Readability:  sixth grade

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the headline and the first two lines of the article.  If the reader has no problem with any of the words, suggest that he or she silently read the remainder of the article and be ready to discuss it afterward.  If the reader appears to have some problems with some of the words, suggest that he or she read the rest of it aloud and indicate that you will provide any words that are unknown.

DURING READING: If the reader is reading the article aloud, provide words whenever there is a pause of five or more seconds, in order to keep the reading smooth and fluent

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

1. What will be the purpose of the video and website that the students from Mrs. Green’s class are preparing?
2. Why is the video and website expected to provide a better learning experience than the way it was done in previous years?
3. Describe how the balloon is constructed.  What is the purpose of the charcoal furnaces?
4. What happens on the field trip that extends the students’ experience with balloons?
5. Does this experience sound like something you would like to do at your school?  Why or why not?