originally told by Aesop

The Story Jacob’s Ladder Goals & Objectives Habits of Mind

The Mice in Council Originally told by Aesop Once upon a time, the mice, feeling constantly in danger from a cat, called a meeting to decide upon the best means of getting rid of this continual annoyance. Many plans were discussed and rejected. At last, a young mouse got up and proposed that a bell should be hung around the cat’s neck, so that from then on they would always have advanced warning of her coming, and so be able to escape. This suggestion was hailed with the greatest applause and unanimous agreement. Upon which an old mouse, who had sat silent all the while, got up and said that he considered the plan most clever, and that it would, no doubt, solve their problem. But he had one question to ask: Which one of them was going to put the bell around the cat’s neck?

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.

Habits of Mind: Thinking and communicating with clarity Gathering data through the senses Apply past knowledge to new situations Creating, imagining, innovating Refer to Jacob’s Ladder Story Table for Ladder A & C Thinking Questions.

(Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder A & C Questions

Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, 3-4 Podcast slides (Pixie, Frames) **complete 2 of the 3 questions. A3 Consequences and Implications – The term “age and experience” is used. Implications about the meaning of this expression can be determined based on the story. How would you show your understanding of the expression? A2 Cause and Effect – Things the cats did caused the mice to react certain ways. This is cause and effect. Explain 3 events with the cause and effect. What reason do you think the cat acted the way he did? What reason did the mice act like they did? C1 Literary Elements – Cats and mice are natural enemies. Explain some of their habits and qualities to validate that fact. What rule/s would you design for the cat and mice in this story to be able to get along with each other? Explain your reasons for picking the rule/s you stated.

(Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder A & C Questions

Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, 3-4 Podcast slides (Pixie, Frames) **complete 2 of the 3 questions. A1 Sequencing – The story needs to continue. Explain and sequence four steps the mice might take to put the bell on the cat. Remember to use ideas and details to help validate the four steps the mice take. C3 Theme/Concept – When you think of the main idea of this story and groups, what do you think of? What about facing problems? Were the mice successful problem solvers? Use details from the story to support your thinking. C2 Inference – What can be inferred from the last sentence: “Which one of them was going to put the bell around the cat’s neck?” What meaning do you infer from the statement?

Reflections/Relevance

Choose one of the writing ideas to complete. Be creative. Write 2 writing activities based on Ladder skills for students to choose to complete. 1.Rewrite this fable from the viewpoint of the lion. Remember he acted as a “judge” so have word choice that connects with that perspective. Don’t forget Aesop fables have morals or lessons to be learned. 2.Keep the same moral as this fable has but change the characters, settings, problems and solutions, and events by creating an original fable. Be creative with either question you choose to complete. Here are some 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.