Owl Moon by Jane Yolen Included: A brief excerpt from the book and rigorous question set activities promoting higher level-thinking development

Additional Resources http://janeyolen.com/works/owl-moon/   short student review on teacher tube http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=116988

Excerpt from book Jacob’s Ladder Goals & Objectives Habits of Mind Tier 1 Excerpt from book Jacob’s Ladder Goals & Objectives Habits of Mind

Excerpt On a winter’s night under a full moon, a father and daughter trek into the woods to see the Great Horned Owl. On this fantastic journey, they trudge through snow among many shadows. Along the way the father makes many attempts to reach the owl, but doesn’t receive a response. As their journey continues, the girl becomes increasingly anxious. When her father again calls to the Great Horned Owl, the girl expectantly and excitedly waits until she finally hears an echo from the trees. Obtain the book from a school library to read the story in its entirety and complete the ladder activities.

Students will be able: Ladder A A1 Sequencing - To list in order of importance specific events or plot summaries A2 Cause and Effect - To identify and predict relationships between character behavior and story events, and their effects upon other characters or events. A3 Consequences and Implications - To predict character actions, story outcomes, and make real-world forecasts. Ladder C C1 Literary Elements - To identify and explain specific story elements such as character, setting, or poetic-device. C2 Inference - To use textual clues to read between the lines and make judgments about specific textual events, ideas, or character analysis. C3 Theme/Concept - To identify a major idea or theme common in the text. Ladder F F1 Understanding Words – to identify and explain the meaning of figurative language or new vocabulary within the context of a story or poem. F2 Thinking About Words – to analyze the use of words within the context as related to the theme of a text. F3 Playing With Words – to accurately apply figurative language and new vocabulary to newly created contexts.

Habits of Mind Working Interdependently Thinking about Thinking (metacognition) Innovating, Creating, Imagining Refer to Jacob’s Ladder Story Table for Ladder A, C & F Thinking Questions.

(Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder A, C & F Questions Tier 2 Rigor (Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder A, C & F Questions

Choose 2 of 3 questions below to complete. Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, 3-4 Podcast slides (Pixie, Frames). Choose 2 of 3 questions below to complete. A1—Make an ordered list or outline of the steps the little girl takes when owling with her father. A2—Illustrate or write about the effect of viewing the owl have on the girl. C1—Jane Yolen titled this “Owl Moon”, why do you think she picked that title. What would you have titled the story? Illustrate a book cover with your title. C2—Write to explain what you think the author means on the last page when she writes: “When you go owling you don’t need words or warm or anything but hope”? F1—The author uses similes and metaphors to provide the reader with more specific details. For example, the author compares the white snow to milk in a cereal bowl. Find and list comparisons the author makes. Use a chart like below to help you. Phrases/Word in the Book Comparison Snow Whiter than milk in a cereal bowl

(Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder A, C & F Questions Tier 3 Rigor (Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder A, C & F Questions

Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, 3-4 Podcast slides (Pixie, Frames). Choose 2 of 3 questions below to complete. A3— According to the author, what are the benefits AND liabilities of going owling? Do you agree or disagree? Why? Do you have other things that should be considered? C3—The author uses the words hope and brave frequently throughout the story. Do you think this story is more about hope or bravery? Explain your choice with text examples. F2—Do you think the pictures or the similes and metaphors have a greater impact on the reader? Write to the author to explain your answer. F3—If you were the child outside with your dad, how would you describe the following by using similes or metaphors as comparisons? Select two of your own to write as well. The owl flying above your head The chill in the air The excitement of going owling The child’s smile when she heard the owl

Reflections/Relevance Tier 4 Reflections/Relevance

Choose one of the writing ideas to complete.  Be creative.  1. Find out information about the Great Horned Owl to include habitat, size, scientific name, prey, predator, life span, habits, etc. Organize information to present to others what you have learned. 2. Write about a trip or adventure with a relative such as the main character had with her father. Illustrate your story also. Share with other classmates. Suggested project strategies:  Write a podcast script; create a puppet show; develop a PSA; a PowerPoint presentation; write and be an actor in a skit; write a persuasive speech and give before the class.