Review your answer to the Reader’s Journal question on page 79 of your textbook. Then, take a minute to consider what you have learned from older people, including family members, teachers, and friends. Write down some of the lessons you learned from them. You should include as many things as possible, such as learning life lessons, playing games, and/or making things.
1. Follow along in the book as your teacher reads the poem aloud. With a partner, write down answers to the following questions: What is an important idea communicated by this poem? Does the poem remind you of any events in your own life? Does the poem remind you of another poem or story you have read? Explain.
2. Reread the poem on your own. Then, write a short paragraph explaining how you connected this poem to your own life or to another poem or character.
If you have difficulty understanding the non-traditional punctuation and grammar in this poem, try reading it aloud. Keep in mind that the poem tells a story and uses dialogue. Pronounce the words as they sound, and read at a normal speaking pace. In order to unlock the complete meaning of this poem, you might also listen as your partner reads it aloud.
Share your paragraph with a partner. If your partner is unfamiliar with the story, character, or event from your life, explain it to him or her. Discuss the ways the poem is connected to the story, character, or event.