Lesson 2: Preparations
Getting Started
Today you will begin your voyage with the crew of The Wanderer. The story is told through the journal entries of two different children — Sophie and Cody. To help you identify each character's voice, the book shows the child's name at the beginning of each chapter. Both characters have a unique and engaging voice. Enjoy the trip!
Stuff You Need
- The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
- blank paper* (Activity 2 - Option 2)
- colored pencils or markers* (Activity 2 - Option 2)
- scissors* (Activity 2 - Option 2)
- stapler* (Activity 2 - Option 2)
* - denotes an optional material that may or may not be needed
Ideas to Think About
- How and why do events within people's lives change them?
Things to Know
- Definitions of your vocabulary words (impulsive, dolt, gibberish, capricious, decrepit, phosphorescent, morale, and gimbal).
Skills
- Evaluate the author's use of various techniques, such as point of view, to influence readers' perspectives. (LA)
- Narrate an expressive account (e.g., fictional or autobiographical), which uses a coherent organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context. (LA)
- Narrate an expressive account, which tells a story or establishes the significance of an event or events. (LA)
- Narrate an expressive account which uses remembered feelings and specific details. (LA)
- Determine the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words by using context clues or a dictionary. (LA)
Introducing the Lesson
Explain to your child that she will begin reading the novel today. Discuss that the book is written from two different characters' points of view. Both characters are writing a journal that documents their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
Materials: The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
Read Chapters 1-7 in The Wanderer and then answer the questions below in complete sentences:
Questions
- What does Sophie's father call her? Explain.A three-sided Sophie. One side is dreamy and romantic, one is logical and down-to-earth, and the third side is hard-headed and impulsive.
- How would someone describe your three sides?Answers will vary.
- Do you think Sophie's parents should have let her go sailing? Why or why not?Answers will vary.
- How would you describe Brian and Cody?Some examples for Brian might include nerdy, organized, annoying, know-it-all, bossy. For Cody, descriptions might include immature, funny, lazy, disrespectful, not serious.
- Where is the crew going?To see their grandfather Bompie in England.