Fleeing Conflict: Refugee & The Unwanted

Lesson 8
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ELA

Unit 5

6th Grade

Lesson 8 of 27

Objective


Explain how Gratz uses figurative language, word choice, and punctuation to help develop mood and meaning. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Refugee by Alan Gratz  pp. 18 – 48

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What is the mood in Isabel’s house on pages 42 through 44? What words and phrases (and punctuation) help to develop this mood, and how does this mood help the reader understand the situation they are in? Identify the mood and provide three examples from these pages to support your answer. 

Sample Response

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Key Questions


Close Read Questions

  • What does the author mean when he writes “a fist closed around Josef’s heart” at the bottom of page 22, and “his legs were like lead” on page 23? What is the impact of this use of figurative language? How does this help the reader better understand the emotions of this scene? Carefully explain your thinking.

  • How does Gratz use imagery to develop the mood of pages 32-33? Provide at least three examples from these pages to support your answer. 

  • What impact has being in the concentration camp had on Josef’s papa? How does Gratz use descriptive language to develop the reader’s understanding of this impact?

Discussion Questions

  • What does Josef mean when he says that he feels "invisible"? Use the words "inferior" and "subhuman" in your answers.

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Vocabulary


Root/Affix

sub-

prefix

(p. 20)

a root from Latin meaning under; below

Text-based

inferior

adj.

(p. 23)

 lower in quality, ability, or social position

Academic

figurative language

n.

language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words and phrases and is used with the intention of creating an image, feeling, or deeper understanding for the reader

imagery

n.

a literary device where an author includes vivid sensory details.

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: Refugee by Alan Gratz  pp. 49 – 80

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What decision does Mahmoud’s father make after the bombing? How does Mahmoud’s mother respond?

  • What happens to Mahmoud and his family as they attempt to drive to Turkey?

  • What happens as Isabel and her family attempt to launch the boat in the water?

  • Who else is on the boat with Isabel?

  • What significant event occurs in Josef’s life on board the St. Louis? What is important about this event?

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Common Core Standards


  • L.6.5 — Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • 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.6.4
L.6.4.b
L.6.5.a
L.6.5.b
L.6.5.c
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 7

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Lesson 9

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