Finding Your Way: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 1

6th Grade

Lesson 23 of 32

Objective


Analyze how Christopher Paul Curtis develops the mood in The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis  pp. 180 – 190

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Curtis develop the mood in Chapter 14?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Key Questions

  • How does Curtis initially develop the mood when the bomb explodes on page 182?

  • Summarize the scene at the end of the chapter with Kenny and Joey.

  • What does the Wool Pooh symbolize?

Exit Ticket

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Vocabulary


There aren't any new text-based vocabulary words in today's lesson.

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: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis  pp. 191 – 206

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • How is Kenny feeling since coming home from Birmingham?

  • Where is he spending most of his time? Why?

  • Why does Kenny feel ashamed of himself?

  • Who finally makes Kenny feel better? How?

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Common Core Standards


  • 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.6.6
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

Identify how Kenny's point of view changes throughout the novel.

Lesson 24
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