Discovering Self: Bud, Not Buddy

Lesson 24
icon/ela/white

ELA

Alternate Unit 6

4th Grade

Lesson 24 of 29

Objective


Explain why the author chose to begin and end the book with "Here we go again" and how the difference between the phrases captures Bud's growth as a character.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis  — Ch. 19

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Discussion Prompt

Why does the author choose to begin and end the book with "Here we go again" (p. 1)? How does the difference between the phrases capture Bud's growth as a character?

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Key Questions


  • Why does Herman E. Calloway lock himself in the room after he finds out Bud is his grandson? How does Miss Thomas explain this to Bud?

  • How does this section change the reader's perception of Herman?

  • Explain why Mr. Calloway never got in touch with Bud and his mother. What evidence does the author include to show that even though they weren't in touch, he was always thinking about her?

  • Why does Bud go into Herman E. Calloway's room and put the rock and flyer on his table? What does this action show about Bud?

  • On page 235, Bud says, "I looked at the picture of Momma that Miss Thomas gave me. Momma was looking right at me with that same soft smile. I know it's stupid to smile back at a picture, but I couldn't help myself." Analyze what this detail tells us about Bud and why the author would include it.

  • How does Bud feel about being back in his Momma's room? How do you know?

  • Why does Bud say that the squeaks and squawks of his saxophone were the closing of one door and the opening of another?

Vocabulary


suffer

v.

(p. 157)

to feel pain, illness or injury

rightful

adj.

(p. 157)

according to the law

Enhanced Lesson Plan

Fishtank Plus Content

Bring your most engaging lessons to life with comprehensive instructional guidance, detailed pacing, supports to meet every student's needs, and resources to strengthen your lesson planning and delivery.

Common Core Standards


  • RL.4.2 — Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text.
  • RL.4.3 — Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

Supporting Standards

L.4.4
L.4.5
RF.4.3
RF.4.4
RL.4.1
RL.4.4
RL.4.10
SL.4.1
W.4.10

Next

Identify the themes that are present in Bud, Not Buddy and how they are developed over the course of the novel. 

Lesson 25
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free