Learning Differently: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Lesson 16
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ELA

Alternate Unit 5

4th Grade

Lesson 16 of 23

Objective


Explain how Joey's mom earned her forgiveness and proved she can be a good parent.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key by Jack Gantos  — Ch. 12

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Even though Joey's mom's leaving caused Joey so much pain, he was able to forgive her and welcome her back into his life. In what ways has Joey's mom earned Joey's forgiveness and proved she can be a good parent?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • What memory does Joey have of his grandma and his childhood? How does the story impact his mother? How does the memory impact Joey?

  • Read the quote from page 124. "And by then I'd be crying and crying because I hated myself so much for not being able to sit still and keep my hands in my lap." How does this memory, and thought, influence the way Joey feels about himself as he is growing up?

  • Why does Mom apologize to Joey? How does Mom's apology and confession help Joey?

Vocabulary


sarcastically

adv.

(p. 126)

using or showing sarcasm

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.4.3 — Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

Supporting Standards

L.4.4
L.4.5
RF.4.3
RF.4.4
RL.4.1
RL.4.4
RL.4.10
SL.4.1
W.4.10
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Lesson 15

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Lesson 17

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

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