Interactive Read Aloud Planning Template
Text: _Chester the Out of Work Dog Author: Marilyn Singer_ Type: Realistic Fiction
Learning Goals: Language Arts or Content Area
· The students will understand the difference between Chester’s life in the country and his life in the city.
Before reading:
Build background knowledge: None needed
Introduce story vocabulary: herd, pleasant
Set purpose: As I read this story I want you to listen to see how Chester’s life changed when he was moved from the country to the city.
During reading:
Teaching Points/Questions:
Page #5-On this page it states that Chester was very good at his work. What evidence from the text supports this statement? (he could recognize each and every one; he ran ahead to show them where to go; he kept them all in line; he made sure not one of them got lost or hurt)
Page #5-Why did the author use words such as “steered” them to the left and right and “charged and chased” to keep them in line rather than using moved them to the left and right and ran to keep them in line? (to make it more specific, to help us visualize what he is doing)
Page #6- Based on the text and illustration, how can we tell that Chester is content and happy in with his life in the country? (it says he would settle down happily; he would fall asleep and dream nothing but pleasant dreams)
Page #8- How was Chester’s first night in the city different from a typical night in the country? (instead of hearing the wind, crickets, and his sheep, he heard the screech of sirens, blast of car horns, and sound of cats fighting; he had unpleasant dreams)
Page #12- How has life for Chester changed since moving to the city? Use a specific example from the text to describe.(he was bored, restless; he wanted to work; his paws hurt from the concrete)
Page #19-How can we tell the family was disappointed in Chester for the way he behaved? (they shook their head, frowned at him, and wouldn’t give him a pat)
Page #20-Why did Chester decide to leave and set out for his old home? (he didn’t think the family needed him, but maybe the sheep still did)
Page #24-How are the sheep he encountered here different from Chester’s sheep? Use specific details from the text. (they stood on their hind legs, they didn’t smell the same, and they talked)
Page #26-What do you predict Chester will do? Why do you think that?
Page #28-How can we tell from the text and illustration that Chester is proud of what he has done and glad to be home? (he’s wagging his tail, sitting between Claude and Maude, it says he had a good time)
Page #29- How has Chester’s attitude about living in the city changed? What makes you think that? (he will now enjoy it because he is able to help people by doing what he does best- he looks happy in the picture and it says he was proud when he started his new job)
After reading:
Comprehension focus: Why is the title, “Chester the Out of Work Dog” a good title for this selection? What could be another possible title for this book?
Vocabulary review: _Review the 2 words mentioned earlier by having the students share a sentence with their partner using the word in the correct context-how it was used in the story.
Written Response: Modeled__X___Shared__X___Independent_____
Include details from the text to explain how Chester’s life in the city was different from his life in the country.