Where Is Whiskers?
Text Type: Fiction • Word Count: 508

READ-ALOUD LESSON
Where Is Whiskers?
Digraph Wh /wh/

Other Resources
Decodable Book
Whisker Bill

• Introduce and expose students to the /wh/ sound represented by the letters w and h together.
• Build oral comprehension skills.
• Model fluent reading.

Story Summary
Whitney Wheaton has lost her cat, Whiskers. Whitney searches several places around her neighborhood. In her search, Whitney makes a new friend with a boy moving in next door. 

Build Background
Ask students if they have pets or know anyone who has pets. Invite them to share if any of those pets have ever been missing. Ask them to describe the steps someone should take to find their pet.

Preview the Book
Read the title and ask students to identify the sound at the beginning of the words where and whiskers. Explain that you will read a story aloud that has many words with the /wh/ sound. Have students say the /wh/ sound. Point out the puff of air that is released before the /w/ sound. Have students hold a hand in front of their mouth to feel the puff of air as they say the /wh/ sound. Remind them that the /wh/ sound is different from the /w/ sound, such as in the word with. Have students say the words whisker and with aloud to hear the difference between the beginning sounds.

Write where and whiskers on the board. Read each word aloud to students. Have volunteers come to the board and take turns circling the letters that stand for the /wh/ sound in the words. Remind students that the letters w and h together stand for the /wh/ sound.

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

During Reading
Read the story aloud with expression, emphasizing the /wh/ sound in the words. Ask students to clap their hands each time they hear the /wh/ 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 did Whitney go to first when she discovered Whiskers was missing?
• Where did Whitney find Whiskers?
• How would you feel if you lost your pet?