Mother Fletcher’s Gift By Teacher Jasmine

Why should we care about people we don’t know? Big Question Why should we care about people we don’t know?

Characters People who take part in the events in a story.

Theme Is the main idea or central meaning of a piece of writing. The theme is often not stated. You can find it using evidence from the story as clues. P.52-53

Vocabulary Apparently Fixtures Flimsy Incident Subscribe Survive

Apparently Seemingly; with the appearance of

Fixtures Things put in place to stay

Flimsy Easily torn or broken; not strongly made

Incident Something that happens; event

Subscribe To give your consent or approval; agree

Survive To continue to exist; remain

Explore What are some thing neighbors do to help and support each other? In what ways do people in a neighborhood celebrate together? How are people in a neighborhood similar and different?

Realistic Fiction Tells stories about ordinary characters in everyday situations. Both characters and events are imaginary.

Guide Questions What can you infer about Mother Fletcher from what you read on page 59? Why do you think the author compares Mother Fletcher to “a legend”?

Guide Questions What is the setting of the story? What is the conflict in the story so far? Summarize what you have learned about Mother Fletcher. Why do you think Officer O’Brien is reluctant to call for an ambulance right away?

Guide Questions What does Officer O’ Brien do after he received his sweater? What does he not do after his wife receives a sweater? What inference can you make about Officer O’Brien? What inference can you make about the character of Lt. Stanton from what you read in the last paragraph of page 62? Does Mother Fletcher remind you of anyone in your neighborhood? If so, explain.

Guide Questions What does O’Brien think of Mother Fletcher’s invitation? What can you infer about Meaghan based on the things she says and does? What generalization can you make about Kathy based on her words and actions on pages 64-65?

Guide Questions What does he hope those worst streets will symbolize to Kathy and Meaghan? Visualize the characters as they drive to Harlem. What types of expressions are probably on their faces?

Guide Questions Think about the characters words and actions. What is Mother Fletcher pretending? What inference can you make about Mother Fletcher based on what she says to her guests, especially Officer O’Brien? Compare and Contrast Officer O’Brien’s and Kathy’s behavior after they arrive at Mother Fletcher’s house.

Guide Questions Combine information and identify the theme of the story. How do you think the author would have answered the “Big Question”? Summarize Mother Fletcher’s character in one sentence. Why do you think the author told the story from O’ Brien’s point of view?