6 th Grade Unit 1

6th GradeUnit 1

“We are in the world

to change the world.”

-Kathe Kollwitz

“Be the change

you wish to see

in the world.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

We are in the world to change the world.

-Kathe Kollwitz

Be the change

you wish to see in the world.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Any Small Goodnessby Tony Johnston

What is the relationship

between the quote and the title of the book?

Choose one of the quotes listed above.

In your reading notebook, write your opinion about how the quote relates to the title of Tony Johnston’s book.

Foreshadow: Tony Johnston uses the technique of foreshadowing to set the tone of the novel.Think/pair/share:• Read the introduction and dedication that comes before

chapter 1.• Think about the sentences that the author uses to set the

mood of the novel. • Choose and write down one or two sentences that

foreshadow what might be coming up in the novel.• Turn to your neighbor and share the sentences that you

chose and share what you predict what the novel might be about.

How do your words and actions affect your world?

Chapter 1: American Names

Vocabulary:

pervade:

barrio:

random:

excessively:

disfavor:

(Chapter 1 Vocabulary, cont.)

fiesty:

apprise:

reclaim:

Review: Figurative Language

What are the two commonly used forms of figurative language?

Chapter 1: American NamesLiterature Based Writing:

•Describe Arturo. Make a list of his character traits.

Point of View•Read pages 28-29 in Crosswalk Coach.

• Take notes about the differences of POV.

•Answer the questions on pages 30 and 31 in your notebook.

Point of View

•First-person point of view:

Point of View

• Third-person point of view

•Third-person omniscient point of view

Point of View

• Second-person point of view

Point of View

•Who is the narrator?

•This novel is written from which point of view?

•How do you know?

Chapter 2: Corn Fungus

Literature Based Writing:

What does Papi mean when he says, “When no eyes are upon him, that is a person’s true test”?

Theme: main message or lesson

What is one theme of this novel?

Summary:

•a short retelling of a text in the reader’s own words.

Chapter 3: The Coach

Literature Based Writing:

As a class, write a summary of this chapter.

Chapter 4: Piano Lessons

glean:

rebuffment:

Chapter 4: Piano Lessons

Read about Papi and Arturo in chapter 4. What does their quotes and thoughts say about their personality?

Chapter 4: Piano Lessons

Literature Based Writing:

How does this chapter help us to better understand the theme of this novel?

Frank McCourt

“Stock your mind and you can

move through the world

resplendent.”

Chapter 5: The River

resplendent:

lenience:

Chapter 5: The River

Literature Based Writing:

Why does the author choose the words she does to end the chapter?

See quote on following slide.

Chapter 5, page 77

“…I hope this very minuto she’s in some other barrio – in full-twinkle – and full of disguise – fully resplendent, spouting the glory of books…And the rain comes down.”

“A Poem for My Librarian”by Nikki Giovanni

Chapter 6: The Band

confrontation:

Chapter 6: The Band

Literature Based Writing:

In your opinion, do you think that Arturo wants to emulate his father? Use details from the text to support your claim.

Chapter 7: The Lunch Box Sort the vocabulary words into categories.

wrongedrivet

emulate revenge

strafe

perpetrator

Chapter 7: The Lunch Box

Literature Based Writing:

Make a list of at least ten words that you could use to describe what happened to Arturo’s family.

Chapter 7: The Lunch Box

Literature Based Writing:

Write at least three quotes from the chapter that support the theme of the book.

Chapter 8: The Green Needle Gang

Literature Based Writing: In chapter 7 Arturo stated that he was angry and untrusting. On page 105 he thinks, “And if I am lucky, no eyes will be on me.”

What do you think he will do for revenge?

Chapter 8: The Green Needle Gang

Literature Based Writing:

Why does Raul yell, “Excelsior!”

Chapter 9: Christmas Presents

Literature Based Writing:

In your own words write the theme of the book. Use three examples from the text to support your claim.

Change and Growth•How does Arturo change and grow

throughout the book?

•Who does he want to emulate and why? (Who were the characters who have influenced Arturo?)

•Use the character map to help you.

“I, Too, Sing America”by Langston Hughes

“The Road Not Taken”by Robert Frost

Related Poems• Read the poems on the hand-outs.• Choose one of the poems related to Any Small

Goodness.• Peruse the poets’ websites to learn more about the

poets to help you understand their point of view.• Listen to the poets delivering their poems on CD or on

YouTube.• Practice reciting the poem that you have chosen.• Interpret the poems after hearing, seeing, and

observing multimedia forms.• Share your analysis of experiencing the poem in

multimedia forms.

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Introduction to writing biographies:

• Make an outline to help organize the essay.