May 2002     Vol.3 Issue 5

Suggested lesson plan for
"Twelve Young Achievers of Year picked"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Jazzmine Booker, Tori Fenemor, D. J. Lampert, Miles Toenyes, Hanna Dumey, Freddie Hull, Bern Levinson, Christine Parsons, Ashley Colemen, Paul Lee, Jeff Price, Sarah Schuessler, Barbara Eichhorst
Other words: recipient, transplant, participation, clarinetist, winterizing, degenerative, anthology, whitewater

BEFORE READING: There are twenty items on the possible hard words list. Ask the young reader to read the names and words from the list. Provide help where needed and keep track of the number of words requiring such help. If no more than four cause a problem, ask the child to read the article silently. If five to eight cause problems, ask the child to read the article aloud. If nine or more cause difficulty, you offer to read the article aloud. Indicate in all instances that questions will be asked after the reading.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help with any words if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply any words as needed to keep the reading reasonably fluent. If you read aloud, model smooth and expressive oral reading.

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

1. How many kids received an award and from what school levels were they picked?
2. For what kind of groups or causes did these kids raise money?
3. How does Christine Parsons try to help other kids with vision problems?
4. Talk about any "good deeds" that you or an acquaintance have done that might help qualify for an Achiever of the Year award.