from Spellbinder: The Life of Harry Houdini

Day 1 Can you BELIEVE your eyes? Warm up- p. 850

Media Smart Watch first two documentary clips 1. Introduction 2. First Viewing

Read P

Read p Main Idea and Details Copy resource manager Unit 7 p. 93 to fill in after reading w/ partner

Day 2- Friday Warm up Collect HW packet REV quiz (10 minutes) – Silent read once finished.

Writing Assignment You will be given a short passage to examine from the text and will rewrite it in first person point of view. The biography is written in third person point of view, so be sure to change the passage to first person and incorporate personal thoughts/feelings. Use words like – I, me & my (give sensory details/imagery/5 senses)

Miss Sardo’s example: Nik’s Biography to Autobiography Biography: Nik strolled back onto the dance floor swaying to the loud and energizing rap music. He wore a white button down shirt that looked as if he had just jumped into a pool. It was apparent that all of the dancing was making him very hot. He had a huge smile on his face and grabbed one of his friends who was sitting at a table eating dessert to come join him. It was evident that he was having a great time at the wedding because of his friendly smile (and wet shirt ) that had told it all. Autobiography: I strutted back onto the dance floor as I swayed my body back and forth. I loved the DJ’s choice of music, especially this new rap song! The beat was bumping and vibrating in my ears, but I didn’t care, this was one of the greatest dancing songs ever! Even though my shirt was sticking to my body, I didn’t mind. I was having such a wonderful time. I called over to all of my friends who were sitting at our table eating wedding cake. I grabbed my girlfriend Allie by the hand to come to the dance floor and dance the remainder of the night away with me. I was smiling, laughing and obviously sweating. I felt so happy and joyful to be around all of my closest family and friends. What’s the difference between these two? Underline the obvious… Take notes on major and even minor differences

Writing Think about how the events described in the story might be different if told from Houdini’s point of view. Directions- Rewrite lines of the selection from Houdini’s perspective. Assume that you are Houdini and think about what information you would or would not share that were included in this biography.

Working with your assigned small group members, you will go to the appropriate basket, retrieve your questions and work together but ALL will independently write your answers on your own sheet of paper. Your answers need to be written in complete sentences and will be turned in.

Group 1 1.Recall: What names did Harry Houdini perform under before becoming famous as “The Knight of Handcuffs” ? 2.Can you BELIEVE your eyes? In what way did audience participation improve Metamorphosis? 3.Identify Main Idea: Reread lines What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Group 2 1. Can you BELIEVE your eyes? Why was the East Indian Needles illusion an excellent addition to Houdini’s act? 2.Can you BELIEVE your eyes? In what way did audience participation improve Metamorphosis? 3. Identify Main Idea and Details: From 1894 to 1899, Bess Houdini performed in vaudeville with her husband. Along with Harry, Bess struggled to make ends meet. For the straightjacket trick, Bess restrained Houdini seven times so he could devise an escape method. Bess was often part of the Metamorphosis illusion. What main idea about Bess Houdini might these details imply?

Group 3 1. Can you BELIEVE your eyes? Why was the East Indian Needles illusion an excellent addition to Houdini’s act? 2.Clarifying the Main Idea: What do you feel is the main idea of the entire selection? List details from the selection to support your answer. Then, write a brief summary of the main idea and supporting details you have chosen. 3. Readers circle: With your small group, discuss which was most useful to Houdini during his early career- his personality, his skills, or the help of people around him. Use examples from the selection to support your opinion. -What was the key to Harry Houdini’s success?

Extension Activity If you finish early, take a Jr. Scholastic and read- Cuba: In the Shadow of Castro (page 12) You will independently read the article and then assume the role of any one of the people from the article- - a worker, Jonathan, Castro, Chavez, or a homeless person (change the text from third to first person point of view and include your personal thoughts and feelings)