Melvyn the Magician

Story Summary
Melvyn claims to be a miraculous magician. With his monkey and a cart full of equipment, it appears to the village children that his claim is truth. However, when he and his monkey trick the children during his first and final act, a village boy outsmarts the Magician, causing him to leave town.

Build Background
Ask students if they have ever seen or read a story about a magician. Invite them to discuss their experience. Ask them to describe any magic tricks they have done.

Preview the Book
Read the title and ask students to identify the sound at the beginning of the words Melvyn and magician. Explain that you will read a story aloud that has many words with the /m/ sound. Have students say the /m/ sound.

Write Melvyn and magician on the board. Read each word aloud to students. Have volunteers come to the board and take turns circling the letter that stands for the /m/ sound in the words.

Open the book and show students the illustrations on each page. Ask them to identify any words with the /m/ sound from the pictures. Invite students to predict what the story might be about.

During Reading
Read the story aloud with expression, emphasizing the /m/ sound in the words. Ask students to clap their hands each time they hear the /m/ sound. Point out that they might hear the /m/ sound at the beginning or in the middle of the word.

Allow students to ask questions during reading. Pause occasionally to ask students to predict what might happen next.

After Reading
Reader Response
Have students explain whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. Invite them to summarize the story and/or describe their favorite part.

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the book.