Before Reading

• Word Work: 

  • and, the, is

  • Write words on a whiteboard, "popping" around the board 5 times correct each word 

  • OR Write words using finger in sand, salt, flour, etc. 

  • Pull out alphabet chart and find the l. Go over l sound. Write 3-5 words that start with l. 

• Take a picture walk through the book

• Look at the "words to know" section of the book. Point to the word, read it out loud and then point to child to indicate it is their turn to read the word. You can also do flash cards and mix them up to go through the words a couple of times if you want. (Words: gold, love, parrots, ropes, sails, ships)

• Find the word "love" in book and put finger on it. 

  • Make the word with magnetic letters and show it to the child. Mix them up and have them put it back together. Show them an index card with the word "love" written on it.

• Ask child what they know about pirates. 

• Make a word web for pirates (write pirates in the middle with big, bold letters, circle it, and write other words around the picture that have to do with pirates and draw lines connecting these words to the middle circled word.)

• Focus strategy: Lips the Fish. Show poster (click link) and remind him or her that when he gets stuck, try the beginning sound and look at the picture.  Also remind him or her to read with their finger.

During Reading

• Read with finger 

• Encourage reading strategy (look at the beginning sound and the picture) 

• Support and encourage words that are read correctly with verbal praise

After Reading

• Ask-Pirates sail on the ocean. What do you know about the ocean? Have child draw and color a picture of the ocean with the things they said. Then write a couple sentences about the picture. (Example: There are fish. Sharks swim there. The waves are big. We go to the beach. etc.)

• Pirates search for treasure! Follow the clues to find the hidden treasure in your house! 

  • Hints: Write each hint on a post-it note and tell him where to start. Tape a candy bar under the table. 1- Go to the bed. 2- Go to brother/sister's door. 3- Go to the table. 4- Look under the table

• New words: this, love

  • Write the words on the white board

  • Have child make the words with magnet letters

  • Take one of the letters away, ask him or her what is missing

  • Mix up the letters and have child put it back together

  • Have him or her dictate a sentence as you write it, then ask child to read it, pointing at each word

• You can also print out the coloring book below and he or she can practice with it.