originally told by Aesop

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

The Crow and the Pitcher Originally told by Aesop A crow, dying of thirst, came upon a pitcher that once had been full of water. When the crow put his beak into the mouth of the pitcher, he found that only very little water was left in it, and he could not reach far enough to get at it. He tried and tried, but at last had to give up in despair. Then a thought came to him. He took a pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. Then he took another pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. At last he saw the water rising toward him, and after casting a few more pebbles into the pitcher, he was able to drink and save his life.

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 story would have become different if the crows actions had changed. Explain what would have happened if the crow had done any of the following things - kept putting his beak in the pitcher- flown away - broken the pitcher- waited for rain C2 Inferences – The author does not let us know exactly but we, as readers, can infer information. We do know the crow was successful in getting a drink of water. What made him successful and have his plan work? Include details from the story to support your answer. C1 Literary Elements – What would you saw to the crow if you were asked to tell him his most important qualities? Think of a character from another story you have read who has similar life qualities. Compare and contrast the crow and your character and their situations.

(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. A2 Cause and Effect – What caused the water to reach the crow? What do you think would have happened if the amount of water changed? What effect did the water reaching the crow have on him? What other effects could have happened if the crow reacted differently? A1 – Sequencing – List and explain the main steps the crow had to use to get water. The order of the events is very important. What if steps had happened in a different order? What would the outcome of the story be? C3 – Theme/Concept – You are asked by Aesop what you think is the main idea/s of this story. What would you tell him? Use details from the story to support your answer.

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. Keep the same moral as this fable has but change the characters, settings, problems and solutions, and events by creating an original fable. 2. Create a writing from the pitcher’s perspective. Keep the moral or lesson in mind and use descriptive detailed word choice. This can be done in a rap, chant, postcard, letter, etc. Focus on thoughts about the crow’s needs. 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.