By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder Illustrated by Doris Ettlinger

Awards Newbery Honor ALA Notable Read Across America Teachers’ Picks Pacific Northwest Young Reader’s Choice Award

Selection Summary Laura, Ma, and her sisters are taking their first train trip. They are traveling west to meet Pa. Laura and Carrie, a younger sister, are quite frightened by the huge, fast, noisy train. Once they get on board, they find it an exciting adventure.

Key Concept First train ride

Key Vocabulary Conductor Depot Jolting Lurching Platform Satchels

Conductor- a person in charge of a train or subway The conductor punched holes in our tickets to show we had boarded the train.

Depot- a train or bus station We arrived at the depot just in time to board our train.

Jolting- moving in a jerky, bumpy way The train was jolting along the tracks during our trip.

Lurching- moving unsteadily from side to side We were lurching in our seats as the train moved away from the depot.

Platform- a raised floor or surface We walked onto the platform to wait for the train to arrive.

Satchels- small bags used for carrying books and other small items Ma set her satchels down on the platform when she paid for the tickets.

Now let’s check out some of the reading skills we will be practicing as we read By the Shores of Silver Lake…

Strategy Focus Laura and her family are going on their first train trip. As you read, think of questions about what they see and think during their train ride.

You may think of questions to ask a classmate. -or- You may need to have some questions answered about the story to help you understand it.

Comprehension Skill Focus You will be noting details as you read this story. You could complete a detail map that lists details from the story.

Graphic Organizer: Detail Map Details Waiting 1. for 2. the 3. train 4.

Enjoy Selection 4: By the Shores of Silver Lake. Doris Ettlinger Laura Ingalls Wilder For more fun activities, check out www.eduplace.com and explore!