Rationale:  The goal of reading is comprehension.  For students to be able to comprehend what they are reading, they must be able to visualize the text in their minds.  During this lesson students will practice constructing mental images from their reading.

Materials: 

• Class set of Frindle by Andrew Clements
• Pencils
• Paper (Journal)

Procedure:
1.  To begin the lesson, review with students the concept of silent reading.  Explain:  "Today we will be reading silently.  Can someone remind us what it means to read silently?  Yes!  That is correct.  Silent reading invovles reading the words without voicing them out loud.  When we read silently can anyone hear us reading?  No, because we say the words we are reading in our head.  How many of you like to read silently?  Well when you are reading silently are you able to picture the characters and their actions in the story?  If you can't that's okay because we are going to practice reading silently today so that we can better comprehend stories."

2.  "When we are reading a book it is very important to visualize the events that are taking place.  It is easy to see or visualize what is happening when a story includes pictures but you will find that many books do not have pictures as we read.  Lets practice.  Are you ready?  I want for you to close your eyes, get very still, and visualize what I am about to be reading to you."  ( Teacher will read the first couple of pages of Frindle) "Keep your eyes closed and think aobut what I just read to you."  (Give students a minute to think about and visualize the text).  "Okay, can anyone share with us what you saw as the story was being read to you?"  (Allow students a few minutes to share)

3.  "Now I am going to read the next page of our book.  You may keep your eyes open this time.  Listen carefully.  Who would like to share what you visualized?"

4.  "Remember, we talked about how we sometimes have to read stories that have few or no pictures at all.  We practiced visualizing the story because this helps us understand the story and it also helps us remember the story.  Whenever you read a story you should visualize the characters and events that are taking place."

5.  "We will now be reading independnetly from our story.  We will be reading this story silently so remember to make visualizations." 

6.  Have students state what they visualized after reading a few pages of the story.

7.  "Now we will finish reading the first chapter.  After ecompleting the first chapter, have students pair up with a partner to discuss the events of the story."

Assessment:  Have students read the next chapter and create an illustration that depicts the chapter.  Students may draw several scenes or choose their favorite.  Students will also write why they think that scene is important.  (Teacher will use illustrations to check students' comprehension.)

References:
Mizzell, Lindsey.  Shhh!  I'm Reading.  http://www.auburn.edu/rdggenie/guides/mizzellrl.htm
Andrew Clements. (1996).  Fridle.  Scholastic, Inc.

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