Read the Prereading information on page 377, paying particular attention to the Anecdote section. Think of an anecdote from your own life to share with a small group. Consider what you learned from the event, and then present an anecdote of the event in a way that focuses on the lesson you learned. After you share your anecdote, allow your group members to identify the lesson you learned. Then, draw a two-column chart in your notebook. Label the columns “Anecdote Summary” and “Lesson or Point.” As you read the selection, you will record the information in your chart.
1. Follow along in your text as your teacher reads the introduction and first anecdote. Then, discuss with the class the anecdote and its lesson or point. When you finish the discussion, fill in your charts with the relevant information. Note how the text is organized.
2. Continue reading the remainder of the selection on your own. Stop at the end of each anecdote to fill in your chart. Remember to include only the main ideas in your summaries.
If you have difficulty filling in your chart, try rereading the anecdote. Read the anecdote, paying attention to the details included. Then, consider the outcome of the anecdote. Review the following questions and reread the anecdote to find the answers: What does it mean? What lesson does it teach? What is the point of including this particular story? Whenever you encounter difficulty, try applying the Fix-Up Idea.
Review the information in your chart. Then, with a partner discuss how the text is organized and what you have learned about Paul Bunyan. What attributes does he have that are admirable? What kinds of mistakes does he make? Write a paragraph describing his character based on the information presented in the text. Discuss whether you found the organization confusing.