Vocabulary
What does universal mean?
Something that applies to everyone or is shared by all people.
What is the theme of “The Bench at the Corner”?
Belonging can grow from small acts of kindness and connection.
What line from “The Bench at the Corner” shows Malik is lonely at first?
“For weeks, no one seemed to notice him there.”
Who helps Malik feel like he belongs?
Mr. Alvarez.
What tone does “gray to gold” create in “The Bench at the Corner”?
A hopeful, warm tone that shows change and positivity.
Use exuberance in a sentence that shows its meaning.
“The crowd cheered with exuberance when their team scored the winning goal.” (meaning: joyful excitement)
What message does “The Lunch Table” share about belonging?
Belonging means being yourself and finding people who accept you for who you are.
Find one quote that shows kindness leads to connection.
“Mr. Alvarez brought two cups of hot chocolate.”
How does Mr. Alvarez show kindness?
He shares hot chocolate and conversation with Malik.
What tone is created in the cafeteria scene?
Overwhelming and noisy, showing Jayden’s initial discomfort.
What does it mean to transcend something?
To rise above or go beyond limits.
How does Malik’s idea of belonging change?
At first, he feels invisible; later, he learns belonging starts with one person noticing him.
Why does the author use the bench to symbolize belonging?
It becomes a gathering place that represents connection and community.
How do Jayden and Aisha build their friendship?
They connect over art and music and appreciate each other’s talents.
Why might the author use imagery to describe light or sound?
To show the shift in mood and symbolize belonging and comfort.
How can someone speak assertively without being rude?
By expressing their opinion confidently and respectfully.
How do Aisha’s and Jayden’s actions show the theme of belonging?
They connect through their creativity and build a friendship based on shared interests.
Which line best supports the idea that belonging starts small?
“Sometimes, it started with one person who noticed you sitting alone.”
How are Malik and Jayden similar?
Both start out feeling alone but find belonging through small acts of kindness.
What feeling does “unexpected community” create for the reader?
Surprise and warmth — it shows that belonging can appear where we least expect it.
Which word means “to be disloyal or break someone’s trust”?
Betrayed.
Why is belonging important for people in both stories?
It helps people feel valued, supported, and seen for who they truly are.
Explain how text evidence supports the theme in one of the stories.
In “The Lunch Table,” the line “It wasn’t about being popular. It was about being seen and accepted” proves that true belonging comes from authenticity.
How are Malik and Jayden’s communities different?
Malik’s forms in his neighborhood; Jayden’s grows in a school cafeteria.
Compare how tone changes from the start to the end of one story.
Both stories shift from lonely and uncertain to hopeful and connected as characters find belonging.