Before Reading

Lesson Plans for GREAT CITY FIRES Level Z

Before Reading

Build Background
Ask questions that build background on the topic of large urban fires, especially historical fires. Be sure to be sensitive when discussing tragedies, especially those caused by war or terrorism.
Ask: How do people's houses catch on fire? How do you think an entire city could catch on fire? Have you ever heard of any fires that spread through entire neighborhoods or cities? Where and when? Have you ever heard of the fires in Rome, London, or Chicago?

Introduce the Book
Hand out copies of the book and have students read the title and scan the cover. Have them turn to the table of contents and make initial predictions about the kinds of things they might find in each chapter. Guide students toward the comprehension strategy.
Ask: What things do you think might come up under each of these chapter headings?
Have students skim the book and look at the photos and artwork. Ask them to predict what happened in each fire.
Ask: How could this fire have started? How long do you think it lasted?

Set the Purpose
Tell students you want them to read the book, keeping an eye out for the severity of the destruction caused by each fire. Ask them to compare and contrast the destruction. Which fire was the most damaging?

Go to During Reading

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Introduce the Book
Hand out copies of the book and have students read the title and scan the cover. Have them turn to the table of contents and make initial predictions about the kinds of things they might find in each chapter. Guide students toward the comprehension strategy.
Ask: What things do you think might come up under each of these chapter headings?
Have students skim the book and look at the photos and artwork. Ask them to predict what happened in each fire.
Ask: How could this fire have started? How long do you think it lasted?

Set the Purpose
Tell students you want them to read the book, keeping an eye out for the severity of the destruction caused by each fire. Ask them to compare and contrast the destruction. Which fire was the most damaging?