Developing Resilience: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 1

6th Grade

Lesson 23 of 32

Objective


Explain how Christopher Paul Curtis uses sensory details to develop mood in The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis  pp. 180 – 190

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What mood is developed on the bottom of page 184 and page 185? What specific sensory details help to develop this mood? Provide at least two pieces of evidence from this page and explain how they develop mood.

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • Reread the second and third paragraphs on page 182. How does the author use sensory details in these paragraphs to develop the mood? Provide at least two pieces of evidence from the text.

  • Reread page 184. What is the mood of this scene, and how do sensory details help to develop it? Provide specific evidence from this page and carefully explain your thinking. 

Discussion Questions

  • Do you think that Kenny really saw the Wool Pooh in the church? Do you think that Joetta really saw Kenny leading her from the church?

Exit Ticket

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Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis  pp. 191 – 206

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • How is Kenny feeling since coming home from Birmingham?

  • Where is he spending most of his time? Why?

  • Why does Kenny feel ashamed of himself?

  • Who finally makes Kenny feel better? How?

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

Supporting Standards

L.6.6
RL.6.1
RL.6.2
RL.6.10
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.1.a
W.6.1.b
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.a
W.6.10
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Lesson 22

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Lesson 24

Lesson Map

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