Before Reading

Lesson Plans for THE UP DOWN BOY level N

Before Reading

Introducing the Book
Introduce the book by showing children the front and back cover, and the title page.
Ask: What do you notice on the covers of this book? What predictions do you have regarding what this book may be about?

Building Background
Throughout this story, the author discusses issues involving three of our five senses: sight, touch, and hearing. You can review the senses with children and ask them for examples of words we might use to describe things we see, touch, and hear and let them know that they will be seeing some of these types of words in the story. If children are reluctant, ask them to close their eyes and help them focus on these senses by asking them to describe things they see, touch, and hear. Ask: What would a squished banana feel like between your fingers? What is something that could happen to you that would cause you physical pain? (getting bumped or kicked while playing on the playground, etc.)

The story also uses descriptive words for emotions. Discuss with children how they can describe their feelings, and the feelings of others. Ask: What are some describing words about how you feel when other people are upset? This might help them get into the characters’ feelings as well.

Book Walk
Throughout this story, the author discusses issues involving three of our five senses: sight, touch, and hearing. You can review the senses with children and ask them for examples of words we might use to describe things we see, touch, and hear and let them know that they will be seeing some of these types of words in the story. If children are reluctant, ask them to close their eyes and help them focus on these senses by asking them to describe things they see, touch, and hear. Ask: What would a squished banana feel like between your fingers? What is something that could happen to you that would cause you physical pain? (getting bumped or kicked while playing on the playground, etc.)

The story also uses descriptive words for emotions. Discuss with children how they can describe their feelings, and the feelings of others. Ask: What are some describing words about how you feel when other people are upset? This might help them get into the characters’ feelings as well.

Reading Strategies

As children are reading the story, remind them to:

Look at the pictures to help them read the words.
Ask themselves what strategy will work best on the word or sentence they are having problems with.
Always remember to go back and reread to make sure what they have just read makes sense.

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