September 2004     Vol.5 Issue 9

Suggested lesson plan for
"Overseas mission work by Achiever"

Possible hard words: Proper names: Michael Arb, Fenton, Thailand, Cynthia, Caleb, Debbie Wheeler, Taryn, Minnesota, Haiti, Guatemala, Rwanda, Indonesia, Chicago
Other words: orphanage, missionaries, celebration, disadvantaged, universal

BEFORE READING: As a way to determine how difficult reading of the article might be for a young reader, have him or her read the list of possible hard words. Provide help where needed and keep count of the number of times you have to help with a word or name. Of the eighteen items, if three or fewer cause a problem, ask the young reader to read the article silently.

If four to six cause difficulty, ask the young reader to read the article aloud to you. If as many as seven items cause problems, you offer to read the article aloud. In all three instances indicate that questions will be raised after the reading.

DURING READING: For the silent reader, point out that you will help with any words or names if asked for help. For the child reading aloud, provide troublesome words fairly quickly in order to keep the reading fluent. If you read aloud, model smooth, expressive oral reading.

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

1. What did Michael help to build in each of his two trips to Thailand?
2. What did Michael consider to be the most fun on the mission trips?
3. Do you think that throwing ice water on the workers was a good idea? Why or why not?
4. What did Michael think was a universal language for kids everywhere?