Big Picture 2: Kindness, part 2

As promised, here is Part 2 of Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness.

As I read and reread this book, I see that it’s a great resource for Close Reading. There is much to explore in the rich text and illustrations that no reader–child, adult, beginner, expert–could catch it all the first time around. For instance, try reading this book and asking, “How does the author sprinkle Doc’s kindness throughout the book?” You will see that there are both explicit and very subtle ways she does so.

Also, reread the text and focus on Daniel Minter’s illustrations. How are they complementing the text? How do they tell a story on their own and give us insight into Doc and Jim’s relationship? For example, check out the way Doc and Jim look at each other. What do you see? I see love, respect, and joy.

For a quick read on what Close Reading is, check out Timothy Shanahan’s article here.

Also, if you’re really loving this book as much as I do and want to find more ways to use this in your classroom, Lee and Low Books has developed a comprehensive teacher’s guide. You can find that here.

Standards

• CCSS SL.3.1 Engage in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
• CCSS SL.3.2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
• CCSS RI.3.1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
• CCSS RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recound the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
• CCSS W.3.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
• WIDA ELD-1 English language learners communicate for Social and Instructional purposes within the school setting.
• WIDA ELD-2 English language learners communicate information, ideas, and concepts necessary for academic success in the content area of Language Arts

Vocabulary – Part 2

Part 2 starts on the page showing Lauretta, the gray mare, with the sentence, “One day as Doc and his wagon clattered through a dusty town, he heard about a rundown circus in Tupelo, Mississippi, that was trying to sell its horses.” Part 2 ends on the page with the illustration of Jim writing his name and the sentence, “Doc was now ready to show the world what Jim could do.”

I will include vocabulary for Part 3 in a separate post.

• abused
• wobbly
• coax
• attraction
• willing

Teach Sheet

Here is your FREE worksheet for Part Two of Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness.

The Teach Sheet for Part 3 will follow in a separate post. You do not have to break this up like I did; use this resource in whatever way works for you and your students.

Comments

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