January 2004     Vol.5 Issue 1

Suggested lesson plan for "From
Normandy beaches to documentary film"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Alex Townsend, International Film Festival, France, Nazi, Battle of the Bulge, Paul Golden, Everett Schutheis, Lee Berkel, Phillip McKnight, Paul Rogers, Roy Creek, Los Angeles, Tuskegee Airmen, Lambert International Airport, Missourians, Clayton High School
Other words: version, documentary, intense, indescribable, bunkers, shrapnel, compiled, encouragement

BEFORE READING: To get some feel for how easy or difficult this article is likely to be for a young reader, have him or her read the list of possible hard words. You provide help as needed and keep count of the items that require your assistance. If no more than three call for help, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If four to six items call for help, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items require help, you offer to read the article aloud. In all three instances, point out that questions will be asked after reading and that the article will be discussed.

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

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

1. What were the two major sections of Alex Townsend's war documentary film?
2. How did Alex secure the names of veterans to interview for his film?
3. What were the three increasingly improved versions of his filming efforts?
4. What additional projects are Alex considering?
5. Do you have any interest in film preparation? Why or why not?