May 2004     Vol.5 Issue 5

Suggested lesson plan for "A rush to graduate
so kid can take two-year tour"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Belleville, Ill., Josh Loftis, George S. Anderson, George Shannon, Camp Dubois, Roxanna, Justin Karpan, Jane Pratt, Pierre Marquette State Park, Nate Voss
Other words: reenactment, replica, previous, primitive, technology, proceeded

BEFORE READING: To determine how easy or difficult the young reader will find the article, have him or her read the list of names and words. Provide help as needed but keep track of the number of items that require help. If no more than three items require assistance, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If four to six items require assistance, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items need help, 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 up front to help out with any words if asked for help. For the child reading aloud, supply troublesome words quickly to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model smooth, fluent oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to assess comprehension and stimulate discussion of the article.

1. How long will the reenactment journey take and what route will it follow?
2. What does it mean to say the reenacters will be "roughing it" on the journey?
3. Why was it "pretty cool" that a musket could be fired three times in a single minute?
4. How would you feel about going on the two year journey?