Lesson 9: Land Ho!
Getting Started
The crew ends its journey in today's reading and learns that sometimes the most strenuous circumstances can bring out the best in people and lead to self-discovery. Have you ever thought about how boring life would be if there were no challenges or bumps along the way? It is usually during the hard times that we learn the most and are molded into the people we are today.
Stuff You Need
- The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
- painting paper or canvas* (Activity 2 - Option 1)
- paints and paintbrushes* (Activity 2 - Option 1)
* - denotes an optional material that may or may not be needed
Ideas to Think About
- How does the environment affect our emotions?
- How are people changed by experiences?
- How do trials change us in positive ways?
Things to Know
- The main idea, underlying meaning, or lesson of a literary work is called the theme.
Skills
- Contrast the actions, motives (e.g., loyalty, selfishness, conscientiousness), and appearances of characters in a work of fiction and discuss the importance of the contrasts to the plot or theme. (LA)
- Recognize underlying messages in order to identify theme(s) within and across works. (LA)
- Understand that theme refers to the meaning or moral of a selection and recognize themes (whether implied or stated directly) in sample works. (LA)
Introducing the Lesson
Explain that today the crew's voyage comes to an end. Ask your child what has been his or her favorite part of the adventure.
Materials: The Wanderer by Sharon Creech
Finish reading the book and then answer these questions in complete sentences:
Questions
- How did the crew feel when they saw land?They couldn't believe it; they were excited, relieved, and thankful to be alive.
- Why did Cody look at Sophie when she was telling the people in Ireland the story of their journey?Because her details were not correct. She was mixing up stories.
- Who did Dock visit in Ireland?Rosalie.
- What did you learn about Sophie's past?Her parents died, and then she lived with a grandfather who died. Next she lived with an aunt who didn't want her and then in a number of foster homes before being adopted.
- Did Bompie know Sophie?Yes, through the letters they had written.
- Was Sophie really telling Bompie's stories?Yes, except the parts about struggling in the water.
- How did Sophie know Bompie's stories?He had written letters to her where he told the stories.
Remember to finish the "Character Timelines" sheet.