Lesson Plans for EXTREME ANIMALS level K

Before Reading

Introducing the Book
Write the title on the board and ask: What does the word extreme mean? Show children the covers of the book and the title page. Have children tell you what they notice on the title page that is different from the front cover (author, illustrator, pictures). Explain that the title page always tells the reader the names of the author and illustrator, if there is one. Point out that some books do not have illustrations.

Building Background
Ask questions to help children brainstorm what they know about some tall animals, fast animals, slow animals, big animals, and small animals. Make connections to any other text that the class may have read comparing animals.

Book Walk
Take a book walk, having children comment on each picture. Ask: What is this a photograph of? What is the animal doing? Where do you think the animal lives? Would you like to be this animal?

Setting the Purpose
Say: The purpose for reading today is for enjoyment and to listen for interesting facts about animals. Be sure to listen for your favorite animal and tell me what you have picked once we have read the book.
Giving children a focus as they read increases comprehension and retention. If they are looking for something specific, they will be paying attention to the content rather than simply reading the words. This will be followed up in the After Reading section of this lesson.


Go to During Reading