“Self-Reliance” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Before we read, consider: How would you rank the excerpts we read last week, in terms of readability? 1 being very easy, 10 being incredibly difficult

What makes a text difficult to read? Turn and talk with a partner and then share with the class

Consider the reading strategies you use when you encounter a difficult text Make a list of strategies you use When you are finished, read through your list and star the strategy you use most often/find most effective

My Strategy: Translation I read a text section by section and “translate” it into my own words After I have the meaning down, then I can focus on other parts of the text

Read “Self-Reliance” Use the strategy you like best If you finish early, reread the essay using a new strategy you learned or reconsidered today Write a small note to yourself after you finish: did this new strategy help or not so much?

Connecting Texts How does “Self-Reliance” tie to George and Lennie from Of Mice and Men? How might Emerson view the way these men live their lives?