1. Centerfield Ballhawk By Matt Christopher

2. Journal Response Directions: Answer the questions below in the Reading section of your journal. Be sure to write complete sentences. Check spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. 1. What are some activities you are good at? What are some activities that you need more practice doing? 2.What could you tell someone who is disappointed that he or she isn’t very good at something?

3. Prior Knowledge/Building Knowledge Baseball Words PositionsEquipmentParts of the Field Rules

4. Vocabulary Power “Centerfield Ballhawk” is about a boy named Jose who wants his father to be proud of him. People are usually happy when they get along well with family members. Look at how this family gets along. Lance: Wow! Great catch! The game is over! Kayla: I thought that ball would. It looked as if it would disappear over the fence. Lance: If I were a baseball player, I’d want to be an. When you play in the outfield, it’s up to you to catch the fly balls that go far back in the field. Kayla: To be a great outfielder, you have to be a. A ___________ always seems to be able to catch the ball wherever it goes. vanish outfielder ballhawk

5. Mother: OK, you two, the game is over. Now it’s time to on your homework. You need to pay close attention to that project you’re working on, Lance. Lance: Oh, Mom, you know you can on me to get it done. Mother: Yes, I can always trust you to do your work on time, Lance. Kayla: Remember the time I forgot to do my math? It was mostly my, but Lance was a little bit to blame, too. He had me so busy helping him with his joke book that I forgot my own work! concen tr ate depend f ault

6. Genre Realistic Fiction Realistic fiction tells about characters and events that are like people and events in real life. Look for: problems that could happen in real life. special words about baseball.

7. Preview and Predict 1.Examine the illustrations on pages 332 and 333. 2.Read page 333. 3.Carefully study the pictures on pages 334-348. 4.Write three to four sentences predicting what you think will happen in the story. Include what will happen in the beginning, middle, and end.

8. During Reading (Three Ring Circus) You may choose to read the story in one of the following ways: with a partner with your teacher by yourself

9. While you read, do the following: vocabulary word 1. Discuss the meaning of each vocabulary word as you come to it. If reading alone, think about the meaning of each word. Be ready to discuss with the class. words and phrasesare specific and clear”“paint a picture in your mind”. 2. Be on the look out for words and phrases that “are specific and clear” and “paint a picture in your mind”. Mark these with small Post-It notes. Share with your partner or group. If reading alone, be ready to share during our whole group discussion. 3. Reread for better understanding and to build fluency. During Reading

10. After Reading: Sequence Chart After disappointing his father by breaking a car window, Jose decides his dad will be proud of him if he becomes a better batter. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. After the game, Jose tells his father he wishes he could hit as well as he did.