November 2001     Vol.2 Issue 11

All Lesson Plans

News

Suggested lesson plan for "St. Elizabeth
students send messages, gifts to NYC"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Maureen Decker, St. Elizabeth of Hungary School, World Trade Center, Archdiocese of St. Louis, St. Joseph of the Holy Family School, Tom Young, Melanie Finke, Ken Weis, Nicki Hoffarth, Gaby Lor
Other words: sympathy, disaster, specific, references, patriotic, devastating, terrorist, theme

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the names and words from the list. Help out as needed. There are eighteen items. If the child misses no more than three, suggest that he or she read the article silently. If four to six words cause problems, ask the child to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more are missed, you offer to read the article to the child. Note that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to help with words if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply troublesome words fairly promptly in order to keep the reading fluent. When you read, model fluent oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use question such as the following to promote discussion.

1. What did it mean that St. Louis schools "adopted" a school in New York City?
2. How did Nicki Hoffarth almost have a direct connection to the New York disaster?
3. What was the main theme in the messages the St. Elizabeth kids sent to New York?
4. How did you find out about the terrorist attack? What kind of reactions have you had since that time?

Outdoors

Suggested lesson plan for "Kids
learn winter outdoor survival skills"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Jeremy Hayes, Busch Memorial Conservation Area, Joel Lovelace, Natalie Altis, Cuiver River, Therese O'Brien, Perryville, Mathew Senter, Defiance
Other words: survival, lightweight, priority, directional, purify, solar still, subdivision, compass

BEFORE READING: There are seventeen items in the list of possible hard words. Ask the young reader to read the list and provide help where needed. If three or fewer call for help, suggest that the young reader read the article silently. If four to six items cause problems, suggest that the young reader read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items cause trouble, you volunteer to read the article aloud. Note that questions will follow afterward in all instances.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help with any words if asked. For the out loud reader, supply words fairly quickly where called for to keep the reading fluent. If you read, try to model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as these to check comprehension and promote discussion.

1. What are the three top priorities in winter survival camping?
2. What are some important things to remember about water when trying to survive in winter weather?
3. Why build you lean-to to face the Northeast?
4. Have you ever camped out in cold weather? Do you think you would like to try it? Why or why not?

Books

This month's book reviews

A historical novel that combines
a geography lesson with adventure

"Star in the Storm" by Joan Hiatt Harlow is a great adventure story told by an author who calls on her own childhood memories and the stories told by her family members. She obviously loves Newfoundland and manages to weave much of the island's lore into her story of Maggie and her great dog, Sirius.

"Star in the Storm" is a well-reviewed paperback that has been called "a dog story in the best tradition of the genre." The book has a variety of strengths. Even though it is billed as "historical fiction," in addition it should help involve a child in the geography of North America. It should appeal to kids because it concerns a young heroine who is trying hard to relate to the world of adults and cope with the variety of problems that adults lay on kids without even being aware of it.

I suspect that many parents who purchase this little paperback for their child to read will end up reading it also and enjoying it immensely.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com

An offbeat book for kids that like
offbeat, roller coaster ride type stories

An adult can get some idea of what kind of book "The Cookie Company" is by reading about its author, Ross Venokur. He claims that in his life he has had the following jobs: hot air balloon blower, llama roper, macaroni-and-cheese reviewer, mood catcher, rainbow suspender tester, banjo picker, sand and dirt organizer, pixie chaser, superhero trainer, grass grazer, and horseradish sculptor. Of all his many occupations, he says he likes being a writer the best. With this kind of claim by an author, you ought to have a pretty good idea of the kind of book we are talking about here. If your head is screwed on tightly when you start this book, it might be loose when you've finished it. Don't say you weren't warned. Your kid will probably love it!

• Buy this book from Amazon.com

A novel that brings the events of
December 7th, 1941 to life for kids

"A Boy at War," by Harry Mazer is a paperback novel that describes the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in a way that today's kids can relate to. The main character in the story is Adam Pelko, the teen-age son of a naval officer newly assigned to the battleship Arizona in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The novel presents a sympathetic treatment of the problems of growing up as a kid in a military family, with the constant readjustments called for as the father is reassigned from one station to another.

Of course, the novel vividly describes the surprise attack on a Sunday morning, but, in addition, it puts young Adam Pelko right in the middle of all the action. He and two teen-age friends were fishing in a small boat in the harbor when the attack occurred. Events are so hectic that the young boy is pressed into service to help with rescue operations during that terrible day.

The novel sensitively treats other troublesome happenings. It deals with the backlash against Japanese Americans and the way it was handled in Hawaii in contrast to the treatment of Japanese on the mainland. Adam's father, as an officer on the Arizona, goes down with the ship in the harbor and is listed as "lost in action." Adam has to help his mother and younger sister, along with himself, to adjust to their loss. It is a "coming of age" book built around the December 7th attack that brought the USA into World War II.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com

An inexpensive and entertaining biography
of one of America's most famous figures

Peter and Connie Roop have authored about sixty fiction and non-fiction books for kids. Connie Roop teaches high school science and Peter had been an elementary teacher for twenty-five years. In 1987, Peter was named Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year, but he is now a full time author and speaker. With their two children, they have been traveling in their spare time, with the intent of visiting all of the continents.

In their 127 page paperback biography of Benjamin Franklin, the Roops show that all that background enables them to tell an often-told story in a way that should hold the attention of a modern middle school kid. The book is not just a piece of fluff either. It is indexed and presents a summary chronology of events in Benjamin Franklin's long life. For the youngster who is doing a serious term paper, there is a listing of sources and website addresses. As a bonus, the book would be worthwhile reading for those parents who want to read what their child is reading.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com

Crafts

Readability: Fifth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Queeny Park, Don McCann, Greensfelder Recreation Complex, Zamboni, Don Cesar Hotel, Cecil Whitaker's Pizzeria, Weidman, Manchester, Kennedy Recreation Complex, Veterans Memorial Park
Other words: guarantee, contestants, unique, mermaid, facilities

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of names and words, with you offering help where needed. Then have him or her read the article aloud to you and be prepared to respond to questions afterward.

DURING READING: Supply words as needed to keep the reading fluent.

AFTER READING: Use these or similar questions to promote discussion.

1. When and where is the first-ever snow sculpture contest being held?
2. How can snow be guaranteed for the contest?
3. Where did McCann come up with the idea for a contest in St. Louis?
4. Would you like to participate in the snow sculpture contest? Why or why not?

Entertainment

Suggested lesson plan for
"Serving as church organist at age 12"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Justin Knabach, Salem Lutheran Church, AmerenUE Bright Star, Mark Bender, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Des Peres, Delmar Gardens North Nursing Home
Other words: designation, category, rotate, prelude, postlude, strategy, melodies, coordinating, funeral, accompaniment, home-schooled

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of names and words, providing help where needed. If help is called for on three or fewer, have the child read the article silently. If four to six cause problems, have the child read the article aloud to you. If seven or more are problems, you offer to read the article aloud. In all instances, indicate that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help with words if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply words fairly quickly to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model fluent reading.

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

1. What is Justin's ambition as an organist?
2. What gave him a "head start" on his organ playing?
3. How does Justin compare the organ and the piano?
4. What is unusual about Justin's playing accompaniment for the choir at his church's school?

Lifestyle

Suggested lesson plan for
"Kids learn hands-on architecture"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Cory Scott, Tadao Ando, Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, Alan Voss, Bryan Peng, Lauren Schneider, Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo, Luke Branin, Convent of St. Isabel
Other words: architect, elements, perspective, spaghetti, scholarship, origami, ambitious, elaborate, imagination

BEFORE READING: To discover how well the young reader can handle the vocabulary in the article, have him or her read the list of names and words. Offer help where needed. If no more than three terms call for help, suggest the young reader read the article silently. If four to six words cause problems, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more terms are missed, you offer to read the article aloud. In all instances, tell the child that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently let him or her know that you will provide help with words if asked. For the child reading aloud, supply any words fairly quickly that seem to be impairing fluency. If you are reading aloud, model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use these or similar questions to promote discussion and check for understanding.

1. For how many days and where were the art classes held?
2. What class most interested Cory? Why?
3. What is origami?
4. Can you explain what "perspective" is?
5. Do you consider yourself an artist? Why or why not?

Sports

Suggested lesson plan for "Granite City golfer looks for tougher competition"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Marissa Cook, Tour Division of the Junior PGA, Plantation Junior Golf Tour, Legacy Golf Course, Adam Spiroff, Edwardsville, Holy Family Elementary School, Karrie Webb, Tiger Woods, Jim Knott, Caseyville Other words: classification, medalist, professional

BEFORE READING: Have the child read the words from the list, providing help where needed. Since there are relatively few hard words, suggest that the child read the article aloud to you and be ready to discuss it afterward.

DURING READING: Supply words where needed to keep the child's reading fluent.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as the following to check for understanding and promote a discussion of the article.

1. What kind of a club and ball did Marissa use when she first started in golf?
2. What is a "hole-in-one?"
3. How does tournament play change as the players get older?
4. Have you ever played any form of golf? Do you think you would like to play as you get older? Why or why not?

Music

Suggested lesson plan for
"Girl and her violin both grow up"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Holly Carrell, Germany, Missouri Botanical Garden, "Praeludium and Allegro", Fritz Kreisler, "La Folia", Vivaldi, Suzuki, Twinda Murry, Interlochen, Michigan, Izhak Perlman, Alabama, Seventh Day Adventist, New York School of Archeology, Lee and LeKetia Carrell
Other words: violin, classical, musicians, crescendos, demonstration, audition, denomination

BEFORE READING: There are twenty-three items on this list of possible hard words. Several of them are unique terms. Take the young reader through the list, providing help with pronunciation and meanings where called for. If fewer than four cause a problem, allow the reader to read the article silently. If five to eight require help, have the child read the article aloud. If nine or more are problems, you volunteer to read the article aloud to the child.

DURING READING: Tell the child reading silently that you will help with words if asked. Supply words fairly quickly to keep the reading fluent for the one reading aloud. If you read the article aloud, model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as those that follow in order to check understanding and stimulate a discussion of the article.

1. What kid of violin does Holly play now?
2. What are the "Young Heroes in Music" concerts?
3. What does Holly say about practicing her music?
4. Why does Holly like to play with smaller groups rather than orchestras?
5. Describe your interest in music.