Build Background
Some students may not have heard of Robin Hood. Help them understand the time period in which the events in the story take place. Explain the character of Robin Hood and why he lived as an outlaw. Discuss what they know of Little John. Do not give away too much information about Little John, since you want them to discover this for themselves as they read the book. 

Skim and Scan
Give students a copy of the book and have them look at the table of contents. Read the chapter titles, and have students consider what might happen in each chapter. Ask them on what page they can find the glossary, and have them turn to that page. Talk about the purpose of the glossary and encourage them to use it as they read. Point out the word vowed on page 5, and have students find it in the glossary. Have students look through the illustrations, but tell them to stop at page 12. Don’t show them the last three illustrations in the book so that you don’t give away the ending of the story. Ask them what they think is happening in the story. Ask them to predict who will win the archery contest.