GoogleDocs format
Students work in pairs to read, annotate, and discuss the lesson excerpt before participating in a jigsaw activity to analyze how Russell develops the characters of Mirabella and Jeanette.
1. Review Vocabulary
- collaborative (adj.)
- eradication (n.)
- instinct (n.)
- ecstatic (adj.)
- goody two-shoes (n.)
- origins (n.)
- slouch (v.)
- amble (v.)
- bipedal (adj.)
2. Read closely
In this passage, analyze how Russell develops complex characters through particular word choices and through the girls’ behaviors and interactions with others.
- Read “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves” by Karen Russell, pp. 230–232 of “St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves” (from “It was impossible to make the blank, chilly bedroom” to “pretended like she couldn’t smell a thing”).
3. Answer questions
Answers can be simple phrases, you do not need to use full sentences — I’m primarily assessing your comprehension of the text.
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What are some changes that happen in Stage 2 according to the Stage 2 epigraph?
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What evidence does the first paragraph of the excerpt provide to support the Stage 2 epigraph?
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What evidence does the first paragraph of the excerpt provide to illustrate how the girls are working “to adjust to the new culture”?
4. Discussion
A. pages 230–231 (from “Almost everybody was fully bipedal” to “’What are you holding on to? Nothing, little one. Nothing’”).
B. pages 231–232 (from “Then she would sing out the standard chorus” to “pretended like she couldn’t smell a thing”).
- Write a brief explanation of the literal and figurative meanings of Sister Maria de la Guardia’s words to Mirabella, “What are you holding on to? Nothing, little one. Nothing” (p. 231).)
5. Short essay response (quick write)
- Lesson 6. How does Russell develop the characters of Mirabella and Jeanette?
Include this lesson’s vocabulary wherever possible to develop the topic through the use of well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient evidence. Use your Short Response Rubric and Checklist to guide your written responses. Send in your responses to eharris@tec-coop.org!