In order to understand what we read, we have to stop, check and think. Model for students how you think as you read, stopping to ask yourself “who” the story is about and what is happening. Periodically, stop and ask students “who” this part of the story is about, and “what” is happening.

Ask students if they’ve ever been to the zoo. 

Ask if they know what an Emu is. Show a picture of an Emu. 

After reading the first few pages, ask students if they’ve ever thought about being someone else? Have you ever wanted to trade places with a friend? 

Demonstrate how I connect to the text...”Boys and Girls when I was little I wanted to trade houses with my friend, because her mom always served great snacks!”

P. 3/4 — read in a boisterous voice, as Edward would do, “The Seals are best, anybody can tell, so tomorrow I’ll just be a seal as well”!

P. 13/14 — read, “The lion’s a beast I shall always detest, the snakes are the things that I like to see best.” Emphasize the word ‘detest’.

On the second to last page read, “Hello, I’m Edwina, it’s nice meeting you, you’re the best I’ve seen since I came to the zoo!” Use a sweet, soft voice.

Pre-teach words: 

P. 11/12 — snarled 
P. 13/14 — gumption
P. 23 — gasped
P. 27 — considered

You may also consider including ‘basked’, and ‘reside’.