Noted for his humor and keen insights, the iconic and prolific American author Mark Twain is often quoted. Students will begin to unfurl the layers of personality and thought embodied by this writer, first by watching an A&E Biography and the as they explore themes in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. They will examine the way in which the elements of fiction work together to create this novel: the ways in which the author develops setting and characters; the episodic structure of the novel and intertwining plot lines; and the language choices Twain made, including dialect, to accurately portray the setting and characters.
Students will keep track of the characters and twisting plot events in a packet of organizers. As well, they will record new words they encounter on their Personal Dictionary logs, which will be shared in class and used in a mini-project. The book is available on audio (which, on occasion, we will use in class), and I encourage students for whom listening helps to read along to an audiotape.
While these are our academic goals, my wish is for everyone to enjoy the antics of the mischievous Tom Sawyer and the rollicking tale of his adventures! For, as Twain also stated: "I never let my education interfere with my learning." If students can relate in some ways to this historic peer Tom, they will hopefully come away with an appreciation of a classic author as well as some timeless themes about human nature.
HOMEWORK: (Please note: if Thursday's Service/Field Day activities are cancelled due to weather, the following may change) (YES, service day is rescheduled; please note amended schedule below):
Monday: None.
Tuesday: Finish reading ch. 1, 2, 3
Wednesday: Finish rdg. ch. 4 & 5
Thursday: As needed depending on what was finished in class: Finish rdg. ch. 6; do Ch. 6 activity sheet; find 3 words you don't know (NOT dialect words, but ones you can actually use) and record on personal dictionary log (use example as your model).
Friday: As needed, depending on what was finished in class: Read ch. 7-8-9; do "Murder in the Graveyard" packet page
