October 2001     Vol.2 Issue 10

Suggested lesson plan for "Illinois kids find upkeep of native prairie is big job"

Readability: About sixth grade reading level

Possible hard words: Proper names: Belleville, Gateway Region Environmental Excellence award, Monarch butterflies, Tiffany Koehler, Stephanie Jacobs, Jessica Glatz, Emily Brabenec, Scott Johnson, Don Kniepkanp, Treehouse Wildlife Center
Other words: flourished, pioneers, volunteers, kestrels, circulate

BEFORE READING: Have the young reader read the list of names and words. Provide help where needed. If no more than three words are missed, have the child read the article silently. If four to six words are missed, suggest the child read the article aloud to you. If seven or more are missed, you volunteer to read the article aloud. Let the child know that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: Indicate to the child reading silently that you will help out with words if asked. For the child reading aloud, provide words as needed to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Stimulate discussion by raising question such as these.

1. How would you describe a native prairie as created today?
2. What are some of the wildlife forms that are found in the Douglas School prairie?
3. What help has the Illinois master gardener provided?
4. What happened to Emily Brabenec's family garden?
5. Have you done any gardening or do you have any interest in it? Detail your answer.