Writer’s Craft #6 by Donna Krause
“Smoky Night” By Eve Bunting
Writer’s Craft: Craft of Text - Conversation Text
6 Traits of Writing: Voice, Presentation
Rationale:
I chose this book because even though my students are English Language
Learners they make judgments about other cultures and people based on how they
look or sound. They are guilty of buying
into the typical cultural stereotypes.
This book addresses this issue in a subtle yet easy to relate to
manner. “Smoky Night” is a great
conversation starter to a unit on cultural sensitivity. As a teacher of ELL students I never thought
I would have to teach a unit on cultural sensitivity because I assumed they
would be ultra sensitive to the subject because of “where” they have come from;
however, this has NOT been the case. I
have learned never to assume that just because you are from another culture and
experience discrimination that you are empathic or open-minded to other
cultures. The presentation and voice in
this book are what make students love it.
The child narrator does a great job of sounding and thinking like a
child. His innocence, yet profound
insight make the story realistic and easy for everyone to relate to.
Objectives:
The
students will:
1.
Identify the text craft used in the story.
2.
Reflect and write a narrative about a time they felt discriminated against
because of their culture, appearance, or native language.
3.
Use dialogue in their writing.
Time:
Two 45 minute periods
Grade Level:
3rd - 5th grade
Anticipatory Set:
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
What does that mean? Have you
ever heard that phrase before? Have you
ever decided not to read a book based on what the outside cover looks
like? Sure, I have too! Have you ever decided who your friends will
be based on what they look like or what language they speak? Why do we do that? Why might this be a bad idea? We are going to read a story called “Smoky
Night.” The little boy, his mother, and
cat learn an important lesson in this story. See if you can figure out what lesson they
learn.
Prior Knowledge:
This story takes place in
Read as a Reader: Read the story aloud to the
students.
After
the story: How did the story make you
feel? What message do you think the
writer was trying to convey? Have you
ever avoided a person because they were different or not your “own
people?”
Reread as a Writer: I am going to read the story again
to you. This time I want you to pay
attention to how the writer writes. Pay
attention to who is telling the story.
How does the writer help you connect with the storyteller? Why do you think she chose the character she
did to tell the story? Why do you think
the writer chose 2 cats to set the example for their owners? How does the dialogue between the characters
help you connect to them and the story?
How does the boy’s thoughts help you connect to
him?
For
Example . . .
“Look at
that!” Mama is all amazed. “I thought those two didn’t like each
other.”
“They
probably didn’t know each other before,” I explain. “Now they do.”
“Did I
say something wrong?” I whisper to
Mama.
Writing Practice: This craft is known as
conversation text. Sometimes dialogue
between characters can help us get into their head and heart. It allows the writer to use his/her voice. Voice is the trait that helps us relate to
the characters and moves us emotionally.
It prevents us from putting a story down because we are emotionally
invested in it. Eve Bunting uses a
little boy, his thoughts, and dialogue to make the story come “alive” for
us. In your writing notebook, write a
narrative about a time when you were avoided or judged based on your skin color
or native language. Try using dialogue
in your writing to help convey your voice.
Assessment:
The students will write a conversational text about a time when they
were judged inappropriately. Have the
students read their narratives aloud if they feel comfortable. Allow for peer editing and suggestions on
where the students can add dialogue to inject more voice in their writing.