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So what? What is important to understand about this?
Essential Details
This happened
NameRose Daughter by Robin McKinley
a new twist on the Beauty and the Beast story
Beauty rejects society’s superficial ideals in order to maintain her relationship with the people she loved
Beauty’s father had to send her to live with a beast in a castle
They move to Rose Cottage. Once they settle in, Beauty tends the garden and grows very lovely and rare roses.
The father has to go back to the city on business
He stays at the castle on his way home where he meets the beast and in return for a rose, must send his daughter
Beauty learns to love the Beast
She works with the Beast’s roses because they are dying
Over time, she befriends the beast but cannot marry him
She goes home for a short time but returns to the beast
She breaks the spell so the beast can leave the castle but he is still a beast
Beauty’s family is in ruin fancily and her father never recovered from her mother’s death.
Gist
Word
Spider saying o the fly that he must be weary from flying
Being weary from too much homework
very tired
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
weary
STORY The Spider and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi
Gist
Word
merrily singing when coming out of the door…
Walking merrily along the street.
happily, cheerfully
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
merrily
Gist
Word
Spider had a dismal den
A dismal ghost stuck in a haunted house
gloomy, sad
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
dismal
Gist
Word
Eyes being dull as lead
Reading a really dull story
boring, not interesting, not lively
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
dull
Word Scavenger HuntKeep these new words in mind as you read new material, watch TV or view a movie, listen to others or the radio. When you see or hear the new word being used, write down where it was used and how it was used. Try to use the words yourself when you talk to others!!
Fretting: Today she was fretting
even more than usual. Mrs. Rainey telling us not to fret about the quiz
classroom
Filed: Then they filed out the front door, followed by Dr. Bumble.
Coach asking us to file in lineplayground
Sob: “It just keeps getting worse and worse!” She began to sob.
Plump: … and there stood an old woman who was just as plump and sweet as a strawberry.
Extraordinary: “Most extraordinary!” he exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it…”
“extraordinary powers”Superman comic
Distraction: “She’s too much of a distraction, and I’ve been getting calls from the other parents…”
Mrs. Rainey saying we are driving her o distraction
classroom
Heaping: Camilla wanted a big, heaping plateful of lima beans more than just about anything…
Vanished: Then she went outside and vanished into the crowd.
“children vanished from the house”Haunted Houses of Alabama
The elephant packed his trunk, then picked it up with his trunk, and carried it to the trunk of his car.
So what? What is important to understand about this?
A word that can mean different things, depending on what’s going on
trunk Is about …
Main idea
The trunk in the attic
Like a suitcase, only bigger Sometimes shaped like a treasure chest or huge box
Sometimes has leather straps going around it; has a huge metal latch in the middle
Good ExamplePut your old clothes in the truck and take it up to the attic.
CRAZY exampleMy trunk would not fit in my car trunk.
Main idea
The trunk of a car
Storage space in rear of most cars; has a lid that locks.
Sometimes used for carrying emergency equipment.
Good exampleI opened my car’s trunk to get the spare tire out.
CRAZY exampleThe elephant’s trunk hung out of the back of my car’s trunk.
Main idea
An elephant’s trunk
Long nose of an elephant
Uses to smell, to lift things, and to throw water or dirt on their backs to keep cool
Good exampleThe elephant lifted the log with his trunk.
CRAZY exampleThe elephant’s trunk squirted water into my trunk.
Wilbur is getting fat and winter is coming Charlotte &
Knowledge connection:This process makes you think of...
Because...
PLANS writing strategy
Preview words to use.
List ideas on a think-sheet.
Assign numbers to indicate order.
Note ideas in complete sentences following your plan.
Search for errors and correct them.
Makes it easier to write essays.
Essays are more organized and ideas are expressed more clearly.
Authors who use the PLANS strategy tend to score higher on writing tests and essay questions.
Following a step-by-step recipe when cooking a great dinner.
Mrs. Smith She always made us write in her class.
Knowledge of the topic the author is writing about (less knowledge = harder to write about)
How hard the author tries to write well.
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Word Scavenger HuntKeep these new words in mind as you read new material, watch TV or view a movie, listen to others or the radio. When you see or hear the new word being used, write down where it was used and how it was used. Try to use the words yourself when you talk to others!!
Sultry: In a warm and sultry forest far, far away, there once lived a mother fruit bat and her new baby.
Behaved: Stellaluna behaved as a good bird should.
Gracefully: Pip, Flitter, and Flap landed gracefully on a branch.
Anxious: The three anxious birds went home without her.
Clutched: Wrapping her wings about her, she clutched the thin branch, trembling with cold and fear.
Startling: Stellaluna landed headfirst in a soft downy nest, startling
the three baby birds who lived there.
Peculiar: Stellaluna’s eyes opened wide. She saw a most peculiar face.
Gathered: More bats gathered around to see the strange young bat who behaved like a bird.
Gist
Word
Charlie soon found out how delicious green things tasted
Eating delicious birthday cake
very good, scrumptious, very tasty
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
delicious
STORY Charlie the Caterpillar by Dom De Luise
Gist
Word
Charlie had become a beautiful butterfly.
Smelling beautiful spring flowers
very pretty, lovely, gorgeous
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
beautiful
Gist
Word
The monkeys jumped back, looking miserable.
Feeling miserable when I’m sick
very unhappy
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
miserable
Gist
Word
Charlie saw two mice playing miniature golf.
My miniature radio
very small, tiny
This word reminds me of… How the Word Was Used in the Story
miniature
is about . . .
So what? What is important to understand about this?
Scrooge changed from being mean and uncaring to being generous and kind
Bob Cratchet, works for Scrooge, unpaid, never given days off, works in unheated office, Tiny Tim’s dad.
Cratchet is Scrooge’s opposite
3 ghosts visit. Past reminds him of the childhood, present shows how bad things are, future shows that no one will remember him. Money doesn’t buy happiness; being a caring person does
Uncle John
Uncle John changed from being really strict and mean to being laid-back and concerned for others
bossy
contemptuous
x
WORDS
Ginger by Charlotte Voake
CONTEXT(when talking about …)
delicious beautiful pityvery tasty, very good to eat very pretty sad, feel sorry for
SAMPLE SENTENCE
The girl made him delicious meals…
I think ice cream is delicious.
The kitten liked to get into Ginger’s beautiful basket
My mom is beautiful.
“It’s a pity you can’t be friends”
It was a pity we lost the baseball game.
Usually best to introduce the comparison frame with an activity that involves comparing two things, both of which students are already familiar.Usually best to begin with Comparison frames because the thinking processes are easier… then eventually use Compare/Contrast frames (similarities & differences) or Venns
is about ...
So what? What is important to understand about this?
Setting Age of castles, royalty (medieval period) -- most of the action takes place in the woods
Evil witch who is mad because she wasnÕt invited to princessÕ first birthday party
Age of castles, royalty (medieval period) -- most of the action takes place in the castle
Evil queen is jealous of Snow WhiteÕs beauty & wants to kill her so she will be the most beautiful
Woodsman fakes SnowÕs murder.Seven dwarfs who live together invite her to live with them.
Fairies provide gifts in the hope that they will save Beauty from the witchÕs evil spell.
Snow bites poison apple - she falls into endless sleep. Handsome prince kisses her to wake her up.
Beauty pricks finger and falls into endless sleep. Prince Charming kisses her to wake her up
Same basic plot - beautiful young woman attacked by evil older woman. Friends try to help, but eventually fail. Handsome kisses young woman to break the Ņbig sleepÓ spell
Eyes Mouth Nose Ears
Hair Teeth Body Personality
Endearing Qualities Likable things about the character Negative Qualities Dislikable things about
So what? What is important to understand about this?
This event involves ...
While event involves ...
unknown (folk tale)Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack steals the Goose that lays golden eggs, climbs down the beanstalk, and cuts it down, killing the giant
Saddam sending Iranian troops to invade Kuwait to steal their treasure & oil wells
Involve greedy people willing to kill others in order to get treasure they want. Having no respect for othersÕ life or property.
One-on-one conflict. One person wins, the other looses, and nobody else is really affected (except maybe JackÕs mom).
Conflict affected tens-of-thousands of people. Many in Kuwait lost their homes and fortunes, thousands of Iranian soldiers killed by US, and world peace was threatened
Jack and Saddam displayed the same unethical behavior . Although SaddamÕs adventure affected thousands of people, the Giant was probably no less concerned or less hurt as any individual from Kuwait!
Characters
Setting
Plot
Ending
Which story was best? Why?
Story #1 Story #2
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny
Mrs. Rabbit, Mr. McGregor,Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail,
Old Mr. Bunny, the cat,Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny
Mr. McGregor’s garden Tool shed near Mr. McGregor’s garden
Peter sneaks under fence into Mr. McG’s garden. He eats too much and can’t escape under the fence.
Peter has to take his fancy new clothes off to escape. Mr. McG puts his clothes on a scarecrow.
Benjamin & Peter hide under a basket from the cat, who sits on the basket for 5 HOURS!
Old Mr. Rabbit scares the cat away. Peter and Benjamin get spanked and are made to work in Mr. McG’s garden.
Tale of Peter Rabbit was best because it was more exciting. I liked the part about Peter having to leave his new clothes behind and Mr. McGregor putting them on a scarecrow. That was funny.
So what? What is important to understand about this?
This event involves...
While this event involves...
unknown (folk tale)Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack steals the goose that lays golden eggs, climbs down the beanstalk and cuts it down, killing the giant
Saddam sending Iranian troops to invade Kuwait to steal their treasure and oil wells
Involve greedy people willing to kill others in order to get treasure they want. Have no respect for others’ life or property.
One-on-one conflict. One person wins, the other loses, and nobody else is really affected (except maybe Jack’s mom).
Conflict affected tens of thousands of people. Many in Kuwait lost their homes and fortunes, thousands of Iranian soldiers were killed by U.S., and world peace was threatened.
Jack and Saddam displayed the same unethical behavior . Although Saddam’s adventure affected thousands of people, the Giant was probably no less concerned or less hurt as any individual from Kuwait!
You may address some of these ways they are alike or think of other ways.
Problems or challenges they face
Because of Winn Dixie Kate DiCamillo
India Opal BuloniMy neighbor, Lori Bishop
Lori and Opal are being raised by their fathers, and sometimes they seem to lack a mother’s touch. They do not seem to do girl things such as shopping, flirting with boys, or worrying about how they look.
Both Lori and Opal are pretty nice to everyone, even the nerdy types, or stuck up people like Amanda Wilkinson.They act a little tomboyish or like girls who seem a little mean or misunderstood.
Lori, Opal, and I live in a neighborhood that is not as nice as most of the people who live in the community.
Lori’s dad is a salesman and he has to make a sale in order to pay the bills. Opal’s dad is a preacher and he has to sell the idea of religion in order to pay their bills.
Lori and Opal are loved by their daddies. Their father’s would give up everything for their daughters.
Neither know a lot about their mothers, and their father’s are not willing to talk about them.
is about ...
So what? What is important to understand about this?
Fantasy stories passes from generation to generation
FAIRY TALES
SNOW WHITE SLEEPING BEAUTY
Evil person
Caring friends
How heroine is saved
Evil witch who is mad because she wasn’t invited to princess’ first birthday party
Evil queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty & wants to kill her so she will be the most beautiful
Woodsman fakes Snow’s murder.Seven dwarfs who live together invite her to live with them.
Fairies provide gifts in the hope that they will save Beauty from the witch’s evil spell.
Snow bites poison apple -she falls into endless sleep. Handsome prince kisses her to wake her up.
Beauty pricks finger and falls into endless sleep. Prince Charming kisses her to wake her up
Same basic plot - beautiful young woman attacked by evil older woman. Friends try to help, but eventually fail. Handsome kisses young woman to break the “big sleep” spell
So what? What is important to understand about this?
1 2 3
4 5 6
Missing May
an unconventional family who builds a life together and later learns to cope with loss
Summer’s new life with Ob and May
Sudden death brings unexpected grief
Ob can’t cope with the grief
Summer tries to help, but can’t
Ob and Summer learn to live without May
May and Ob open theirhearts to Summer and provide her with a new family. It’s wonderful for Summer
Summer, an orphan, was treated badly by relatives in Ohio. May and Ob visit and meet her.
May dies suddenly while in the garden. Ob and Summer are sick with grief.
Ob loses his will to continue living without May. He’s willing to visit a Spiritualist church.
Summer is sad because she can’t seem to help Ob find a reason to live.
Ob visits Charleston and has a change of heart. Summer finally allows herself to cry over May’s death.
Sooner or later we will all lose a loved one. It may seem awful, but you will eventually learn to accept the loss and realize that the loved one’s spirit lives on in your memory.
Summer’s difficulty
is about...
So what? What is important to understand about this?
Missing MayOb and Summer’s search for the spirit of May
May
Gig bowl of love
Summer’s adopted mother for 6 happy years
Ob’s loving wife and companion
Has died
Ob
May’s sorrowing husband
Summer’s adopted dad for 6 years
Was adopted since the family visit from Ohio
Ob senses a visit from May’s spirit
Summer
May & Ob’sadopted daughter
Misses May and the life she provided
Tries to keep Ob from dying of loneliness
Tries to give Ob a reason to live
Cletus Underwood
Summer’s 7th grade classmate and friend
Reads about a medium who can communicate with May
Believed in the spirit world, like Ob
trip to Putnam County
Ob, Summer and Cletus travel to Putnam County
Want to see Rev. Miram B. Young
Discover Rev.Young is deceased
Travel in silence until Ob has a change in heart
Ob’s depression
After May died, Ob becomes very depressed
Stops caring about life
Doesn’t even want to get out of bed
Summer is afraid Ob will commit suicide
the false hope
Ob wants to see May even though she is dead
Thinks a medium can help him contact her spirit
He will try anything to see May again
Can’t come to grips with May being gone forever
coming to grips with a lost loved one
The attempt to communicate with May is a failure
Summer finally cries after seeing the owl
Cletus and Ob comfort Summer
Ob and Summer find a way to keep May’s spirit alive
When someone we love dies, it’s hard accept that they are gone. Sometimes we search for something mystical to relieve our grief. The spirit of a loved one lives in our memories and the influence that person had, and continues to have, means that they are still part of our lives.
is about...
So what? What is important to understand about this?
Poppy and Nana let the fireflies out of the jar after Nathan fell asleep.
Nathan caught some more fireflies the next night.
Nathan told his mom and dad all about catching fireflies with Nana and Poppy.
Describe some things about what happened that might
be true, but the author didn’t tell
Title
Fireflies for Nathan by Shulamith Levey Oppenheim
Draw a picture of what happened
Nathan, Nana, and Poppy went out in the yard and caught some fireflies and put them in a jar.
Describe something that happened in the story
The author never tells the whole story. You have to use your own background knowledge or experience to make guesses or draw conclusions about parts of the story not explained by the author. These are called INFERENCES.
Caleb and Anna are afraid that their father’s newly arrived mail-order bride will decide to leave them and their prairie home to return to her home on the coast of Maine.
The family and Sarah
Sarah and Pa are stubborn and set in their ways. It is difficult for them to learn how to live with another adult again. The kids watch them closely.
Sarah’s love of life and playful ways help unite the broken family.
Sarah brings out the best in each member of the family. Her determination binds them all together.
American prairies
JacobCalebAnnaSarah
struggle to accept each other and build relationships.
Jess Aarons lives in rural area outside of Washington, D.C. His life is boring and ordinary until Leslie Burke becomes his neighbor.
Jess avoids Leslie at first, but competition on the school playground forces him to interact and become friends with her.
Jess and Leslie create a safe haven on the woods and call it “Terabithia.” It is a magical place where one must enter by a rope swing. They find freedom to express their friendship.
Spring rain causes the creek water to rise to dangerous levels. Leslie insists on entering Terabithia by rope swing. Jess is frightened by the fast-moving water but hides his fears from Leslie.
Leslie visits Terabithia alone, the swing breaks, and she drowns. Influenced by Leslie’s perception of life, Jess must live on without her.
Specific actions that take place ... Why this step is important ...
Step 2
Specific actions that take place ... Why this step is important ...
Step 3
Specific actions that take place ... Why this step is important ...
Step 4
Specific actions that take place ... Why this step is important ...
Step 5
Specific actions that take place ... Why this step is important ...
Preview ideas
Think of words to use in your essay (brainstorm list of words related to topic).
If you think about who will read your work, you can keep them in mind as you write so it will make more sense.
List ideas
List main topics (main things you want to write about).List details for each main idea.
Helps you think of what to say and how to explain it better.
Assign numbers to indicate orderDecide which main ideas to write about first, second, third, etc.Do same thing for details for each main idea.
Helps you organize your thoughts so writing them down is easier.Writing will make more sense.
Note ideas in complete sentences
Follow your plan. Each main idea is the first sentence in a new paragraph. Write at least one sentence for each detail.
Helps your story to be more clear and interesting.
State a conclusion
Think about a good way to end the essay. Ideas include: Summarizing the most important point. Encouraging the reader to take action. Brings closure to the essay.
Describe something that has recently happened in the story ... Name ________________________
PREDICT: Predict what you think will happen next ...
Title
CHECK: Read some more and check to see if your prediction was correct
My prediction was mostly correct, but the story was slightly different in these ways...
My prediction was way off from what actually happened. I should have predicted that ...
CONNECT: Tell how what has happened in the story reminds of something in real-life
The Wheel on the School
The school chiuldren, along with community members, work very hard to get a wheel on top of the school and bring storks back to Shora.
by Meindert DeJong
The boys take the struggling storks and place them on the roof. The entire community group together and quietly wait and watch to see if the stok couple will stay.
The wheel attracks the storks and they come back.
X
This is like when the hurricane hit Mobile. Everyboy in the community worked together to help. There was lots of community spirit and respect.
Reason why I liked it:
Details
Details
Background - What happened that led up to my favorite part of the story?
What happened during my favorite part of the story?
Hansel and Gretel Dark forest, house made of candy and cookies
Hansel, Gretel, and wicked witch
Hansel, Gretel get lost as they are walking through the woods. They see the gingerbread house and begin nibbling on it. The witch catches them and locks them into cells to fatten them up so she can eat them.
The witch wants Hansel to stick his finger out of the cell so she can see if he’s getting any fatter. She can’t see too well so Hansel sticks out a bone instead. She thinks the bone is his finger.
I liked the idea of the kid tricking the witch.
The witch feeds him more.
This gives Hansel more time to think of a way to escape.
It made me want to try some trick on a witch if one ever catches me.
If I didn’t have a bone, I’d use a stick.
Shelia Rae and Louise were sisters and helped each other.
Copyright 2003Edwin EllisGraphicorganizers.com
Title Setting
Characters
What LED UP to your favorite part of the story?
What happened DURING your favorite part of the story?
Reason why I liked it Another reason why I liked it
Details Details
Sheila Rae the Brave Shelia Rae’s neighborhood
Shelia Rae Wendell Louise
Shelia Rae skipped off saying, “I’m brave, I’m fearless.” She stepped on cracks, she walked backward, she growled at dogs, and she climbed trees until she discovered she was lost.
She thought horrible thoughts and was very scared but tried to be brave and to convince herself that she was really brave and fearless. Finally her sister, Louise, popped up and told her to follow her because she knew the way home.