Ms Mattison

Raymond's Run

September 5

Objectives

To demonstrate an understanding of characters and events in a short story.

To write a paragraph of description, using action words.

To relate experiences of a fictional figure to personal experience.

Procedures

Using What You Know: (Mon)

Older brothers and sisters often have to look after a younger child. What difficulties can such a situation cause for a teenager?  Are there also satisfactions in taking care of another family member? p. 3

Literary Focus:

Direct characterization:  Tell what characters are like through description or comment.

Indirect characterization: Show what characters are like through their actions, words, thoughts, and the reactions of other characters. (Mon)

Setting a purpose: Squeaky the main character lives in Harlem, New York is tough and streetwise. How does squeaky reveal herself through her actions, her thoughts, and her words. How does she show that she cares about her family, neighborhood, and people who live in her city. p. 3

Homework: Read Raymond's Run pp. 4-10

DO:  Identifying Facts and Interpreting Meanings. Write questions and answers. p. 11

Procedures:

DO: Literary Elements:

Analyzing a Character: (Mon)

How do you analyze a character?

You learn a great deal about Squeaky from what she says and does.

For example:  *Is she loyal?

                       *Is she honest?

                        *How does she show courage 

                         *when facing problems?

                          Where does she reveal that

                           she is generous?

    Here's how to put together a portrait of Squeaky. You can add other qualities.                 

  Put together a portrait of Squeaky by completing the chart.  Example p. 11

Homework: Draw two columns and list how Squeaky is loyal, honest, courageous, and generous. p. 11

Descriptive Writing: Using Action Words in Description (Tues)

Description: is the kind of writing that creates pictures of persons, places, things, or actons. Description tells how something sounds, looks, smells, tastes, or feels.

Read the passage on p. 12 that describes Squeaky's movements during a race. Notice the action words in the description.

Have you ever watched a trackmeet, race, children running?

Try and remember a sporting event you watched or participated in at school or home. 

Prewriting Strategies

1. Make a list of descriptive words.

2. Examples: *streak

*flash

*whiz

*fly

*charge

*spring

*bound

*leap

*accelerate

*overtake

Examples: Now think of some comparisons:

like a bird

like a flash

like an arrow

quick as lightening

3. Compose an opening sentence that will capture the reader's interest.

Example: At the start of the hundred-meter race, I was trailing, but as we neared the finish line I began to overtake the front runner.

Source: African American Literature

Minilesson: Descriptive Writing (Tues/Wed)

Source: The Language Network

Homework: Describe an Event

3. Write a paragraph in your life using descriptive words. P. 12

Assessment: Homework (Thurs)

Quiz (Fri)