1 2 1 picnic time (nonfiction)

Picnic Time
by Chloe Nicole

ELL Reader 1.2.1

Nonfiction

INTRODUCE THE BOOK

RESPOND

Activate Prior Knowledge/Build
Background Read the title, and ask children
if they have ever gone on a picnic. Encourage
them to tell about their experience. Ask: What do
you think is the best part of a picnic? Tell children
this book tells what a family takes on a picnic.

Answers to the Reader’s Inside Back Cover:

Preview/Use Text Features Preview the
reader by talking about the illustrations together
and naming the labeled items.

Write About It
3. Encourage children to draw and write from
personal experience. They should mention items
such as sandwiches and a blanket. Possible
response: On a picnic I can take sandwiches. I
can take juice. I can take a blanket. (Main Idea)
Support writers at various English proficiency

levels.
Beginning Display a sentence frame, such
as On a picnic I can take ___. Have children
dictate an ending.
Intermediate Provide the same sentence,
but have children copy it and write their own
ending.
Advanced Have children write sentences
about two or three things they would take.

Preteach Vocabulary Review the highfrequency words that appear in this book: good,
no, and want. Introduce these key words from
the book: picnic (p. 1), family (p. 2), and
take (p. 2). Discuss these words and add them
to a Word Wall.

READ THE BOOK
Choose among these options for reading to
support children at all English proficiency levels.
Read Aloud Read the book aloud as children
follow along. Pause to verify comprehension and
to explain unfamiliar concepts.
Monitored Reading Have children silently
read a few pages at a time. Use the following
questions to support comprehension:
• Page 2 Where is the family going? (The
family is going on a picnic.)
• Pages 3–7 What does the family take?
(The family takes apples, a blanket,
sandwiches, cookies, and juice.)

• Page 8 How does the family feel about the
picnic? (Picnic time can be fun.)

Extend Language Possible response: A light
bag is easier to carry than a heavy bag. It is
easier to carry heavy things in a cart than in
a bag.
Answers to page 14:
Children should draw a picture of a family on
a picnic. Explain that children can imagine
where the family went to have their picnic, and
draw that setting. Possible response: The family
went to a park to have a picnic.
Family Link Read aloud the Family Link activity
on page 14 before sending copies of the Study
Guide home with children. Later, have them
describe a fun picnic or other outing that their
family members had.

© Scott Foresman 1

Reread Have children reread the book with a
partner, in small groups, or independently. Have
them complete the Study Guide on page 14.

Talk About It
1. Possible response: At a picnic, you can eat
apples, sandwiches, and cookies. (Main Idea)
2. in the kitchen

ELL Readers Teaching Guide

Unit 2, Week 1 Picnic Time

13


Study Guide

Picnic Time

Name

• Read Picnic Time again.
• Where did the family go? Draw a picture.
• Write a sentence that goes with your picture.

Family Link

© Scott Foresman 1

Ask family members to tell about a fun picnic or
outing. Were they celebrating a special occasion?

14

Picnic Time Unit 2, Week 1

ELL Readers Teaching Guide