• Introduce and expose students to the /r/ sound represented by the letter r.
• Build oral comprehension skills.
• Model fluent reading.

Story Summary
A rabbit, a raccoon, and a turtle have a race. It seems in the beginning that there is no contest between the confident rabbit and raccoon, and the not-so-fast turtle. However, when the rabbit and the raccoon stop for a snack and a nap, the turtle wins the race. 

Build Background
Ask students if they have ever been in, or seen, a race. Invite them to describe the race, such as what type of race it was and where it was held. 

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

Write race on the board. Read each word aloud to students. Have a volunteer come to the board and circle the letter that stands for the /r/ sound in the word. 

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

During Reading
Read the story aloud with expression, emphasizing the /r/ sound in the words. Ask students to clap their hands each time they hear the /r/ sound. 

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.

• Who were the main characters in the story?
• Where was the setting of the story?
• What caused the turtle to win the race?