May 2004     Vol.5 Issue 5

Suggested lesson plan for "Neil Shastri
makes Broadway debut"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Neil Shastri, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Munna, Bombay Dreams, Bollywood, Broadway Theater, Sappington Elementary School, Muriel Kester, Tanvir Gopal, Chinatown, Statue of Liberty, David Letterman
Other words: accomplished, betray, hectic, matinee, awesome, dinosaur, rehearsals, realistic

BEFORE READING: There are twenty items in the list of possible hard words. Have the young reader read the list. Provide assistance if needed, but keep track of the number of items calling for help. If no more than three items need assistance, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If four to six items are problems, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items cause problems, you offer to read the article aloud. In all three instances, point out 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 troublesome words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model fluent, expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions to asses comprehension and to stimulate discussion of the article. Examples follow.

1. Why has Neil not seen the Statue of Liberty yet, even though he's been in New York for over two months?
2. Why do two boys share the role of 'Munna?"
3. Why does Neil mention David Letterman in his interview?
4. Would you like the chance to play in a Broadway show? Why or why not?