Before During and After Reading Activities Before Reading Building Background Knowledge and Academic Vocabulary Before Reading strategies activate prior knowledge and set a purpose for reading 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 and increase their reading comprehension Questions and activities to build background knowledge 1 Look at the cover of the book What will this book be about 2 What do you already know about the topic 3 Let's study the Table of Contents What will you learn about in the book's 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 Building Academic Vocabulary Building academic vocabulary is critical to understanding subject content Assist your child or students to gain meaning of the following vocabulary words Content Area Vocabulary Read the list What do these words mean abundant endangered indicators commercial exoskeletons microscopic destruction genetic monitor pristine reserve techniques During Reading Writing Component During Reading strategies help to make connections monitor understanding generate questions and stay focused 1 While reading write in your reading journal any questions you have or anything you do not understand 2 After completing each chapter write a summary of the chapter in your reading journal 3 While reading make connections with the text and write them in your reading journal a Text to Self What does this remind me of in my life What were my feelings when I read this b Text to Text What does this remind me of in another book I've read How is this different from other books I've read c Text to World What does this remind me of in the real world Have I heard about this before News current events school etc After Reading Comprehension and Extension Activity After Reading strategies provide an opportunity to summarize question reflect discuss and respond to text After reading the book work on the following questions with your child or students to check their level of reading comprehension and content mastery 1 What kinds of habitats and animals do scientists study at Dry Tortugas National Park Summarize 2 Why are national parks important Infer 3 What do scientists learn by tagging sharks or sea turtles Asking Questions 4 What would you study if you were a scientist at Dry Tortugas National Park Text to Self Connection Extension Activity Scientists often learn about animals through observation Find a place to observe birds or other wild animals without them noticing What behaviors do you see How do they interact
TABLE OF CONTENTS Dry Tortugas National Park Scientists the Animals and the Habitat Conservation Activity Glossary Index Show What You Know Further Reading About the Author
CHAPTER ONE DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK Far out at sea one of the most remote national parks in the United States features stunning views crystal blue water seven small islands and pristine coral reefs and seagrass beds The only way to get to Dry Tortugas National Park is by boat or seaplane Dry Tortugas National Park is in the Gulf of Mexico 70 miles 113 kilometers southwest of Florida Most of the park is under water The islands also called keys within the Dry Tortugas are the southernmost islands in the Florida Keys
FLORIDA Dry Tortugas Florida Keys Dry Tortugas National Park is larger than Washington D C The ocean is up to 82 feet 25 meters deep within the park boundaries What Is a Key A key is a low island formed on top of an ancient coral reef It is sometimes spelled cay or caye Fort Jefferson was built on Garden Key between 1846 and 1875 Today it serves as a historical site and visitor center
