The Watsons Go to Birmingham

The Watsons Go to Birmingham: Kenny's Transformation

Independent investigation

expectations

• Read directions carefully

• Work independently and SILENTLY for the entire time

• Complete all parts of the lesson

• No other tabs; No music other than the song directed.

Yakity Yak - Setting the Mood

Listen to "Yakity Yak" by The Coasters (1958)

Song featured in Chapter 8 of "The Watsons Go to Birmingham"
- Listen to the song only ONCE

- Think about: Family dynamics and responsibilities

Word Cloud

What words stand out to your from the song?

Open Ended

How does this song relate to the story?

Symbolism is when a character, setting, object, or event that represents a larger, more complex concept or idea.

Examples of symbols in chapter 8

• The Song Yakity Yak

• The Brown Bomber

• Scene with Kenny and Dad shaving

​symbolism

Chapter 8: A Closer Look

Read and annotate ALL of Chapter 8

• Focus on Kenny's character development

• Look for signs of change in Kenny's behavior and thoughts

• Pay attention to his interactions with family members

Open Ended

What is Kenny's father doing to the car? Why?

Word Cloud

How does Kenny feel about the Brown Bomber? 

Open Ended

What big, exciting thing does Kenny's father buy for the Brown Bomber?

Open Ended

How does the family respond to this new feature of their car?

Multiple Choice

Where is the family traveling to over the summer, and why?

• All around Michigan

• Birmingham, so that Byron can be disciplined by Grandma Sands

• Birmingham to visit Grandma Sands

• Birmingham, everyone except Byron

preparing for the target task

Review the bathroom scene in Chapter 8; Jot your responses in your ELA Notebook

• What does Kenny show his father in the bathroom?

• How does Kenny feel about his facial hair?

• What does growing a mustache symbolize?

• Why does Curtis include this scene? Consider how this scene fits into the larger story.

• Reflect on your own experiences with family members

Open Ended

TARGET TASK: Why does Christopher Paul Curtis include the scene with Dad and Kenny in the bathroom? What does it symbolize?

Curtis includes this scene to _________________

This scene symbolizes _________________