1. Sky is Gray
By Ernest J. Gaines

2. Warm Up Activity
If you were the governor of California, what plan would you put forth to combat poverty in this state?
What’s your general attitude about poverty? (Do you think people deserve it, do you think people want to live that way, or do you think institutions keep them in their social status?

3. Round Robin
Each person must share their responses.
No interruptions until everyone has shared.

4. Video
United streaming “The Way We Live: Ups and Downs: Social Stratification”

5. Debrief Video

6. Making Predictions
Based on the title, what do you think the story is going to be about?
Be as specific as possible. One or two sentence answer is unacceptable.

7. Round Robin
Each person must share their responses.
No interruptions until everyone has shared.

8. Annotate
While you read, pay attention to the setting, characterization, and the plot diagram.
Ask questions
Make comments
Make predictions

9. Character Analysis: TEA paragraphs
In section 7 and 8 (paragraph 220 – 231), based on the conversations, what kind of person is the young man?
In section 7, based on the conversations, what kind of person is the preacher?
In section 13, based on the conversations, what kind of person is the old lady?

10. Analyzing the story
1. Describe some of the racial tensions in the story. List at least 2 examples. 2. How does James view himself? Use at least two examples in a TEA paragraph. 3. What do you think is the theme of the story? Use at least two examples in a TEA paragraph.