Friendship Across Boundaries: Return to Sender

Lesson 21
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ELA

Unit 5

5th Grade

Lesson 21 of 29

Objective


Analyze if Mari is a brave and noble young lady.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez  pp. 281 – 296

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Mr. O'Goody referred to Mari as "a brave and noble young lady." Based on her actions in this chapter, do you agree or disagree with this description? Defend why. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • Summarize what happens when Mari goes to talk to Homeland Security. 

  • How do Ofie and Luby respond to the news that they are moving back to Mexico? How does Mari change their minds? 

  • Mari is both excited and upset about her return to Mexico. Defend. 

  • Why is Mari willing to risk her own freedom for her parents? How does this support the theme of sacrifice? 

  • How does Mari's experience help a reader build empathy for undocumented immigrants? 

Vocabulary


testimony

n.

what someone says in a court of law while promising to be honest

commending

v.

to praise; usually in public

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.5.2 — Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
  • RL.5.3 — Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).

Supporting Standards

L.5.4
L.5.5
RF.5.3
RF.5.4
RL.5.1
RL.5.4
RL.5.10
SL.5.1
W.5.10

Next

Close-read a text in order to determine the challenges of being an undocumented Mexican laborer. 

Lesson 22
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Lesson Map

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