent oral reading.

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

1. What are some of the theme areas of the Lewis and Clark exhibit?
2. Describe the interactive exhibit that tests your negotiating skills.
3. Which of the explorers lived to be quite old and is buried in a St. Louis cemetery?
4. Of all the parts of the exhibit, which one holds the most interest for you? Why?