Homework:
- Section 2 and 3 have a vocab quiz on Unit 1. We finished reviewing the book work and used the flashcards on the Quizlet link on my website to practice the parts of speech. There are practice questions on that site as well.
- Section 1 should finish the Completing the Sentence on page 24. We did the first ten together in class.
- Section 1 should also bring in a rough draft of the critical analysis of "The Elevator." They should have all they need. I even discussed the sources of conflict in class. We will see what they have tomorrow and look at how to improve their piece.
Today:
Sections 2 and 3
- Sections 2 and 3 should be ready for the vocab quiz as I stated above. We spent probably forty minutes discussing "Raymond's Run." We discussed the main conflict and the minor conflicts and which ones were resolved. We discussed the imagery of escape the writer uses. We dug deep and looked at how the setting causes conflict. What impact does living in the city have on Squeaky? Why must she win? But my favorite part of the story is the last few lines:
- "I smile. We stand there with this big smile of respect between us. It’s about as real a smile as girls can do for each other, considering we don’t practice real smiling every day, you know, cause maybe we too busy being flowers or fairies or strawberries instead of something honest and worthy of respect . . . you know . . . like being people."
- I am going to ask the students to unpack what is said in these lines. There is a lot going on in the character of Squeaky. We have to infer many of the details from the clues in the text. Our goal tomorrow will be to dig deep and explore Squeaky.
- They will be writing another analysis piece that will be due around Wednesday or so.
Section 1 worked on vocabulary. Then we discussed the sources of conflict in the story. Then I gave them thirty minutes of writing time. I am leading horses to water some days.
