Scott Foresman Reading Street

For alternate Leveled Reader lesson plans that
teach Generalize, Predict, and
Lesson Vocabulary, see pp. LR37–LR45.

Elena’s Serenade
Group Time

Leveled Reader Traditional Crafts of Mexico

BEFORE READING Have students create webs with Mexican Crafts
in the center. This book is about
crafts that are made right in the
artist’s home. As you read, look
for facts about crafts that the people
of Mexico create. Record the
information on your web.

DURING READING Have students follow along as you read pp. 3–7. Then let them complete the book on their own. Remind students to add facts to their webs as they read.

AFTER READING Have students compare the facts on their webs. Point out that facts they learn about Mexican crafts will help them as they read tomorrow’s selection, Elena’s Serenade.

Build Background

DEVELOP VOCABULARY Write the word
instruments and ask students to define it (things
you play to make music) and to give examples.
Then ask students to draw and label several musical
instruments, each on a separate sheet of paper.
Have students compile the labeled drawings in a
Musical Instrument Picture Glossary. Repeat this
activity with the word crafts and other words from the
Leveled Reader Traditional Crafts of Mexico. Use the
Concept Vocabulary Routine on p. DI•1 as needed.

Leveled Reader
Jackie Robinson

BEFORE READING Recall the
Read Aloud “Manuelo the
Playing Mantis.” How do you
know that it was important to
Manuelo to create music?
(He was very sad when he
couldn’t, but he kept trying.)
Today you will read about Jackie
Robinson, an African American
who created an important
change in Major League Baseball.

CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
Have students read the Leveled Reader independently. Encourage them to think critically and solve problems. For example, ask:

Do you think the way Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey solved the color barrier was the best approach? Explain.
If you could say something to Jackie Robinson, what would it be?
What might you and others do today to help all people be treated fairly?

AFTER READING Have students review the
selection to find five unfamiliar words and
determine their meanings by using context
clues or a dictionary. Have them write each word
on an index card and its meaning on a separate
card. Then have partners turn their word and
meaning cards facedown and play a memory
game to match words with meanings. Meet
with students afterward to discuss the selection.

Independent Extension Activity

NOW TRY THIS Assign “Now Try This” on pp. 22–23
of Jackie Robinson for students to work on throughout
the week.