Before Reading

Lesson Plans for SOUP AND SANDWISH level I

Before Reading

Introducing the Book
Introduce the book by showing children the front and back covers, and the title page.
Ask: What do you notice on the covers and title page of this book? What predictions do you have regarding what this book may be about?
Show each of the pictures from the covers and title page and ask: If there were words coming from the boy, what do you think he might be saying?
Any questions that encourage prediction from children are appropriate.

Building Background
After looking at the covers and predicting what the book may be about, talk to children about what they enjoy eating. Things they have at home or at school for lunch are appropriate.
Ask: Do you often eat the same thing? Do you ever get bored with what you get for lunch? If you were able to make your own lunch, what would you like to make? Have you ever tried to make that didn’t come out quite the way you hoped it would have?

Book Walk
After introducing the book, go through it with children. Go through as much of the book as you feel is necessary, pointing out anything you think will challenge them as they are reading. This is a time when you are reminding them of the various Reading Strategies listed below, as well as familiarizing them with the format of the book. This step is to help reduce the anxiety that some children feel when they are faced with a book that has a lot of text and unfamiliar vocabulary.

Reading Strategies
Brainstorm with children what they can do if they come across a word or section that is difficult for them. Ask these questions to remind them about some strategies that can be helpful.

How will the pictures help you read the words?
What can you do when you come to a word you cannot read?
What can you do if you don’t understand a part you have just read?

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