During Reading
Student Reading
You might consider breaking up the text to be read over a series of three days rather than trying to complete it in one day. The first day children can read pages 3–7, the second day pages 8–12, and finally, pages 13–16. This will give children the opportunity to reread what they have read, complete the follow-up activities, and create meaning regarding what they have read so far. If children want to read on and are not overwhelmed or having difficulty, you can have them continue. Breaking up the text will benefit children who are still struggling and get easily frustrated as they are reading. Use your judgment as to what is appropriate; each group or child may be different. Once you have decided what is appropriate for the children you are working with, hand out the books and instruct them to read quietly, aloud, or silently at their own pace. Remind children to use their fingers to help them stay focused and keep their place. For children that are easily distracted, this is very important. If they have a finger on the word where they left off, they can always bring themselves back and remember where they were and what they were doing. Remind them that saying the words aloud, even at a whisper, will help them to listen to what they are saying to ensure that it is making sense.
As children are reading, they will be looking for meaning within the story. Throughout this story, Arthur has many reasons why he does not want a little sister. You can focus on main ideas as well as cause and effect when discussing this story. Have children underline, highlight, or use post-its to help them identify and remember important parts of the story for summarizing or discussing later. Depending on whether or not the books are consumable, you can advise children to use post-its or write within the pages of the books. Encourage children to make comments about what they are thinking as they read. This will add to the discussion and/or summarizing later. If applicable, using different colored highlighters or pencils will help children distinguish the different ideas they are identifying as they are reading.
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