Precious McKenzie - Search and Rescue Animals

Before Reading:

Building Academic Vocabulary and Background Knowledge

Before reading a book, it is important to tap into what your child or students already know about the topic. This will help them develop their vocabulary, increase their reading comprehension, and make connections across the curriculum.

1.Look at the cover of the book. What will this book be about?

2.What do you already know about the topic?

3.Lets study the Table of Contents. What will you learn about in the books chapters?

4.What would you like to learn about this topic? Do you think you might learn about it from this book? Why or why not?

5.Use a reading journal to write about your knowledge of this topic. Record what you already know about the topic and what you hope to learn about the topic.

6.Read the book.

7.In your reading journal, record what you learned about the topic and your response to the book.

8.After reading the book complete the activities below.

Content Area Vocabulary

Read the list. What do these words mean?

assist

avalanche

canines

drowning

equine

first responders

impulses

laboratory

scent

skin cells

training

volunteers

After Reading:

Comprehension and Extension Activity

After reading the book, work on the following questions with your child or students in order to check their level of reading comprehension and content mastery.

1.What types of situations call for SAR animals? (Summarize)

2.What skills are needed in a SAR team? (Asking questions)

3.Do you have the skills and interests to be part of a SAR team? Explain. (Text to self connection)

4.Explain the difference between a tracking dog and a trailing dog? (Summarize)

5.Why do people volunteer to be a part of a SAR team? (Asking questions)

Extension Activity

Be prepared! SAR teams are dispatched during an emergency or natural disaster such as tornados, hurricanes, or blizzards. Think about the natural disasters that could happen in your area. Are you prepared? Do you have a plan in place at school or at home? You will create a disaster plan poster to share with your family or classmates. Use www.fema.gov to help you identify what you need to do before, during, and after a natural disaster strikes.