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The Ugly Umbrella
Text Type: Fiction • Word Count: 354

READ-ALOUD LESSON
The Ugly Umbrella
Short /u/ vowel sound

Other Resources
Decodable Book
The Mutt and the Bug
Instructional Focus
  • Introduce and expose students to the short /u/ vowel sound represented by the letter u.
  • Build oral comprehension skills.
  • Model fluent reading.
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Story Summary
Buddy is stuck with the last choice of umbrellas as a Cub Scout meeting breaks for lunch. He has to use the dreaded ugly umbrella, but he figures it's better than getting wet in the downpour outside. Then the umbrella gets caught in a gust of wind, Buddy goes on a miserable airborne adventure that leaves him regretting ever having picked that umbrella.

Build Background
Ask students what they use to stay dry outside when it is raining. Ask them if they have ever had a challenging experience with an umbrella, such as getting caught in a strong wind. Invite them to share their experience.

Preview the Book
Read the title and ask students to identify the vowel sound at the beginning of the words ugly and umbrella. Explain that you will read a story aloud that has many words with the short /u/ vowel sound. Have students say the short /u/ vowel sound.

Write ugly and umbrella 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 short /u/ vowel sound in the words.

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

During Reading
Read the story aloud with expression, emphasizing the short /u/ vowel sound in the words. Ask students to clap their hands each time they hear the short /u/ vowel sound. Point out that they might hear the short /u/ vowel 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.

  • Why did Buddy decide to use the umbrella?
  • What happened to buddy when he opened the umbrella outside?
  • Why will none of the Cubs be able to take the ugly umbrella again?