1. CYCLE 2, DAY 4 145 th Street Short Stories

2. Agenda As we read, we will draw conclusions about the theme by looking at the characters’ conversations. What can you do when life isn’t fair? Team cooperation: 100% participation

3. Think-Pair-Share: Theme How can a main character’s thoughts and feelings help us to find a theme? What did Monkeyman’s actions at the end of the story tell us about the theme?

4. Think-Pair-Share: Conversations A girl says, “If I get less than 100% on this test, I’ll just cry.” What could you conclude about this girl? Based on these words, what might end up being the theme of the story? How do conversations between characters help us find a theme?

5. Listening: “Kitty and Mack: A Love Story” Listen to pages 87-90 T-P-S: How does Kitty communicate her feelings to Mack? What does Kitty talk about in her poem? What are some big ideas or themes that Kitty’s poem makes you think of?

6. Partner reading: pgs 90 to 97 silently 1. How does Kitty change Mack? 2. Why does Mack climb to his roof in the middle of the night? 3. How does Kitty try to help Mack? Why does she think this will help? 4. Duke, Kitty’s grandfather, tells her that “…life goes on even when some of us decide to stop and rest along the way” (96). What theme do you think theses words convey? (write)

7. Vocabulary WordDefinitionSentence FinesseTo deal with a situation with tact and persuasive cleverness I tried to finesse my uncle into coming to the boxing match, but he said no. AstrologyThe study of the supposed influences of the stars on human affairs If you believe in astrology, you might believe your life will be affected by the positions of the planets and stars. AnxiousEager to do somethingI was so anxious to leave the doctor’s office that I forgot my wallet. PleaAn appeal; an urgent request The boy made a plea to his mother to stay at the playground for five more minutes. PitifulUnworthy of respectCarl’s grades were so pitiful that his mom grounded him for a week. AmputatedRemoved or cut offHis hand was badly burned and needed to be amputated. DespondentWithout or almost without hope The despondent prisoner knew he would never be released. SanitySoundness or mindHis decision to climb the cliff face made me question his sanity.

8. Reflection Is what happens to Mack fair? How can you cope with life when it isn’t fair? Vocab review Homework: read 20 minutes EVERY night with notes.