Realistic (fiction), 1,377 words, Level Q (Grade 3), Lexile 610L
Unlike the professional basketball player for whom he is named, Shaquille O'Neal is anything but a whiz on the court. Because he is small for his age, Shaq is always picked last and seems to spend more time in the nurse's office than playing games. After a conversation with the nurse, however, Shaq's world is turned around as she point out his strength on the court. Speedier than a Meteor is a delightful story about the underdog and can be used to teach students how to identify narrative point of view and accurately retell a story.
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Leveled Book Lesson
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Reading Strategy Retell to understand text
Comprehension Identify narrative point of view
Grammar and Mechanics Recognize and use dashes
Word Work Place words in alphabetical order
Think, Collaborate, Discuss Promote higher-order thinking for small groups or whole class
