Sep 30 Lesson Character Changes

Grade 4 Read/Write

Unit 2: Contemporary Fiction

Student Facing
September 30, 2024

22

Everglades National Park is a large wetland area in
southern Florida. It has been known as the “River of
Grass” because of the thin layer of water that flows
through the area, making the grass bend and ripple like
waves.

Read the dictionary entry for the word bend.

Excerpt from “Death Valley” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

The great egret is one of the largest wading birds—birds
that walk in water to search for food—in the Everglades.
Its height and wingspan are over four feet each. In the
wet season, the bird uses its long, slender legs to walk
through marshes and look for fish to spear with its
pointed yellow bill.

Read the dictionary entry for the word bill.

Excerpt from “Death Valley” used with permission from HMH © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Which definition most closely fits the way the word
bend is used in the text?

A.Definition 1
B.Definition 2
C.Definition 3
D.Definition 4

Which definition most closely fits the way the word
bill is used in the text?

A.Definition 1
B.Definition 2
C.Definition 3
D.Definition 4

bend /bend/ verb
1. to adapt to one’s purpose
2. to take on a curved or angled form
3. to lean one’s upper body from the waist
4. to change direction

bill /bil/ noun
1. a written list showing the cost of items
2. a piece of paper money
3. a proposed law that has not yet been voted on
4. the parts of a bird’s jaw that form the beak

DO NOW

Multiple Choice

Everglades National Park is a large wetland area in southern Florida. It has been known as the “River of Grass” because of the thin layer of water that flows through the area, making the grass bend and ripple like waves.

Read the dictionary entry for the word bend.

bend /bend/ verb

1. to adapt to one’s purpose

2. to take on a curved or angled form

3. to lean one’s upper body from the waist

4. to change direction

Which definition most closely fits the way the word bend is used in the text?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

Multiple Choice

The great egret is one of the largest wading birds—birds that walk in water to search for food—in the Everglades. Its height and wingspan are over four feet each. In the wet season, the bird uses its long, slender legs to walk

through marshes and look for fish to spear with its pointed yellow bill.

Read the dictionary entry for the word bill.

bill /bil/ noun

1. a written list showing the cost of items

2. a piece of paper money

3. a proposed law that has not yet been voted on

4. the parts of a bird’s jaw that form the beak

Which definition most closely fits the way the word bill is used in the text?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

LO: SWBAT explain the interactions
of the characters and the changes
they undergo.

Unit 2: Contemporary Fiction

Unidad 2: Ficción Contemporánea

Objetivo de aprendizaje: Los alumnos podrán explicar
las interacciones de los personajes y los cambios que
sufren al transcurso del texto.

Ⓡ ELA.4.8B explain the interactions of the characters and the changes they undergo.
ELPS Strategy: (1.H) Develop and expand repertoire of learning strategies such as reasoning inductively, commensurate with grade-level
learning.
ELPS Domains/Objective: Reading 4(J) Demonstrate English comprehension and expand reading skills by employing inferential skills such as predicting, making connections
between ideas, drawing inferences and conclusions from text and graphic sources, and finding supporting text evidence commensurate with content area needs.

DOL: Given a fiction text, students will correctly
explain the interactions of the characters and
the changes they undergo in at least 4 of 5
questions.

Unit 2: Contemporary Fiction

Unidad 2: Ficción Contemporánea

Prueba de aprendizaje: Ante un texto de ficción,
los estudiantes explicarán correctamente las
interacciones de los personajes y los cambios
que sufren al transcurso del texto en al menos 4
de 5 preguntas.
Ⓡ ELA.4.8B explain the interactions of the characters and the changes they undergo.
ELPS Strategy: (1.H) Develop and expand repertoire of learning strategies such as reasoning inductively, commensurate with grade-level
learning.
ELPS Domains/Objective: Reading 4(J) Demonstrate English comprehension and expand reading skills by employing inferential skills such as predicting, making connections
between ideas, drawing inferences and conclusions from text and graphic sources, and finding supporting text evidence commensurate with content area needs.

5

condolences

(noun)

ways of showing

sympathy

nightstand

(noun)

a small bedside table

or stand

ashamed
(adjective)

feeling shame or guilt
for doing something

wrong or foolish

Content Vocabulary

condolences=condolencias

nightstand=mesita de noche

ashamed=avergonzado

Vocabulario

Cognados

Traducción

Definición

condolencias

condolences

_______

formas de mostrar simpatía

avergonzado/a

_______

ashamed

sentir vergüenza o culpa por hacer algo
malo o tonto

mesita de noche

_______

nightstand

una mesita de noche pequeña

Cognados y vocabulario académico de la lección

6

7

Academic Vocabulary

character

interactions

(noun)

the way in which

characters engage with
each other within a story

character

(noun)

internal trait

(noun)

characteristics that

describe how a character

acts, thinks, and feels

a person or animal in
a story

character = personaje

internal trait = rasgo interno
character interactions = interacciones entre personajes

Vocabulario

Cognados

Traducción

Definición

personaje

_______

character

una persona o animal en una historia

rasgo interno

_______

internal trait

características que describen cómo
actúa, piensa y siente un personaje

interacciones de
personajes

_______
character
interactions

la forma en que los personajes
interactúan entre sí dentro de una
historia

Cognados y vocabulario académico de la lección

8

Turn and Talk

What are character interactions?

9

Observe their behavior

Listen to their conversations

the way in which

characters engage with
each other within a story.

Character
Interactions

How can you explain character interactions?

Identify patterns

Notice the reactions in their:

★body language
★facial expressions
★tone of voice

Whiteboards

Character interactions are ....

• way

• other

• the

• each

• with

• interact

• characters

10

Traits

confident

★

★

★

Actions

Motivations

Feelings

Describe the
character’s
personality

Describes what

the character

does

Describes reason

behind the
characters

actions

Describes how
the character

feels

Character interactions can reveal…

11

What might cause characters to change?

Interactions
with Other
Characters

Motivations,

Conflicts

and

Challenges

Internal

Reflection
and Growth

Consequences

of Actions

Events and
Experiences

12

Pay attention to the way Emma changes in the story (beginning to the end.)
Emma sat at the piano for her first recital, trembling.
Her friend Lily whispered, "You've got this!"

"I'm so nervous," Emma replied. "What if I mess up?"

As she began "Ode to Joy," Emma remembered her
teacher's words: "Just focus on the music."

After playing, everyone clapped. Emma beamed, "I
can't believe I did it!"

She hugged her family and teacher, saying, "Thank you
all. I can't wait to learn something more challenging
next!"

13

Emma

Character Analysis

Dialogue
(interactions)

Traits

Actions

Motivations

Feelings

"I'm so nervous,"

Emma replied.
"What if I mess

up?"

How did Emma change from the
beginning to the end of the text?

Whiteboards
traits actions motivations feelings

At the beginning of the text Emma was ... because ...

At the end of the text Emma was ..... because ...

Multiple Choice

Based on the events throughout the story, which sentence best describes how Emma feels about her piano recital at the end of the story?

• A. Emma is worried she didn’t perform as well as she hoped.

• B. Emma is anxious to perform in front of a large crowd and scared to fail.

• C. Emma is jealous of other performers and worried she isn’t as good.

• D. Emma is proud of her performance and amazed at what she accomplished.

16

condolences

(noun)

ways of showing

sympathy

nightstand

(noun)

a small bedside table

or stand

ashamed
(adjective)

feeling shame or guilt
for doing something

wrong or foolish

Content Vocabulary

condolences=condolencias

nightstand=mesita de noche

ashamed=avergonzado

17

Letters From Heaven

Excerpt 9:

Misunderstandings

Read

Stop

Jot!

Read the chapter

Stop and ask yourself:

●what is happening in the
story?

●how are the characters
interacting with each other?

●what evidence supports your
answer?

This is important!

Underline key words

or details

I don’t understand

Readers are expected to…

1

2

3

Independent Work

You will now work independently to complete your work in Quizziz.

First read Excerpt 9: Misunderstandings page 40 in Amplify.

Then complete the work in Quizziz called September 30 Independent Work Character Interactions.

Let's go over CHAMPs

19

“Excerpt 9: Misunderstandings” Vocabulary

When we get to the principal’s office, Silvia and her
mom are already there. Now I’m sure I know why we
are here. But Mami looks shocked.

“Hello, Rosa,” Silvia’s mom greets my mom in a somber
tone. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Mami thanks her for the condolences and sits down
quietly.

Anthology Supplemental pg. 41

What does the word somber mean on pg. 41 ?

A. Happy and excited
B. Angry and upset
C. Serious and sad
D. Loud and cheerful

20

What was the reason for the
meeting in the principal's office?

The reason for the meeting in the

principal's office was to…

21

“I just wanted to help her,” Silvia responds. “I know that it’s sad that
her grandma died because they were so close, but she’s been
saying that her grandma has been writing her letters and teaching
her how to cook.”

I look at her as if she’s just revealed the biggest secret in the
universe. I wish I could strike her down with my eyes. Even though I
don’t turn around, I can feel my mom looking at me, full of questions.

“Cielo, did you really say that?” Mami asks.

Anthology Supplemental pg. 42

How does Celeste feel about Silvia?

Celeste feels ___________ with Silvia because
___________.

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

22

This question has two parts. First, answer
Part A. Then answer Part B.
Part A
Based on the events on pg. 42
which sentence best describes how
Celeste feels about his Silvia?

A. She is relieved that Silvia shared

her secret with everyone.

B. She is confused why Silvia is in

the principals office

C. She is angry at Silvia for telling

others about the letters.

D. She is excited to share the letters

she received with Silvia.

Part B
Which sentence from the selection
supports the answer to Part A?

A. I wish I could strike her down with

my eyes.

B. Even though I don’t turn around, I

can feel my mom looking at me, full
of questions.

C. All of a sudden everyone is looking

at me as if I’d said aliens were
taking over the school.

D. How else do you think I learned to

make the cangrejitos and the congrí?

23

This detail reveals that Celeste…

“Cielo, did you really say that?” Mami asks.

“Yes,” I say. “But it’s true!”

All of a sudden everyone is looking at me as if I’d said aliens were
taking over the school.

“Of course Grandma has been writing to me,” I tell her in Spanish.
“How else do you think I learned to make the cangrejitos and the
congrí?”

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

24

What do the details on pg. 42 reveal
about Celeste’s character?

A. Celeste is easily influenced by others.
B. Celeste is defensive about the letters
she receives.
C. Celeste is trying to impress her
classmates.
D. Celeste is confused about recent
events.

25

Why did Celeste avoid
telling her mother about
the letters she received?

Which sentence from the text supports your answer?

26

Based on the events throughout the excerpt which
sentence best describes how Celeste feel about the
misunderstanding with Silvia by the end of the text?

A. Celeste is angry and unwilling to forgive Silvia
B. Celeste is glad Silvia finally believes her about
the letters but annoyed it took so long.
C. Celeste is regretful for mentioning her
grandmother's letters
D. Celeste is remorseful for hurting Silvia’s feelings
but determined to explain later.

Celeste’s interaction with Silvia impacted
her actions because it caused…

Actions

Traits

Motivations

Feelings

Based on the details on pg. 43, how did Celeste's

interaction with Silvia impact her?

Celeste's interaction with Silvia impacted

her…

28

SCR

Look-fors in SCR responses:
❏ A complete response will provide

one of the possible responses.

❏ Evidence is accurately used to

support the response.

❏ The response and the evidence to

support it are based on the text.

1 point

2 points

Based on the details on pg. 43, how did Celeste's interaction
with Silvia impact her? Support your answer using evidence
from the text.

29

Celeste's interaction with Silvia had a impact on her
because it caused Celeste to apologize to Silvia and
hug her, but also decide to explain about the letters
later. The text states, "Silvia comes closer and we give
each other a hug. I’ll explain to her later that they
aren’t stories. These actions show that Celeste wants
to make things right with her friend while still holding
onto her belief about her grandmother's letters.

Based on the details on pg. 43, how did Celeste's interaction with
Silvia impact her? Support your answer using evidence from the
text.

30

Closing

31

Repaso

Tim y Stephen habían estado planeando toda la semana jugar
videojuegos juntos después de la escuela. El día que se suponía
que se encontrarían, Tim comenzó a sentirse inseguro y
nervioso de ir a la casa de Stephen. Le dijo a Stephen que no se
sentía con ganas de hacerlo y que esperaba que Stephen se
enojara. En cambio, Stephen sonrió y dijo: "¡Está bien, tal vez en
otro momento!". A Tim le sorprendió lo comprensivo que era
Stephen y eso lo hizo sentirse más cómodo para cuando
salieran en el futuro.

¿Qué aprendió Tim sobre Stephen a partir de esta experiencia?

Tim descubrió que Stephen era…”

32

DOL: Given a
fiction text,
students will
correctly explain
the interactions of
the characters and
the changes they
undergo in at least
4 of 5 questions.

Demonstration of Learning

HISD 4th Grade Read Write

LSAE

Learner/Securing

Teacher Facing
September 30, 2024

LSAE TIME

34

This slide deck is a companion to the Learner/Securing level of

the LSAE document.

It contains scaffolds and opportunities for the teacher to model
and students to practice along with the questions found in the

document.

There are comprehension check questions mixed in with

questions tied to the skill and LO for that day.

Choose the questions, scaffolds, and order that you feel is

most appropriate for the needs of your students.

Learner/Securing

Reference

● Some images used in this lesson are taken from Adobe

Stock. Adobe Stock https://stock.adobe.com/

● Images used in this lesson are created by HISD

curriculum using Canva.

● The Guest By Uma Krishnaswami, Highlights for

Children (2019). Adapted by Newsela Staff. Text
retrieved from Newsela with permission.

35

● Print and make copies for each student in L or S1 of the following

document:
○ “The Guest” text

Resources

36

Icons

37

click to open link

materials needed

Icons will be used throughout the slides with their respective
description/purpose to support navigating the lesson.

students discuss a question/answer/comment

comprehension Check

HISD 4th Grade Read Write

LSAE

Learner/Securing

Student Facing
September 30, 2024

LSAE TIME

39

LO: SWBAT explain the interactions of the
characters and the changes they undergo.

Ⓡ ELA.4.8B explain the interactions of the characters and the changes they undergo.

LSAE: Learner/Securing

40

Observe their behavior

Listen to their conversations

the way in which

characters engage with
each other within a story.

Character
Interactions

How can you explain character interactions?

Identify patterns

Notice the reactions in their:

★body language
★facial expressions
★tone of voice

41

Traits

★Confident

★Friendly

★Determined

★Funny

★Courageous

★Cautious

★Kind

Actions

★Laugh

★Scream

★Jump

★Cry

★Hide

★Run

★Climb

Motivations

★Love

★Guilt

★Acceptance

★Friendship

★Fear

★Power

Feelings

★Excited

★Jealous

★Amazed

★Surprised

★Worried

★Scared

Describe the
character’s
personality

Describes what

the character

does

Describes reason

behind the
characters

actions

Describes how
the character

feels

Character interactions can reveal…

42

What might cause characters to change?

Interactions
with Other
Characters

Motivations,

Conflicts

and

Challenges

Internal

Reflection
and Growth

Consequences

of Actions

Events and
Experiences

43
The Guest

LEARNER and

SECURING

44

The Guest

1

Mullah Nasreddin was a wise man. When he spoke, people

listened. And so he chose his words and actions as carefully as kings
choose their generals. One day a rich man invited the Mullah to a
feast at his house. "I would be honored, Mullah sahib," said he, "if you
would grace us with your presence. Tomorrow night?" "I will come,"
agreed Mullah Nasreddin, "tomorrow night."

2

The following night, the Mullah threw on his shabbiest and most

comfortable clothes. "It is a bit chilly," he said, and added an old black
coat. The edges of its sleeves were frayed. The holes in its elbows
were patched with swatches torn from old flour sacks. On his feet,
Mullah Nasreddin slipped a pair of ragged sandals.

3

When darkness fell he arrived at the rich man's doorstep. A

servant opened the door. "What do you want, old man?" the servant
demanded. "Your master has invited me to his feast," said the Mullah.

4

The servant peered suspiciously at him. "Wait here," he said. "I'll

be back in a moment." The servant went in. His whispers carried to
the door. "An old beggarman, O my master . . . says he is your
guest. . . ."

king (noun):

a male head of a
royal family who
rules a country
for life

feast (noun):

any large and
elaborate meal

flour (noun):

the fine, ground
meal or powder
of wheat or other
grain

A.respects him as a guest

B.believes he is in the wrong

place

C.admires his clothing

D.assumes he is a beggar

2
The servant’s interaction with Mullah Nasreddin shows
that the servant—

Answer A is incorrect because the servant

doesn't show respect to Mullah Nasreddin.

Answer D might be correct because the

servant immediately judges Mullah Nasreddin

based on his appearance.

Answer B is incorrect because the servant
seems confused by Mullah Nasreddin's

appearance and doesn't think he belongs at the

feast.

Answer C is incorrect because the servant

doesn't show any admiration for these old,

worn-out clothes.

2

X

X

X

?

What does paragraph 4 reveal about the servant's
character?

Select TWO correct answers.

A. The servant is quick to judge based on
appearance.
B.The servant is hospitable.
C.The servant is impatient and easily frustrated.
D.The servant lacks proper manners.
E.The servant is cautious and unsure about the
beggar.

3

47

5

The rich man came to the courtyard to take a look. Seeing the

old man in his ragged clothes, he waved a hand to the servant, then
went back to join his elegant guests.

6

The servant returned to the door. "My master does not know

you," he said. "He invited me to his feast," insisted the Mullah. The
servant laughed. "Nonsense! Invited you? A ragged old beggar? My
master's friends are noblemen and kings. Be off before I take a stick
to you!"

7

So Mullah Nasreddin went home. He changed into his finest silk

garments. He wore a black woolen vest with silver trim. He put his
best cap on his head and added a handsome high-collared coat. He
sprinkled rose water on his face and hands. He combed his beard.
Smiling to himself, he made his way back to the rich man's house
and knocked at the door.

8

Once again, the servant opened it. Once again, the Mullah said,

"Your master has invited me to his feast." This time the servant
bowed respectfully and ushered him in. "Welcome, welcome, Mullah
sahib." And the rich man himself showed the Mullah to his special
seat at the feast.

courtyard
(noun):

a yard
surrounded by
buildings or
walls.

silk (noun):

a fine, soft, shiny
fabric

What does
paragraph 5
reveal about

the rich
man's

character?

A. He is kind to everyone,

regardless of their appearance.

B. He admires Mullah Nasreddin’s

clothes.

C. He believes only well-dressed

people can be important.

D. He does not like Mullah

Nasreddin.

6

49

This question has two parts. First, answer Part
A. Then answer Part B.
Part A
Based on the events in paragraphs 7
and 8, how does Mullah Nasreddin's
appearance affect how he is treated
when he returns?

A. He is treated more respectfully

because of his fine clothing.

B. He is ignored by the servant because

his clothes are torn.

C. He is treated worse because the

servant recognizes him.

D. He is welcomed because the rich

man was expecting him.

Part B
Which sentence from the selection
supports the answer to Part A?

A. He wore a black woolen vest

with silver trim. (paragraph 7)

B. Once again, the servant opened

it." (paragraph 8)

C. This time the servant bowed

respectfully and ushered him in.
(paragraph 8)

D. The rich man himself showed the

Mullah to his special seat at the
feast. (paragraph 8)

7

50

9

"At last, Mullah sahib," said the guests. "We have all been waiting

for you." "What are you doing?" The food arrived. "Serve Mullah
Nasreddin first," said the rich man. The Mullah smiled at everyone. Then
he began to get busy with his food. But he did not eat. "Hai hai!" cried the
guests.

10

"Mullah sahib! What are you doing?" cried the rich man. For Mullah

Nasreddin had begun to spoon the soup over his best cap. He crumbled
the bread and sprinkled the crumbs over the shoulders of his handsome
high-collared coat. He took apart the shish kebab and fed it lovingly to his
sleeves.

11

The rich man's voice trembled. "Mullah sahib, do you not like the

food?" In reply, Mullah Nasreddin dribbled the delicate yogurt and cream
sauces over his fine silk garments and best black woolen vest with silver
trim. Then he sat back and beamed at everyone. There was a shocked
silence.

12

Then the rich man said, "O most respected Mullah Nasreddin, you

never do anything without a reason. Has someone offended you?" The
Mullah replied, "When I arrived in rags, you turned me away. Now that I
am dressed in finery, you treat me with honor. Clearly it is my clothes you
are welcoming and not me. So it is only fitting that they should eat this
delightful food you have prepared for them."

finery (noun):

expensive or
exceptionally
elaborate or
showy
clothing

Based on the events throughout the story, which
sentence best describes how Mullah Nasreddin feels
about the rich man at the end of the story?

A. Mullah Nasreddin is disappointed that the rich man
only valued his appearance.
B.Mullah Nasreddin feels grateful for being invited to the
feast.
C.Mullah Nasreddin is angry and refuses to eat the food.
D.Mullah Nasreddin feels happy and honored by the
attention from the rich man.

9

How did Mullah Nasreddin's interaction with the rich
man impact him? Support your answer using evidence
from the text.

10

Answers may vary. Possible response: Mullah Nasreddin
realized that the rich man and his guests only treated him
with respect because of his clothes, not because of who he
was as a person. He expressed this by pouring food over
his clothes, stating that since they were the ones being
honored, they should "eat" the food. This interaction made
Mullah Nasreddin feel that his true value as a person was
being ignored, and it left him feeling disappointed and
unappreciated.