November 2002     Vol.3 Issue 11

All Lesson Plans

News

Suggested lesson plan for "Local
kids give views on Phoenix DJ"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Beau Doran, Daryl Kile, Allison Seitz, Phoenix, Arizona Diamondbacks, Flynn Kile, Tony LaRussa, Adeline Wider, Maggie Blume, Melissa Haley, Curt singer, Melissa Keating, Courtney Redman
Other words: editorials, situations, audience, exception, discipline, apologize

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of words names and words. Help with pronunciation where needed. Since most of the list is names, suggest the young reader read the article aloud to you and be prepared to discuss it afterward.

DURING READING: Provide any troublesome words fairly quickly to keep the reading fluent.

AFTER READING: Use questions such as these examples to assess understanding and stimulate discussion.

1. Why were people around the country upset at the comments of the "shock jock?"
2. What finally happened to the "shock jock?"
3. How would you distinguish between being funny and being cruel in your remarks?
4. Do you think the DJ should have been fired? Why or why not?

Health

Suggested lesson plan for "Special
fitness food advice for kids"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Yolanda Suggs, Olympian, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Nino Fenoy, Schnucks Markets, Craig Virgin, Martin Luther King Bridge, LeGrant Suggs, Winishea Hamiel, Cheetos, Davion Traylor, Coach Willie Phiffer
Other words: recognition, challenge, facilities, broccoli, rhyme, cavities, nutrition, stethoscope

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the twenty items from the list of possible hard words. If no more than three items cause a problem, suggest that the child read the article silently. If as many as four to six items are troublesome, ask the child to read the article aloud. If seven or more cause a problem, you volunteer to read the article aloud. Point out that questions will be raised afterward in all three instances.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer up front to help out with any names or words if asked for help. For the one reading aloud, supply troublesome words fairly quickly to keep the reading reasonably fluent. If you read aloud, model smooth, fluent, expressive oral reading.

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

1. Why is Jackie Joyner-Kersee called a "hometown hero"?
2. Why was Craig Virgin asked to be present to lead the 5K Bridge Run?
3. What recommendations regarding food are included in the fitness program?
4. Are there any fitness recommendations you follow or intend to follow? Which ones?

Science

Suggested lesson plan for "One Waterloo, Ill. team's unique rocket design didn't work"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Waterloo, Ill., Heather Wiegand, Tori Vogt, Teryn Schaefer, Amber Rucker, Cody Gallagher, T.J. Ervin, Andrew Biffar, Kayla Kohler, Kaitlyn Stephan, Sara Yarbrough, Christ Bush, Wesley Braswell, Andrew Robert, Quinn Rodenberg, Debbie Clinebells, Mike Hopper
Other words: unique, expectations, reusable, consecutive, stabilize, parachutes, deploy

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of possible hard words. You help out with pronunciations where needed. If fewer than three items call for help, ask the child to read the article silently. If four to six items require help, suggest that the child read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items are troublesome, you volunteer to read the article aloud. In each instance, point out that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help out with any words if asked. For the one reading aloud, supply troublesome words fairly promptly to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model smooth, fluent oral reading.

AFTER READING: Questions can be raised such as the following in order to check understanding and promote discussion.

1. What were these teams of rocket builders supposed to accomplish?
2. How much did the rocket reaching maximum height exceed the 30 meters target?
3. Why did the girls want a smaller exhaust hole on their rocket?
4. What did the kids do to take the place of parachutes on their rockets?

Books

This month's book reviews

Shakespeare's sixteen century London
through the eyes of a modern kid

The "time warp gimmick" has been a perfectly acceptable device for authors to use for generations. Mark Twain certainly used it effectively in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" over a hundred years ago. And Susan Cooper uses it very effectively in her 1999 kids' novel, "King of Shadows".

There are a number of novels about Shakespeare's London that have been written for kids.

They are valuable not only because they help prepare kids for a more serious study of Shakespeare's writings that they are likely to have to do in high school and college, but the background provided in English history is also an essential. Authors such as Susan Cooper are to be commended for making literature and history exciting areas of study for young kids. As parents, we want to make sure our kids have easy access to such writing. Inexpensive paperbacks make it even easier for us to keep such attractive books in the home today then in times past. Besides they are a fun "quick" read for an adult reader.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

North Dakota farm life in the 1920's
as seen through a kid's eyes

Peggy Brooke, the author of "Jake's Orphan", still lives on the site of the North Dakota farm that her grandfather homesteaded in 1903. She brings her firsthand knowledge of family farm life to her writing. Her award-winning kids' novel was praised by one reviewer for being "a poignant, action-filled story about farm life and the meaning of family..."

"Jake's Orphan" is not light reading for a young reader since it deals with parental loss and a young boy's trying to cope with a harsh world seemingly dominated by the impersonal agenda of adults. But as in the best novels of this genre, there are sensitive grown-ups who finally do come through for the young hero or heroine. The young reader will experience the despair of the book's major character, but will be rewarded with an ending that is both a realistic and a happy one.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

An easy to read mystery for kids

Lots of adults read mystery novels just for diversion. They don't expect to pick up historical facts or be troubled with plots that contain great social messages. There are numerous mystery books written for kids that seem to meet the same standards. "Too Many Secrets" by Betty Ren Wright is a diverting little paperback mystery novel for kids. Ms. Wright has authored numerous ghost and mystery stories for young audiences.

The publisher reports a third grade level of readability for the book. Its interest level would probably extend through sixth grade, so it would be good reading for those children who may be lagging somewhat behind their grade level in reading or who would not likely commit to reading a longer or more challenging book.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

How about a twelve-year-old hero
who is a smart aleck Harry Potter?

According to the book's cover, "Artemis Fowl" by Scottish author Eoin Colfer has been on the New York Times best seller list for some time. For those of you old enough to remember the designation "camp" applied to a book or an act, "Artemis Fowl" is a camp Harry Potter. Its absurdity appeals to adults. Its hero, plot, and fantasy adventure makes it absorbing reading for kids. After all, its main character is a kid who's smarter than any of the adults around him, be they human or under-the-earth characters.

Besides tongue-in-cheek humor, there is plenty of mayhem in this nearly 300-page paperback. But it is fairy tale type violence, so it's safe reading for a pre-teen or early teen-ager. Like much of today's fantasy books, it may not have much in the way of socially redeeming value, but it's certainly great fun for the reader.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

A good time to reread the second
Harry Potter book

With the movie coming out in the month of November, this is the perfect time for kids to reread or read for the first time "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." That title has been out in paperback for about two years now. As a parent, the good news for you is that it is the shortest of the four Harry Potter books published thus far. You can read it and get in on the fun without spending too much time or effort.

As you are aware, there has never before been a publishing phenomenon like J. K. Rowling's series of books. This reviewer has made the case in earlier reviews that the fear and negativism directed toward the series is unwarranted. The books are great fun for kids to read and share with an adult. Every kid I have talked to about Harry Potter is very much aware that the world of wizards is totally make-believe and picks up on the humor beneath the tongue-in-cheek writing that Rowling does so well. We miss out on a good opportunity to promote our children's recreational reading if we close our minds to these modern-day fairy tales.

• Buy this book from Amazon.com.

Lifestyle

Suggested lesson plan for "Two
churches help U City kids"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Republic of Azerbaijan, Brittany Woods Middle School, McNair Sixth Grade Center, Delmar-Harvard Elementary School, Huru Mummadova, Javid Mummadi, University United Methodist Church, LeAndre Brett, Riddles Restaurant
Other words: volunteers, expanded, sessions

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the items from the list of words and names. Help with pronunciations. The article is fairly straightforward and there are relatively few hard words. Ask the young reader to read the article aloud and be ready to discuss it afterward.

DURING READING: Supply any troublesome words fairly rapidly in order to keep the reading fluent.

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

1. Why is the Big Kids' Place after-school program of special value to Huru and Javid?
2. What brought the brother and sister to America?
3. What made the field trip to a golf course a big hit for the kids?
4. What kinds of tutoring are available to the kids in the program?

Careers

Suggested lesson plan for "Construction
classes help kids set career goals"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Marvin Dorsey, Kirkwood High School, Minority Youth in Construction, Washington University, Rankin Technical College, University of Missouri-Rolla, Maya Washington, McCarthy Construction, Lakita Brown, Gary Williams, McCluer High School, Spelman College, Harvard University
Other words: electrician, industry, significant, recruited, apprenticeship, attitude, relocating, opportunities

BEFORE READING: There are twenty-one items in the possible hard words list. Have the young reader read the list as you provide any needed assistance. Keep track of the number of times you have to help with an item on the list. If three or fewer items require help, have the young reader read the article silently. If four to six items call for help, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items need assistance, you offer to read the article aloud to the young reader. In all cases indicate that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help with words if asked. For the one reading aloud, supply words fairly quickly as needed to keep the reading reasonably fluent. If you read the article aloud, model smooth, fluent silent reading.

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

1. How much has the Construction Program grown over its three-year history?
2. What is the purpose of the program?
3. How do some of the program participants vary in their career goals?
4. Would you be interested in such a program if you had the opportunity? Why or why not?

Profile

Suggested lesson plan for "Liver
transplant opens new life for local kid"

Readability: Sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: D J. Lambert, Oakville Middle School, National Kidney Foundation, World Transplant Games, Japan, Millennium Dreamers Award, McDonald's Foundation, Gateway 2002 Young Achiever of the Year, Larry Hughes Foundation, Michael Jordan, Washington Wizards, Chris Klug
Other words: transplant, participation, spokesperson, intestines, recipient

BEFORE READING: To establish how easy or difficult this article is likely to be for the young reader, have him or her read the list of possible hard words. Provide help as needed, but keep track of the times assistance is required. If no more than three of the seventeen items cause a problem, suggest the young reader read the article silently. If four to six items call for help, ask the child to read the article aloud. If seven or more items cause a problem, you volunteer to read the article aloud as the child listens. Indicate that questions will be raised after reading in all three instances.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, note that you will help with any words if asked for help. For the child reading aloud, supply words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading fluent. If you read the article aloud, model smooth, fluent, and expressive oral reading.

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

1. When did D. J. receive his liver transplant and what affect did it have on his life?
2. What sport is D. J. restricted from playing? Why would you guess that was so?
3. Why is D. J. an especially good spokesperson for organ donation?
4. How is being an organ recipient helping D. J. to "see the world"?

Movies

Suggested lesson plan for "Expect
more action in Harry Potter II movie"

Readability: About sixth grade level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Chris Columbus, Vanity Fair, Eddie Szewczyk, J.K. Rowling, Quidditch, Whomping Willow, Ron Weasley, Hogwarts, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Hermione Granger, Rupert Grint, Dame Maggie Smith, Professor McGonagill, Robbie Coltrane, Hagrid, Richard Harris, Dumbledore, Kenneth Branagh, Gilderoy Lockhart, Hugh Grant, Alfonso Quaron, Dobby, Prisoner of Azkaban, Leavesden Studios, Scholastic, Inc.
Other words: criticism, cinematic, ravenous, mania, destination

BEFORE READING: There are over thirty items in the possible hard words list. Have the young reader attempt all the names and words on the list, with you providing help where needed. If no more than five items call for assistance, ask the young reader to read the article silently. If six to ten words call for assistance, ask the child to read the article aloud to you. If eleven or more require help, you volunteer to read the article aloud. In all three instances, point out that questions will be raised afterward.

DURING READING: For the child reading silently, offer to help with any words if asked. For the one reading aloud, supply troublesome words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading fluent. If you read the article aloud, model smooth, fluent oral reading.

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

1. How did Chris Columbus, the director, deal with the statement that the second Harry Potter book was the weakest of the four books?
2. How does Chris Columbus react to J.K. Rowling's attention to detail?
3. Why do you think the actors playing the major characters might have to be replaced in future Harry Potter movies?
4. What will happen to director Chris Columbus in regard to the third Harry Potter movie?