Unit 1 Rushing River
Let's talk What places are there near your home that might be dangerous? Why are they dangerous? Reading
Rushing River Ben and his parents were at home. It had been raining all night. Ben knew that the river was close to bursting its banks. In the dry season the river
Beginning
• Let's talk: This section helps students to draw on prior experience to prepare for the reading exercise. CR If students are discussing with a small group of peers, allow them to recount their personal experiences in Creole. If a student uses Creole when sharing with the whole class, ask him/her to say selected sentences again in Standard English. • Pause at the end of this page and ask students what is happening. Why are Mom and Dad running down to the river? ( Ben has been gone for a long time. They think he may have gone to the river and fallen in. ) • Have students complete a Reading response chart (page 158) during and after reading a text – to record their thoughts. • Encourage them to keep regular reading logs – a brief summary of the text and what they liked/didn't like about it. The river wasn’t far away and Ben had an idea. There was a big mango tree in Mr. Spencer’s garden, next door. “I will climb to the top,” he thought. “Then I will be able to see the river.” Ben climbed the tree and perched on one of the top branches. He had a great view of the river. The water was brown and fast-moving. Enormous branches were carried along like paper boats. Ben gazed as old tyres and a shopping cart rushed by. He saw Mom running down to the river. Dad was running after her. Dad was shouting Ben’s name too. What was going on? was small enough to jump over but in the rainy season it grew into a raging monster. “No, Ben. You can’t go down to the river,” said Mom. “Pleeeeeease,” Ben pleaded. “No. It’s too dangerous,” said Dad. “I’ll be very careful!” “No,” repeated Dad. “Don’t go near the river. It is very full. If it overflows its banks it will grab you and carry you off.” Ben made a face and went out onto the veranda. “I bet my friends Abbie and Tod will see the river,” he said.
Middle
8
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