September 2003     Vol.4 Issue 9

Suggested lesson plan for "Kids already
planning for Red Ribbon Days"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Taylor Horwitx, Tehylor Palley, Paige Johnson, Carole Crowell, St. John's United Methodist Church, Armory, Festus, Mo., Andy Shanker
Other words: competition, effective, lollipop, substances, asthma, bracelets, pediatrician, aquarium

BEFORE READING: To get a feel for how difficult or easy the article might be for the young reader, have him or her read the list of possible hard words. Provide help as needed while keeping count of the items requiring your help. If no more than three call for help, have the young reader read the article silently. If four to six cause a problem. have the young reader read the article aloud to you. If seven or more items cause problems, you offer to read the article aloud to the child. In all three instances, point out that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, offer to help out with any troublesome words if asked for help. For the child reading aloud, provide any troublesome words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading fluent. If you read the article aloud, model fluent and expressive oral reading.

AFTER READING: Use questions to check comprehension and to promote a discussion of the article. Examples follow.

1. What are the Red Ribbon Days?
2. What are some of the activities that kids conducted during Red Ribbon Days?
3. What was the "noise" event?
4. Have you experienced Red Ribbon Days at your school? If yes, what form did they take? If no, would you like to see it promoted in your school? Why or why not?