September 17, 2010 “Only Playing the Best” Word Choice Day 1

1. September 17, 2010“Only Playing the Best” Word ChoiceDay 1 • What are some of the misspelled words in the first paragraph? • What makes these misspellings acceptable? • Correct the misspellings on the narrative. • Find a partner. • Read the paragraph as the author wrote it. • Read the paragraph with your corrections. • How does it affect the author’s style when you make the spellings conventional?

2. Student Goals • Analyze elements of plot and setting “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pockets.” • Identify imagery in “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pockets.” • Explain how an author’s use of cause/effect develops suspense.

3. What values do you think are most important in people’s lives? With a partner, list values such as friendship, health, and so on, that you find important. Then, define the values you listed. What exactly do these values mean to you?

4. Into ActionAs you read “Contents of the Dead Man’s Pocket,” identify the chain of cause-and-effect events. Use a chart like the one below to record your observations.

5. Writing Focus Think as a Reader/Writer Find It in Your Reading Imageryis language that appeals to the senses. Most images are visual—that is, they appeal to our sense of sight. But imagery can also appeal to our senses of hearing, smell, touch, and taste. As you read, list images in your Reader/Writer Notebook that help you share Tom’s hair-raising experience.

6. Homework • Week 3, Countdown for Testing, due Mon., Sept. 20