Learning Differently: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (2020)

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 5

4th Grade

Lesson 12 of 23

Objective


Explain how Joey's mom deals with his suspension and how her actions impact Joey's behavior and thoughts.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos  — Ch. 8

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

How does Joey's mom deal with his suspension? How do her actions impact Joey's behavior and thoughts?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • How does Joey's mom respond in the principal's office? What do her actions show about her?

  • What does it mean if something is a blessing in disguise? Why does Mrs. Jarzab think going to the special education center is a blessing? Do Joey and his mom agree? Why?

  • Read the quote from page 81. "I realized she was mad at me too. And suddenly it was as if my heart was as uncontrollable as my legs....But maybe she had given up on me too." Why does Joey think that everyone is giving up on him?

  • What advice does Joey's mom give him? Why?

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Notes


In this chapter, Joey is suspended and plans are discussed about sending him to a special education center. There are two things to preview with students. One is why kids are suspended and what the goal of suspension is. The other is what special education centers are and why they can help students, and are not always threatening places like Joey perceives them to be.

On page 82, Joey shares the different names that he has been called because of his disability. For more context on how to talk about ableist language, read No Joking Matter: Words and Disability from Learning for Justice.

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Common Core Standards


  • 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

Predict if Joey will be able to follow Mom's advice at his new school and if his luck has really changed.

Lesson 13
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Lesson Map

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