Mrs. Williams

The Darning NeedleThis story tells about what life was like in a very isolated town in Oregon in the mid-1800s.

What things would be important to people if they were in a place that had no stores and almost no contact with the outside

world?

bandit: n.  An outlaw, especially one who robs. The bandit demanded that the passengers hand over their wallets. 

condolences: n.  Expressions of sympathy for a death. In his card Frank expressed his condolences over his friend's recent loss. 

dictator: n.  A ruler who has complete power over a country. The dictator would not allow any citizens to travel outside the country.   

Josef StalinSoviet Union 1922-1953

Moammar Khadafyin Libya since 1969

Adolf Hitlerin Germany1933-1945

Napoleonin France1799-1815

frantic: adj.  Very upset, as from fear or worry. When she couldn't find her backpack anywhere, Julie became frantic. 

notorious: adj.  Well known for something bad. Billy the Kid was a notorious outlaw. 

refugees: n.  A person who flees to find protection from danger. As the fighting in the hills grew worse, refugees streamed into the city. 

rugged: adj.  Having a very rough and uneven surface. The valley was surrounded by rugged mountains. 

sombreros: n.  A tall hat with a wide brim, worn in Mexico and the American Southwest. The farmers wore sombreros to shade their eyes from the sun. 

transformed: v.  To change greatly in appearance or form. The make-up transformed the actor into the character of an old man. 

urgently: adv.  In a way that calls for immediate action. The team urgently needs someone to take Kate's place.   

wounds: n.  Injury in which the skin is cut or broken. The soldier's wounds were not serious. 

A Revolution in MexicoThis theme is about people from many different backgrounds who have come

to America. This story is about a character who brought her family to California during the turbulent years

of the Mexican Revolution.

What do you know about the Mexican Revolution?

Day 1

Other characters:

Day 2

Black Cowboy, Wild Horses

(R5-S2C1-PO1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9) We can analyze and infer a characters traits and actions by answering questions.

Day 3

Story StructureSetting:

Characters:

Problem:

Biology Lab

High School Boy, High School Girl, and Jon Fox

Boy is jealous and hurt. (The girl is ignoring him. She likes another guy!)

Story Structure

Plot:

Resolution/Solution:

Theme:

Point of View:

He is taking apart an owl pellet while…He watches her laugh at her new boyfriend’s jokes.He watches her place her head on the new boyfriend’s bony shoulder.He trembles as he tries to concentrate on the task at hand (piecing together the tiny bones of a baby snake).

The lovelorn boy is finding the situation “hard to swallow.” (Problem is defeating the character!)

Love can be hurtful!Love is fickle! (Girls can be fickle!)Rejection is hard to swallow!

First person

Story Structure“Old Horse”

Day 4

Extreme Partner Reading (R5-S1C5-PO1) We can read with fluency and appropriate rhythm, pacing, and

expression by choral reading.

Step 1 •Read the Story Summery to yourself one time. •Be sure to use good hand gestures to help you as you read.

Step 2 •Turn to your shoulder partner and partner read the story with lots of expression.

•Don’t forget the gestures that you have practiced.

Step 3 •Take turns asking and answering at least five questions each about the text.

•Remember to both ask and answer questions with high enthusiasm.

You are going to be working in your groups to take the Selection Test.