Albert the Angry Alligator
Text Type: Fiction • Word Count: 398

READ-ALOUD LESSON
Albert the Angry Alligator
Letter Aa vowel sound (review)

• Introduce and expose students to the various vowel sounds represented by the letter a, including short /a/, schwa, r-controlled /ar/, and variant vowel sounds.
• Build oral comprehension skills.
• Model fluent reading.

Story Summary
Albert the alligator is always in a bad mood. He is angry and mean to the other animals in the jungle. The animals spy on Albert to try to figure out what is causing him to feel angry. Once they find out what has been bothering Albert, they are able to help him feel much better. 

Build Background
Ask students if they have ever seen or read a story about an alligator. Have them share their knowledge of alligators, such as what they look like, where they live, and what they eat. 

Preview the Book
Read the title and ask students to identify the vowel sound at the beginning of the words Albert and alligator (short /a/). Then have them identify the vowel sound at the beginning of the word angry. Explain to students that you will read a story aloud that has many words with the various vowel sounds represented by letter a. 

Write alligator and angry on the board. Read each word aloud to students. Have students say the beginning sounds of alligator and angry to hear the differences between the vowel sounds represented by the letter a. Have volunteers come to the board and take turns circling the letter a in the words, saying the vowel sound that is represented by the letter a in the words. 

Make a transparency of the copyright page of the book. Point out the box A Words that shows the words that include a vowel sound represented by the letter a. Read each word aloud with students, emphasizing the various vowel sounds of the letter a. 

Open the book and show students the illustrations on each page. Invite students to predict what the story might be about. 

During Reading
Read the story aloud with expression, emphasizing one of the vowel sounds represented by the letter a in the words, such as the short /a/ vowel sound. Ask students to clap their hands each time they hear the short /a/ vowel sound. Point out that they might hear the short /a/ vowel sound at the beginning or in the middle of the word. 

Allow students to ask questions during reading. Pause occasionally to ask students to predict what might happen next. 

Reread the story aloud, emphasizing a different vowel sound represented by the letter a. 

After Reading
Reader Response
Have students explain whether the book is fiction or nonfiction. Invite them to summarize the story and/or describe their favorite part. 

Comprehension
Ask specific questions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the book.

• Why was Albert angry?
• How did the other animals help Albert?
• Why did the painter agree to paint Albert's picture at the end of the story?