Read Prereading page 805 and view the photograph on page 806. Also, read the author biography on page 814 and examine the photograph of the author. Discuss with the class what you know about jaguars and other large cats. Share experiences of seeing such cats on television, in movies, or in real life. Then, close your eyes and visualize such a cat in its natural habitat. How might you feel if you encountered a jaguar in the wild? How would you feel about the cat?
1. Close your eyes and visualize the text as your teacher reads the first two pages aloud. Keep in mind that this documentary takes place in Belize. Imagine the setting, the people, and the author interacting with them. Take a moment to write down a description of your visualization. Include in the description sensory details, as well as the emotions that the description elicits.
2. Read the remainder of the selection on your own. Try to visualize the action as you read. When you encounter a particularly striking image, stop and write a description of your visualization.
If you have difficulty visualizing the text, work with a partner to read aloud. As your partner reads, close your eyes and visualize the story. Take turns with your partner reading aloud throughout the remainder of the story. You might change readers after encountering a particularly striking image or scene. Be sure to stop periodically to record descriptions of your visualizations.
Choose one scene or image from the text and write a detailed description of your visualization. Be sure to include as many sensory details as possible in your description. Also, describe how the image makes you feel. When you finish writing, share your description with a classmate.