Fleeing Conflict: Refugee & The Unwanted

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 5

6th Grade

Lesson 12 of 27

Objective


Explain how Gratz uses figurative language and imagery to help develop mood and meaning.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Refugee by Alan Gratz  pp. 141 – 170

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Gratz use imagery to develop the mood of pages 158 through 161? How does imagery help the reader more clearly understand Mahmoud’s experience? Provide at least two examples from these pages to support your answer. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • What mood does Gratz create on pages 145-146, and how does Gratz use figurative language to develop this mood? Find at least one example and explain how it develops the mood of this scene.

  • What metaphor does the author use to describe Isabel’s  experiences on page 155? What is the significance of this metaphor?

  • How has Josef’s relationship with his parents changed since they arrived on board the St. Louis? Provide at least two pieces of evidence from pages 151-152 and 164-167 to support your answer. 

Discussion Questions

  • How do you feel about Mahmoud’s mother’s decision to give Hana to a stranger on a boat? Explain why you think she made this choice.

Exit Ticket

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Vocabulary


Text-based

pandemonium

n.

(p. 148)

extreme, wild disorder; chaos

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: Refugee by Alan Gratz  pp. 171 – 202

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What happens when Isabel’s family reach the Bahamas? What decision do they make?

  • Where does Mahmoud find a life jacket? What does he do with it?

  • What happens when Josef’s father jumps overboard? Who helps him?

  • What happens to Mahmoud at the end of this chapter?

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Common Core Standards


  • L.6.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • L.6.5.a — Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
  • RL.6.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

Supporting Standards

L.6.5.b
L.6.5.c
L.6.6
RL.6.1
RL.6.2
RL.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.1.a
W.6.1.b
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.a
W.6.10

Next

Explain how Gratz makes connections between the stories of the three young refugees.

Lesson 13
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