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 who the character is and why he became a folk hero. Explain that the French Normans ruled England while King Richard was away at the Crusades. 

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 abbot on page 6, and have students find it in the glossary. Have students look at the illustrations to get a sense of time and place.