Theme & Lessons (RL 4.2)
Passage A: What is the central message or "moral" of this story?
Small acts of kindness are never wasted; or, even the small can help the strong.
Passage B: Use one adjective to describe Maya. Cite one action she took to prove it.
Determined or Disciplined. (Evidence: She played the same three measures over and over even when she was tired).
Passage C: Where does this story take place? How does the location make the problem harder?
A dry, flat prairie/wilderness. It makes the problem harder because there is no shade, little water, and they are isolated from help.
Passage A: Provide a 1-sentence summary of the beginning, middle, and end.
B: Lion catches Mouse. M: Mouse saves Lion from net. E: Lion learns that small friends are great friends.
200Passage B: Which of these is the theme: "Hard work pays off" OR "Friends are more important than hobbies"?
Passage C: How does the main character feel when the wheel breaks? Find a specific word that shows this.
Anxious or Worried. (Evidence: The word "whispered" and the fact that he was "wiping sweat from his eyes").
Passage D: What is the "climax" or the most exciting turning point of this myth?
The climax is when the sun begins to melt the wax and the feathers start drifting away.
Passage B: How does Maya’s choice to stay inside lead to the story's resolution?
Because she chose to practice instead of play, she was prepared for the talent show, leading to a successful resolution (winning/cheering).
Passage C: What is the "Big Idea" of this text? Use the character's struggle to explain your answer.
Persistence/Survival. The big idea is that when things get difficult or dangerous, you have to keep moving and work together to survive.
Passage A: Why does the Lion change his mind about the Mouse? What does this reveal about his character?
The Lion changes from arrogant/mocking to grateful/humble. He realizes the Mouse is capable of more than he thought.
Passage B: How much time passes in this story? (Days, months, or years?) How do you know?
Months. (Evidence: It mentions she practiced until the notes flowed "like a river" and refers to "quiet hours of practice," implying a long duration).
Passage D: Compare the character in Passage D to Maya in Passage B. How are their choices different?
Maya showed self-control (staying in to practice), leading to a positive outcome. Icarus showed lack of control (flying higher), leading to a negative outcome.
Passage D: Summarize the myth in exactly 15 words or less.
Icarus flew too high despite his father's warnings, his wings melted, and he fell.
Passage D: The main character is warned. Based on his response, is he obedient or reckless? Explain.
Reckless. (Evidence: He ignored a "strict warning" because of the "thrill").
Passage A: If this story took place in a city instead of a jungle, would the plot change? Why?
Yes. In a city, there might not be a hunter's net (perhaps a different trap), and the Lion wouldn't be "King of the Jungle," changing the power dynamic.
Passage C: Identify the internal conflict (feelings) and the external conflict (nature).
Internal: Fear/anxiety about being left behind. External: The broken wagon wheel and the harsh heat of the sun.
Theme Challenge: What common theme is shared by Passage A and Passage B?
Both passages share the theme that actions have consequences. (The Lion’s mercy led to his rescue; Maya’s practice led to her success).
Trait Evidence: Find three different "thoughts" or "words" Maya said that show she is determined.
1. She stayed inside while others played. 2. She played the same measures "over and over." 3. When she hit a wrong note, she "started again."
Setting Impact: In Passage C, how does the setting force the character to act?
The heat and the "cloud of dust on the horizon" (the departing wagon train) create a sense of urgency that forces Silas to fix the wheel immediately or be left behind.
Final Summary: Write a summary for Passage D that includes the theme and the main character.
In this myth, Icarus’s pride causes him to ignore his father’s advice, showing that being reckless can lead to disaster.