Before Reading
Think About What You Know
Do a quickwrite in response to the Reader's Journal prompt. Then share your response with a partner. As you read, compare your experiences with bullies to the speaker's experiences.
During Reading
Use What You Know as You Read
1. Listen as your teacher reads the first stanza aloud. Jot down your response to stanza Do you empathize with the speaker? What advice would you give him? How would you react to the rough children?
2. Keep reading the selection on your own. Note your responses to each stanza.
Fix-Up Idea: Make Predictions
Think about the first line of the poem. What do you think the poem will be about? Write down your prediction. As you read, see if your prediction is right.
After Reading
Summarize What You Learned
Talk to your partner from the Before-Reading activity about your reaction to the speaker and his experiences. Write a note to the speaker sharing your thoughts about his experiences.