Social Studies Connection
There are different points of view on having animals as part of a circus. You may want students to explore the question of having performing animals. Call for ideas on whether animals should be kept in cages and made to perform. Discuss whether it is possible to have an entertaining circus without animal acts. Students could go online to research the issue from different points of view. 

Reading Independently
Invite students to reread the book independently or with a partner. Students may also take their books home to read with their families. 

Assessment

• Monitor students' responses in the Comprehending the Text section to assess how well they understand the problem and solution of the story. Note if they see the connection between the characters and the problem. Review their completed worksheet 1 to assess their ability to identify problem and solution. Note if they understand how the character plays a part in solving or creating the problem.
• Review students' completed worksheet 2 to assess their understanding of contractions.
• Listen to students' responses during the Reflect on Reading Strategies section to note the kind of reading strategies they use to make sense of the text.