July 2002     Vol.3 Issue 7

Suggested lesson plan for "St. Raphael
kids win state history award"

Readability: About Sixth Grade Reading Level

Possible hard words: Proper names: 2002 Missouri State History Competition, St. Raphael the Archangel School, Megan Wilkerson, Michelle McAtee, Angela Beffa, Christy Connor, Dorothea Dix, New Englander, Raleigh, N.C., Arsenal Avenue, Vietnam Memorial, Smithsonian Museum, Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Louis Symphony's Children's Chorus
Other words: skit, credited, depict, humane, supporters

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words. Help with any names or words as needed. If three or fewer require help, suggest the child read the article silently. If four to six terms cause problems, have the child read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items cause problems, you volunteer to read the article aloud to the child. Indicate that questions will be raised afterward in all three instances.

DURING READING: Use questions similar to the ones that follow as a way to check comprehension and/or stimulate discussion.

1. What was unusual about the three-member team from St. Raphael?
2. Why did the girls decide to do a skit about Dorothea Dix?
3. How did the kids end their skit?
4. What was especially rewarding about the girls' earning the trip to the national history competition in the East?