Quickly preview the story by looking at the Unit Two title on page 71, the story title and picture on page 135, and the words in large print on page 136. Then read the first sentence in the story. What do you think this story will be about? Place your initial prediction about the story in a cluster chart. Place the title of the story, “Priscilla and the Wimps,” in a large circle in the middle; add predictions to smaller circles on the outside that are connected to the large circle.
1. Follow along in the textbook as your teacher reads the first five paragraphs of “Priscilla and the Wimps” aloud. When your teacher stops reading, on page 136 after the line “The reason Monk didn’t recognize trouble when it was staring him in the face is that the serpent in the Kobras’ Eden was a girl,” make another prediction on your chart by answering this question: What will happen to Monk?
2. Continue reading. Stop on page 137 at the bottom of the first column, after the line “‘Okay, let’s see your pass,’ snarls the Kobra.’” Make another prediction on your chart by answering this question: What will happen to Melvin?
3. Read to the bottom of the second column on page 137, where Priscilla says, “Never heard of him,” and answer this question: What will happen to Priscilla? Then, read to the end of the story.
If you are having a difficult time understanding the story, jot down thoughts that come to mind as you read such as: I don’t understand this…, this reminds me of…, I like this part because…, I didn’t guess that this would happen because…. Jot down your thoughts at least four times.
Find a partner and discuss the predictions you made. Discuss what details in the story helped you make your predictions. Then share your predictions with the class. Were your predictions similar to those made by others? What affected everyone’s predictions? What predictions were changed as everyone read on?