When reading the text, stop frequently to check for understanding by asking the following questions: Who did we read about? What happened with Gritch the Witch?

Before reading, ask students, “How many of you have seen or heard The Wizard of Oz? What do you know or remember from the story?” Today we are going to read Zoom Broom. Look for any connections you can find from this story to The Wizard of Oz.

Before reading, ask students, “Have you ever broken or lost something that you loved? A toy? A game? How did you feel? Were you mad/sad/frustrated? If you haven’t had anything break before, what do you think it would feel like to havesomething of yours break? Today we are going to read a story about a witch. She needs to go somewhere, but her broom is broken and she needs a new one.”

P.6 – “Notice the difference between these two words, teeny and problem. One is written much smaller and one is in bold. Authors will use size and boldface to put different emphasis on words. Think about why the author would use a different size and boldface for these two words.”

P. 6 – “Notice the phrase, ‘What the WHOAAAAA! How the OOOOOWWWWW! What the HEY! HEY! HEY! K-BOOM! Hay!’ contains many words with capital letters. Why do you think the author chose to have certain words in all capital letters?”

P.22 – “On this page the words ‘Which one’ are written in a different way. This is called italics. Again, an author will use italics to put special emphasis on certain words. I am going to read the sentence again. Listen to how it sounds when I read it. Think about why the author would use italics for these words.”

P. 9, 14 & 15 – Boldface font is used again (reference back to P.6 and why the author used boldface).

Ask students to name the characters?

• P.2 – Who is the first character, describe the character?
• P.14 – What new character is introduced? Is the character a good or evil character?

Reinforce that fiction stories have a problem or problems. The problem will be solved by the end of the story.

• P.2 – What is Gritch the Witch’s problem?  
• P.6 – What problem does Gritch have next?  
• P.9 – What solution does she try to solve her problem?  
• P.10 – What is the problem with her first idea?  
• P.12 – Where does she go to try to solve her problem next?  
• P.20 – What does the Fox try to do to Gritch?  
• P.27 – How did Gritch solve her problem?

Describe how setting can change throughout a story.

• P.2 – Where is the setting?  
• P.8 – Where is the setting now?  
• P.14 – Where is the setting now? 

Since Zoom Broom is the sequel to Piggie Pie, there will be connections between characters. Also, many other fairy tales are referenced throughout the story. See if the students can make the connection of what fairy tales are mentioned.

As we read Zoom Broom we are going to make connections to other stories we have read. Making connections helps the reader to understand the story better. As you read, make sure you understand what is happening and be aware of any connections you make.

P. 4 – “Are you making any connections to other stories and what is your evidence?”

P. 9 – “The Witch of the East? No. Old gal had one of those awful “house” accidents...”

Model how to use intonation while reading.

• P. 7 – “Hmmm. The Witch of the East? No.” 
• P. 9 – “She has those kids, Hansel and Gretel, living with her...Eeesh!” 
• P.14 – “A rug?” Gritch groused with a glare. “I don’t want a rug!”

This text is a sequel to Piggie Pie and is appealing to various levels and abilities. Encourage students to reread this story along with Piggie Pie and other stories by the author Margie Palatini.