Curriculum  /  ELA  /  6th Grade  /  Unit 1: Finding Your Way: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963  /  Lesson 13

Finding Your Way: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

Lesson 13
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ELA

Unit 1

6th Grade

Lesson 13 of 32

Objective

Write an objective summary of a section of The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963.

Readings and Materials

  • Book: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis  pp. 121 – 137 — Chapter 9

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Target Task

Assign

Writing Prompt

Write a 5–6 sentence objective summary of Chapter 9 of The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963.

Sample Response

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Key Questions

  • According to Dad, why does Byron need to spend some time in Birmingham?  

  • Analyze the extended metaphor of driving and the lesson Dad is trying to teach Kenny. 

  • Compare and contrast how Kenny and Byron are feeling about the trip. 

  • Summarize the Watsons' plan for their trip.

Vocabulary

Literary Terms

extended metaphor

a metaphor that continues and is developed over the course of a poem or text

Text-based

temptation

n.

(p. 123)

something that someone strongly wants to do

imitation

n.

(p. 132)

the act of copying someone or something else

Homework

Assign

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.

  • Poem: “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes 

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What does the title tell the reader about the poem? 

  • Who is the speaker of the poem? How do you know?

  • Who is the speaker speaking to in the poem? 

  • What is the message of the poem?

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Common Core Standards

  • RL.6.2 — Determine a theme or 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.

Supporting Standards

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

Next

Analyze the impact of literary devices and how they help develop mood and meaning in the poem "Mother to Son."

Lesson 14
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