Learning Goal
I am learning to
Identify the elements of a variety of texts
Use evidence to support my ideas;
Apply reading strategies so we can make meaning from a text;
Read different forms of texts.

Reading: “Powder”

Before you read, let’s discuss the prompt at the top of the page. Share a time when you have had to travel in wintery conditions.

As you read, pause at the points in the story that are indicated and predict what you think might happen.

After you read, take a few moments to write your thoughts in your notebook for the prompt below and share with those people at your table:

Did you correctly predict the outcome for either situation mentioned in a) or b)? What surprised you about the father and the outcome of the story?

We will be working to identify and write a theme statement for this story. I will model this process:

1. Identify a topic that the story discussed
2. Frame your theme statement using the phrase “The author believes that…” to explain what the author is saying about your topic
3. Remove “The author believes that” and you have a theme statement.
4. Find evidence in the text that supports your statement

Themes cannot be vague like “Family is important”

Together we will create a list of topics covered in the story “Powder” and post them.

The following activity will help us practice writing theme statements and finding evidence:

1. In pairs, choose two topics and write two theme statements. Decide on your best theme. Write it on a separate piece of paper. Crumple it and throw.
2. When you get another ball, read the theme statement and below write evidence from the text that supports the theme. 
3. Crumple and throw; add evidence to second theme.
4. Give paper back to owners; review evidence; make revisions or additions

I will collect these and we will use them tomorrow!