1. THE LEAP by Louis Erdich
English 2

2. THEME vs. Main Idea THEME – Universal Statement on the Human Condition
Jealousy
Bravery
Hard work pays off
It’s okay to be different
Friendship
Overcoming obstacles
Main Idea – Tells what the story is about in one sentence.
Amanda always wanted the same things May had.
Even though Tim was afraid of heights, he still went to the top of the ropes course.
Kayla spent hours on her project and got an A.
Jack and Jill were total opposites, but they were both excellent students.
No matter what happened, Rachel and Juan were always there for each other.
Jake was wheelchair-bound, but he made the team!

3. Independently begin reading “The Leap” by Louis Erdich pgs. 46-55
Create a Past & Present foldable
Use as you read to track what events happen when. Describe anecdotes as they appear in story. How does help in understanding?

4. Critical Thinking Question
What does narrator mean by “lives comfortably in extreme elements”?
How does this contribute to theme?

5. Greek root –strict- “Straggo”
Meaning to confine or squeeze
What words can you think of that use this root?

6. Cause & Effect Graphic Organizers

7. “The Leap” – pgs
Draw a graphic organizer for cause & effect, list effects of Anna surviving accident.
Judge whether Anna is courageous. Explain your answer.

8. Common Noun vs. Proper Noun
Practice with slips in partners to identify & prove type of nouns
1st sentence
Common Nouns – highlight yellow
Proper Nouns – highlight pink
2nd sentence
Switch out common nouns for proper nouns

9. Morris kept the withered paw of a monkey in his pocket.
The narrator’s mother was part of the trapeze act.
Mr. White believes the legend and wishes for money.
The mother has travelled to many countries.
When Herbert is killed at his job, his parents receive money from the employer.
The storm that caused the circus tent to collapse occurred in the summer.
Mrs. White tries to bring Herbert back to life using magic.
The narrator moved back to her hometown.