RL2 August 19, 2024

RL2 Identifying the Central Message
August 19, 2024

RL2 Identifying the Central Message
August 19, 2024

Vocabulary Work - Can you describe or show these words?

fiercely: wildly

echoed: made a sound that is repeated

glared: looked at with anger

Central Message

Authors use story characters to teach the readers a lesson. Readers must use key details or clues to figure out what the author is trying to tell them. As we read, try to ask yourself, "What does the author want me to learn from this character's experience?

​ Frankie Ortiz had a secret. Each day after school, he would climb into a pine tree and wait for his friends to leave. Then, he would climb down and ride his bike home as fast as he could. As he reached Green Street, Frankie would cross the street. On the other side, a white dog tied in a yard would bark fiercely. Its barking echoed around the neighborhood.

Today’s trip home was a little different. Frankie’s friend, Mike, lived next door to the dog. Today Mike was in his driveway when Frankie rode by. “Frankie, come here!” he called.

When Frankie didn’t stop, Mike got on his own bike and caught up to him. “What do you want?” Frankie asked angrily, hoping Mike would leave him alone.

But Mike didn’t leave. He said, “How come you always go home by yourself?” Frankie stopped his bike to catch his breath. “That dog,” he said quietly.

Mike started to laugh until Frankie glared at him. “Are you scared of that mutt? Snowball’s noisy, but she’s harmless. You just have to get to know her.”

​The Terror of Green Street

Frankie frowned, but he followed Mike back down the street. The closer they got to Snowball, the louder she barked, and the slower Frankie pedaled. His heart was pounding hard enough to break down a door. He wanted to cry, he wanted to run away, but he was afraid Mike would laugh again.

Frankie watched as Mike knelt on the ground and scratched the dog’s chin. “Hiya, Snowball, you loudmouth furball,” Mike said. Snowball sniffed around Frankie’s legs and then wandered away.

Frankie let out a long sigh and said, “I still don’t like that dog. But let’s ride home together tomorrow.” Mike just smiled.

​The Terror of Green Street (cont.)

Multiple Choice

How did Frankie feel when Mike laughed at him?

• angry

• happy

• thoughtful

• funny

Categorize

Options (8)

Asked why his friend always rides home from school alone

Laughed at his friend at first

Helps his friend get to know Snowball the dog

Wanted to show his friend that Snowball wouldn't hurt him

hides in a tree and goes home alone

is scared of Snowball the dog

doesn't want his friends to know he is scared

gets to know Snowball and isn't scared anymore

Sort these thoughts, feelings, and actions for which character they belonged to the in story.

Mike

Frankie

Open Ended

What lesson did Mike learn in this story?

Open Ended

What lesson did Frankie learn in this story?