1 1 1 my new pet (fiction)

My New Pet
by Christian James

INTRODUCE THE BOOK
Activate Prior Knowledge/Build
Background Read the title, and ask children
about their experiences with pets. Ask: What
kinds of animals can people have as pets? What
is special about each one? Tell children this book
is about a boy and his new pet.
Preview/Use Text Features Preview the
reader by talking about the illustrations together
and naming the labeled items.
Preteach Vocabulary Review the highfrequency words that appear in this book: on,
way, and in. Introduce these key words from
the book: pet (p. 1) and pal (p. 7). 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 What is the dog’s name? (The
dog’s name is Bo.)
• Pages 3–7 What does Bo like to do? (Bo
likes to lick, eat, run, chase, play, and dig.)

• Page 8 How does Bo feel about the boy?
(He loves him.)

Fiction

RESPOND
Answers to the Reader’s Inside Back Cover:
Talk About It
1. They can run, chase, play, and dig.
2. Bo loves his dog. He says so. (Character)
Write About It
3. Children should draw a picture of a pet
animal. They should write about what their pet is
like and what it does. If children do not have a
pet, they can write about one they would like to
have. Possible response: I have a dog. His name
is Midnight. He likes to run and play.
Support writers at various English proficiency
levels.
Beginning Display a sentence frame, such
as I like my pet because ___. Have children
dictate an ending.
Intermediate Provide the same sentence
frame, but have children copy it and write their
own endings.
Advanced Have children write two or three
sentences about their favorite pet.
Extend Language A dog can run, chase,
and dig.
Answers to page 2:

The story is mostly about Bo. Children should
draw a dog.
Family Link Read aloud the Family Link activity
on page 2 before sending copies of the Study
Guide home with children. Later, have children
share stories about family pets.

© 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 2.

ELL Reader 1.1.1

ELL Readers Teaching Guide

Unit 1, Week 1 My New Pet

1


Study Guide
Name

My New Pet

• Read My New Pet again.
• Who is the story mostly about? Draw a picture of him.
• Write a sentence that goes with your picture.

Ask family members to tell about pets they have had.

2

My New Pet Unit 1, Week 1

ELL Readers Teaching Guide

© Scott Foresman 1

Family Link