Mini-Lesson

Objective: Students will read aloud interview questions and answers to build fluency.

1. Start a discussion about reading aloud. Tell students that reading well does not mean reading quickly. Reading well is really about understanding. Tell students that somebody who reads with expression, or feeling, and with an understanding of the text, is called a fluent reader.

2. Pass out the timeforkids.com story, What's Behind All That Blue?. Have students listen for proof of understanding as you demonstrate reading aloud the introduction to the interview. Ask: How could you tell that I understood what I was reading? Point out that your voice had a lot of expression, you stressed certain words and phrases and you read words in little groups instead of one-by-one.

3. Tell students that the best way to become a more fluent reader is to practice. After students have read the interview independently, have them read aloud the questions and answers with a partner. As students take turns acting as the TFK interviewer and the Blue Man, encourage them to focus on keeping the listener engaged, or interested. Then, allow volunteers to demonstrate reading fluently in front of the class.