Expressing Yourself: Women in the Arts

Lesson 3
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ELA

Unit 3

6th Grade

Lesson 3 of 28

Objective


Explain how Copeland introduces and illustrates ideas about her childhood and her discovery of dance.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland  pp. 19 – 33 — (start with page break on p. 19)

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A Note for Teachers


Today's reading contains sensitive material, including descriptions of housing instability, alcoholism, and economic hardship, that some students may find upsetting. Consider how you will address this content with students. 

Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Copeland use anecdotes to illustrate the idea that she has been passionate about movement and dance since she was young? Identify at least two anecdotes in today’s reading that develop this idea.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • How was Misty impacted by her home life as a child? How does she illustrate the significance of this time period in her life and its connection to her discovery of dance?

  • Why does Copeland most likely include the anecdote about her performance in the talent show when she was five? What idea does this introduce?  Cite at least one piece of evidence from pages 19–20 to support your answer.

  • What specific examples does Copeland provide to illustrate the idea that she had very high standards for performance? Provide at least one example from pages 26–31 that develops this idea and support your answer with quoted evidence.

Exit Ticket

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

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

illustrate

in the context of reading, to illustrate means to show examples that demonstrate an idea/person/event, so that the reader can better understand what they are trying to communicate

Text-based

chaotic

adj.

(p. 24)

in a state of confusion and disorder

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland  pp. 34 – 45

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Who is Cindy? Why is she important to Misty’s life?

  • What does Cindy want Misty to do? How does Misty feel about this?

  • How do Misty’s feelings about ballet change in this chapter?

  • How does Cindy make Misty feel about herself?

Notes for Teachers

Tonight’s reading contains themes of home-life instability and racism, including the use of the n-word.

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Common Core Standards


  • RI.6.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
  • RI.6.3 — Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).

Supporting Standards

L.6.6
RI.6.1
RI.6.4
RI.6.5
RI.6.8
RI.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1.a
W.6.1.b
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.b
W.6.10

Next

Analyze how Copeland introduces significant individuals and illustrates ideas about the development of her artistic identity.

Lesson 4
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