Mariah Keeps Cool

By: Mildred Pitts Walter

Teacher Read AloudDigby Perkins's Secret Code1. What problem does Miriam want Eleana to solve?2. Why do you think Miriam says that Eleana must

break the code for the sake of all the girls at Thurgood Marshall Middle School?

3. What does Eleana mean when she says Digby Perkins’s code wasn’t willing to give up it’s key?

4. What clue leads Eleana to the computer keyboard?

5. What problem does Digby Perkins’s message create for Miriam?

Teachers Read Aloud (cont.)

6. What does Miriam’s plan for solving the problem seem to be?

7. Do you think this is the best solution? Why or why not?

Vocabulary

amazingly celebration decorate detain festive honor reluctant spectators suspects volunteered

Vocabulary Practice

Time to practice your vocabulary words.

Turn to page 197 in your Practice Books.

Answers

Supporting Comprehension

1. How does the author show that Mariah is nervous about the upcoming swim meet?

2. How does the author reveal that Mariah is still just getting to know her half sister?

3. Why do you think Nikki asks if the girls can have the day off from swimming?

4. Do you think Lynn believes the story Mariah and Brandon tell about why none of the girls are in the pool? Why of why not?

Supporting Comprehension (cont.)

5. How does the author show that Lynn doesn’t want a birthday party?

6. What can you infer about the relationship among Mariah, Denise, and Lynn, based on their conversation about Lynn’s birthday?

7. How does the author let you know that even Mariah’s mother is unsure about what Lynn will do on her birthday?

Wrapping Up Segment 11. Do you think Mariah’s plan for Lynn’s

birthday is a good idea? Why or why not?

2. Do you think Mariah gets along well with Lynn? Explain.

Supporting Comprehension (cont.)

8. Why do you think the author says that the yard looks like “ a magic garden”?

9. How does the author show that Mariah is still nervous about the party, even though all of the preparations are complete.

10. What details does the author include that show the party is a success?

Wrapping Up Segment 2

1. In your opinion, is there anything else that Mariah could have done to make the party come off more smoothly? Explain.

2. Based on what happened in the story, how do think the friendly five will do at the swim meet? Why?

Comprehension Check Time to see if you remember the story.

Turn to page 199 in your practice book.

Answers

VCCCV Pattern

“Lynn’s friends all think we’re too young,” Trina complained.

vcccvPractice on your white boards.controlsurprisedexcludesuppliedTime to practice in your workbooks turn to

page 202. Answers

Spelling Practice

Turn to page 203 in your practice books.

Answers

spectator

• People who watch an event or performance.

amazingly

• in a way that causes surprise or wonder

celebration

• a special activity that honors a person,event,or idea

decorate

• To adorn; to make festive with beautiful things

detain

• To delay; to hold back

festive

• joyful

honor

• To show respect for

reluctant

• Unwilling; slow to take a necessary

action

suspects

• Imagines that something secret or wrong is going on

volunteered

• Offered to do something of one’s own free will

Page 197

Page 199

Page 202

Page 203