Article
Jim McMahon/Mapman® (Globe); iStockPhoto/Getty Images (Lake, Child); Gregor Hofbauer/Getty Images (Camera); Courtesy of ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain (Champ); Shutterstock.com (All Other Images)
Background Builder,

What Is Champ?

There are many stories about a lake monster named Champ. No one knows if they are true. What do the stories say?

From the October/November 2025 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will build background information about Champ the lake monster to prepare for the Big Read-Aloud.

Lexiles: 350L
Featured Skill: Vocabulary, Main Idea,
Common Core Standards
  • RF.1.1 Features of print RI.1.1 Key details RI.1.3 Connecting information RI.1.4 Vocabulary RI.1.5 Text features RI.1.6 Distinguish between information from words and images RI.1.7 Use visuals SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative discussions with peers and adults
TEKS Standards
  • Social Studies
    (4) Geography. The student understands the purpose of geographic tools, including maps and globes. The student is expected to: (B) locate and explore the community, Texas, and the United States on maps and globes. (14) Culture. The student understands the importance of family and community beliefs, language, and traditions. The student is expected to: (B) explain the way folktales and legends reflect beliefs, language, and traditions of communities.

Magazine View
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1. It lives in a big lake.

Lake Champlain is in North America.

The lake is called Lake Champlain. It is a very big and deep lake. 

2. Champ is a nickname.

Lake Champlain

People call the lake monster Champ. Can you think of why?

3. It looks like a big snake.

The stories say it is enormous. Some say it looks like a snake with horns and pointy teeth.

4. Many people say they have seen it.

A lot of people say they have spotted Champ in the lake. One person even took a picture. Could Champ be real? 

Slideshows (1)
Activities (2)
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (2) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)

More About the Article

English Language Arts Focus

Key details

Social Studies Focus

Legends and folklore

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Implementation

  • Whole group

Pairings and Text Connections

Before-Reading Resources

  • Vocabulary slideshow (5 minutes) Lake Champlain, enormous, spotted

Suggested Reading Focus

Build background knowledge (20 minutes)

  • Before opening the magazine, ask students to generate words to describe how people feel about monsters. Are monsters scary? Are they exciting? Are they mysterious?
  • Then tell students that they are going to learn about a monster that is a famous figure in folklore. Explain that folklore is a collection of stories and beliefs in different communities. The stories usually began a long time ago and are shared over and over.
  • Walk students through the nonfiction text features of the page. Take a close look at the pictures and ask students to share what they notice.
  • Read the mini article. Pause to check for comprehension as you read.
  • Have students share with the group or in partnerships a fact they learned about the Champ. How would they feel if they met it?

After-Reading Skills Practice

Skills: Key details; vocabulary (15 minutes)

Text-to-Speech