'Tequila Worm' and "The Drive-in"

Do you have memories of seeing a movie at the drive-in?

 Today's Learning Objectives   * Describe how a particular story’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. * Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

Guided Reading: Tequila Worm  Today we read the chapter "The Drive-In" (pgs. 72-79) of Tequila Worm. As we read, we will stop periodically to discuss the text and, if time permits, work on the guiding questions and 'Preparing the Learner Activities" within our 'The Tequila Worm' Reading Guide (Week 2). We will also continue to add to our Story Plot Chart ('Tequila Worm').   

The Action is Rising in 'Tequila Worm'

Will Sofia leave her family to attend a new school? Read to find out.

 Today's Learning Objectives  * Describe how a particular story’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. * Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

 

Mini-Lesson: Plot and Rising Action  As we continue to read The Tequila Worm, we will also continue to discuss the structure of its plot. We are now beginning the Rising Action, which is the main part of the story, where the main conflict becomes clear and where the drama and tension of the story escalates. Learn more about the Rising Action and the Elements of Plot by referring to the graphic and video below. 

            

And now that you have a better idea what the Rising Action is and how fits into the structure of the Plot, which events and conflicts from Tequila Worm can we add to our Story Plot Chart ('Tequila Worm') so far?

         
Guided Reading: The Tequila Worm  Now we will read the chapter "The Fancy School" (pgs. 41-49) of Tequila Worm. As we read, we will stop periodically to discuss the text and work on the guiding questions within our 'The Tequila Worm' Reading Guide (Week 2). If any additional significant events and conflicts come up in this chapter, feel free to add them to your Story Plot Chart ('Tequila Worm')?

Introduction to Plot and Exposition and 'Tequila Worm' Guided Reading

 Today's Learning Objectives  * Describe how a particular story’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution. * Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

Introduction to Plot and Exposition  As many of you know the plot is the series of events in a story and usually centers around a central conflict--a problem faced by the main character. The plot begins with the exposition, which establishes the setting, introduces the characters, and gives the reader important background information. Watch the video below to familiarize yourself with the basic elements of plot. Then, start to think about what we already know about the plot and exposition of Tequila Worm by beginning to work on the document Story Plot Chart ('Tequila Worm'), which can be found in your Language Arts Google Classroom. 

 

Tequila Worm: 'Into' and 'Through' the Text Activities  We are going to continue working with the text of the novel Tequila Worm today. You can find the document 'The Tequila Worm' Reading Guide (Week 2) in your Language Arts Google Classroom. We will begin with a 'Preparing the Learner Activity' (previewed below) in which you will compare and contrast your life experiences with that of the main character Sofia. We will then read the chapter entitled "Taco Head" (pgs. 36-40) together.   

Introducing 'The Tequila Worm'

Are you ready for our new class novel? Introducing . . . The Tequila Worm

Class Novel: Introducing The Tequila Worm  Today we are going to begin reading the novel The Tequila Worm together as a class. However, before we do I would like you to participate in a couple of 'Preparing the Learner Activities' in order to get you engaged with the text. Please locate the document 'The Tequila Worm' Reading Guide (Week 1), which you can find in your Language Arts Google Classroom. Let's begin with the 'Agree/Disagree' activity. Read each statement and indicate whether you agree or disagree. Next, begin to write a response to the 'Journal Write' prompt about any rivalries you may have had in your life.

Finally, before I watch a new movie, I usually watch the preview so I have a better sense of what the film is about. Let's do the same for Tequila Worm. Check out the student produced preview below, so we are somewhat prepared for the novel.

"In The Heights" Now Playing

Writing Poetry: "I Am From" Poems

Introduction to 'I Am From' Poems  This school year we have read and analyzed the poems of others. Now it's time to write our own. Since this will be one of the first attempts for some of us at writing poetry, I thought it would be a good idea for us all to use a similar format that is scaffolded and accessible. Today we will begin writing "I Am From" poems.

A poem by George Ella Lyon called "Where I’m From" is the inspiration for this activity. In her poem Lyon uses descriptive language and sensory details to tell the story of the everyday things, people, and places that together tell the story of where she comes from. You can read her poem here and watch the video version below. 

                                       

The poem lends itself to imitation and many have tried, including students. Check out some of the student examples below. 

By Evelyn from Lakeview Middle School

Writing Your Own "I Am From" Poem  Now it's your turn to write a poem that illustrates where you are from. The "I Am From" Poem template can be found in your Language Arts Google Classroom. If you're having trouble getting started and would like an opportunity to brainstorm ideas before drafting your poem, try using the "I Am From" Pre-Write document, which can also be found in your Language Arts Google Classroom. 

As you move forward in the writing process and begin to improve and revise your poem, consider adding more sensory details. A handy list of sensory details can be found here. 

Poetry: "Oranges" and Sensory Details

The poem "Oranges" is featured in the book of poetry Fire in My Hands By Gary Soto 

 Today's Learning Objectives   To understand and appreciate poetry and to recognize imagery and its effects. 

"Oranges" by Gary Soto: Noting Sensory Details  Today we will read the poem "Oranges" by Gary Soto, which is rich with imagery and sensory details.  Remember that writers use sensory details to appeal to a reader's senses -- sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. These details can help the reader visualize the scene the writer is describing and create images that evoke feelings within the reader.

As we read "Oranges" take note of Gary Soto's use of sensory details using the document "Oranges" - Sensory Details, which can be found in your Language Arts Google Classroom.

Homework  Continue working on the "Oranges" - Sensory Details, which is due tomorrow, Friday, January 20.