Unit 9 Bats
Let’s talk What do you know about bats? What would you like to know? Think of one question beginning with each of these words: What, Where, How . Reading You are going to read an expository text and a poem about bats. First, read this expository text to see if it answers any of your questions. About Bats Bats are mammals so the young are born live, then live and feed on their mothers’ milk. A baby bat is called a pup. When it is born, its eyes are closed and it has no fur. At night, the adult female bat flies about catching and
KWL chart
eating insects. The pup often goes along too, carried underneath the adult, clinging to its fur with its teeth, thumbs and hind feet. Bats are not blind, but at night a bat uses its ears not its eyes to find its way. When a bat flies, it makes high-
pitched sounds. When the sounds hit an object, an echo comes back. The echo gives the bat information about what is ahead, including the size, shape and position of tiny insects. During the day, bats rest, upside down, in cool, dark places such as caves, hollow trees or roofs.
1 What evidence is there that bats are mammals? 2 People often say that bats are blind. a) Are they correct? b) Why do you think people say that? 3 How is bats’ behaviour at night different from their behaviour during the day? 4 Would you find a bat resting on a beach during the day? Why or why not? 5 What else did you learn from the passage?
• Let’s talk: After reading and answering the questions, draw a KWL chart (like the one on page 24) and, with students, fill in the first two columns. • Read the text. After answering the comprehension questions, fill in the right-hand column ( What I have learnt ). Ask students whether their questions have been answered. • Extension: Ask students to write a summary or a fact sheet based on the text. • Regularly encourage students to ask questions both for information and for clarification.
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