Expand on the Reading

Lesson Plans for JESSICA LOVES SOCCER level L

Expand the Reading

Writing Connection
Have children rewrite the end of the story— for example, Jessica kicks the ball, but it misses the goal. Then what happens? Alternative example: She kicks the ball and makes the score. After the end of the game, her brothers decide to do … what?

Math Connection
There are several math problems embedded in the story.
Say: In Jessica’s family there is 1 girl and 1 pair of twins. Ask: What is the total number of children in the family? (page 3)
Say: The coach says, "Right now, 4 players have chicken pox, and 10 players are okay." Ask: What is the total number of players on the team when everyone is healthy? (page 6)
Say: The rules say there must be 11 soccer players or the Red Dragons can’t play. The coach has 10 players. Ask: How many additional players does he need? (page 6)
Say: At half time the score was Sharks: 2, Dragons: 1. Then Jamal scored a goal and the score became
Sharks: 2, Dragons: 2. Then Jessica kicked the winning goal. Ask: What was the final score?
Ask: If the Red Dragons have 11 players on the field and the Sharks have 11 players, what is the total number of players on the field?

Reading Independently
Have children read the book independently or with a partner. You can also encourage them to read other books of their choice at the appropriate level. Several children may read together, taking the roles of Jessica, the coach, the brothers, and the narrator.

Additional reading: Berenstain Bears Get Their Kicks (authors Stan and Jan Berenstain) includes the familiar elements of teamwork, practice, and boys and girls on the same team.

Home Connection
Send the book home to be read to or with family members. Watch the movie Bad News Bears together
(parental discretion advised due to language) and discuss the movie and compare it to the themes in Jessica Loves Soccer.

Assessment

Monitor children’s responses in the Comprehending the Text section to assess how well they understand the text or story.
Monitor reading to see if children are using the effective reading strategies.
Assess children’s knowledge of using capitals in proper nouns, the phonetic ar, and targeted vocabulary words. Check worksheets and written assignments for accuracy, creativity, and imagination.

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