Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred Taylor

Based on the yesterday’s

activity in the media center, what do you think would be the most difficult thing about being a sharecropper?

Journal Entry #1

Mortgage Emaciated Transposed Temerity Dubious

Chapter 1 - Vocabulary

White School – Black School

A summary is a concise explanation of the

main ideas and supporting details of a work of writing. To decide which details to include in the summary of a book chapter, consider the "who, what, when, where, why and how" while reading the chapter. Take notes that answer these questions and compile the information into complete sentences.

Chapter Summary

Sample of Chapter Summary for Chapter 1

In chapter one we are introduced to the Logan family, which includes Stacey, Cassie, Christopher John, and Little Man. They are poor sharecroppers living on their own land in Mississippi. They walk several miles to each day to an all black school, and are often harassed by the driver of the bus taking the white children to school.

On the first day of school, the children receive old, dirty books that have been discarded from the white school. Little Man protests and Cassie supports him. The Logan’s mother, Mama, is a teacher at the school. To save the students from the insult of the textbooks, she pastes plain paper on the inside covers of the books.

Chapter Summary

What is "Little Man" most

concerned about on his first day of school? What does this tell you about his character?

Journal Entry #2

Vocabulary Scoffed Sinewy Quivering Tisked (tsk) p. 29 Lynch – p. 29

Chapter 2

What happened to the Berrys?

What event triggered the event?

Answer on Pg. 3

Journal Entry #3

EQ: What inferences can we make about Mr. Morrison’s arrival at the farm?

Chapter 2

In this chapter, Papa brings Mr. L.T. Morrison

home to live with the family. The children do not understand why Mr. Morrison is there, but the author provides ample clues to explain his presence, what are the clues?

Discussion

On page 37, Mama says, “…we’re glad to

have you here…especially now.” The children then “wonder about her last words.”

At this point in the novel, Mr. Berry has been attacked and burned, and tensions are high. Mama fears forthcoming violence. She is grateful for Mr. Morrison’s strong presence.

Text Evidence

Cassie states, “Papa ain’t never brung nobody

here before.” (Pg. 38) This indicates that there is no precedent for Mr. Morrison’s arrival. There must be a reason for his being there.

Text Evidence

Cassie asks Stacey, “…you think

it’s cause of them burnings?” (Pg.

38) Here Cassie makes the critical connection between impending danger and the arrival of this impressively strong man.

Text Evidence

EQ: How does Mr. Morrison represent an extended metaphor?

Mr. Morrison

In the passage below describing Mr. Morrison, the

author uses an extended metaphor.

“The man was a human tree in height, towering high above Papa’s six feet two inches. The long trunk of his massive body bulged with muscles, and his skin, of the deepest ebony, was partially scarred upon his face and neck, as if by fire. Deep lifelines were cut into his face and his hair was splotched with gray, but his eyes were clear and penetrating.” (Pgs. 34 – 35)

Extended Metaphor

To what does she compare Mr. Morrison? Why

is the comparison effective?

Mr. Morrison

Complete on back of pg. 26 in composition

book

Compose an extended metaphor of your own, representing your personality. Be creative and use concise, descriptive language. Include a drawing if you desire.

Activity

Fiction Organizer

When you are reading something short – say a poem or magazine article – it’s fairly easy to keep it all in your mind at once. But when you’re reading something long, you’ll have to work a bit harder at remembering what’s there.

Use an organizer to collect all of your ideas and information.

Fiction Organizer

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Comp. Book – pg. 16

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

Cassie, a first-person narrator

POINT OF VIEW

Logan familyMr. Morrisonthe Wallacesthe Simms familythe Averys

1933-34Rural MississippiFarmland - near forests

CHARACTERS

SETTING

Vocabulary

Emitted (emit) Embittered Flippant(ly) Gloat Ajar pg. 27 of comp.

book

Chapter 3

Night Riders

Vocabulary

Expound(ing) Gravely Tenant Beckoned Acre

Composition book pg. 28

Chapter 4

What words would you use to

describe T.J.? How do the Logan children react to T.J? What does this say about the Logans?

Journal Entry #4

Begin reading chapter 4 if you have not

already done so. As you read, complete the conflict handout. If you have already read chapter 4, review

to complete the handout. Complete your vocabulary and chapter

summary. When finished, you may work on homework

or the chapter 4 poster project.

Chapter 4

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

abounds with conflict. This chapter presents several conflicts that affect various characters’ lives.

Activity – Chapter 4

Choose one of the conflicts listed on your handout and create a poster that includes: a summary of the conflict the actions, words, opinions, and beliefs that

contribute to the conflict which characters are involved he type of conflict (internal, external) graphic symbols that represent to the conflict the resolution, if there is one Be sure to make your poster neat and colorful.

Poster Activity – Ch. 4