The+Color+of+Water+-+reading+tasks

**Task 1 - October 13, 2010 - Narrator's Voice**

 * Divide a blank journal page into four equal sections
 * Label each section with the questions/statements below:
 * Describe the narrator using facts and characteristics
 * How does the narrator feel about/talk to/see other characters
 * What conflicts and potential conflicts are present
 * How does the narrator see the world
 * Fill in each square with your analysis and textual support
 * **For full credit: Completed four squares**


 * Task 2 - October 18, 2011 - Setting Significance**
 * As a group, discuss when and where your story takes place
 * Explore the Significance! Why did your author choice this setting for the story? How would the story be different in another setting?
 * Independently, find 5 quotes that reference your **setting's significance**
 * Using the computer, find a image that represents each quote
 * Create a ComicLife showcasing your images and quotes
 * **For Full Credit: Print out ComicLife and put in notebook**

**Homework - October 19, 2011 - Post Discussion Question**
 * Write one discussion question about your novel - focus on Cycle I
 * Use the "Critical Thinking Question Starters" Tab to create your question. Your question must begin with one of the question starters listed. Create a question that will provide an opportunity for class discussion.
 * Post your question under the discussion tab on this page
 * **Post your question with this subject: 10.20 LastName - for example, 10.20 - Wolset**


 * Task 3 - October 20, 2011 - Discussion Day**
 * Answer two of the discussion questions posted by other group members
 * Write responses using a solid, detailed paragraph
 * Use textual support to support your analysis
 * Read through each of the questions and responses to prepare for an oral discussion
 * **Meets Expectations: One discussion question and two solid responses**


 * Task 4 - October 25, 2011 - Vocabulary Day**
 * As a group or individually, start reading the assigned reading for tonight (if you are behind in the reading, you should do this independently)
 * As you read, record ANY word that is unfamiliar to you OR any word that you do not know how to define
 * After each word, write down your hypothesis as to what the word means based upon how it is used in the novel.
 * Then, look up the correct meaning of the word in a dictionary. If the definition is different than your hypothesis, please make the necessary changes in your journal.
 * Once you have done this, choose **five to seven words** you have identified and write a creative, cohesive story (1-2 paragraphs) using these words. This story should NOT be about your novel. Instead, write about anything you like.
 * **Meets Expectation: 1-2 cohesive paragraphs that include 5-7 vocabulary words**


 * Task 5 - October 26, 2011 - Personal Connections**
 * Within your group, identify and describe 5-7 facts about James' living conditions (house, cleanliness, clothing, food)
 * Withing your group, identify and describe 5-7 facts about James' siblings and the way they interact
 * Create two Venn Diagrams that do the following:
 * Compare/contrast your living conditions with James'
 * Compare/contrast your family life with that of James
 * **Meets Expectations: Two completed Venn Diagrams**


 * Task 6 - November 2, 2011 - Discussion Day**
 * Focus on Cycle I and Cycle II or your novel
 * Within your group, discuss the protagonist's coming of age process
 * What stage is the character in? What has happened to the protagonist in each stage thus far?
 * Create a poster showing the coming of age cycle for your protagonist so far. Include specific examples from the novel to explain the stage.
 * **Meets Expectations: Poster showing the protagonist's Coming of Age cycle and examples to support the stages**


 * Task 7 - November 9, 2011 - Mini-Soundtrack**
 * Create a mini-soundtrack for your novel thus far
 * You will find a minimum of THREE songs that relate to your novel thus far
 * One of these songs MUST be about the Coming-of-Age process in your novel
 * One of these songs MUST connect to your protagonist in some way
 * The other song is up to you, but it must connect to your novel in a significant way
 * When you have selected your songs, post on this page under Discussion Tab
 * **Meets Expectations: Wiki post describing significance of three selected songs**

Today you will create a reading task for the other class to complete.
 * Task 8 - November 11, 2011 - Create Your Own Reading Task**
 * First, go back and review the previous reading tasks
 * What skill/concept does the reading task address?
 * Brainstorm with your group ideas for the reading task you will create
 * What skill or concept you will address?
 * What do you want the group to do to show you understanding? (ex: discussion questions, comic life, short writing, comprehension questions)
 * Write-up your reading task and submit to the hand in robot. Remember to be clear and creative!
 * **Meets Expectations: Reading Task that assesses a specific skill or concept. The task must be clear and creative!**

Today you will create a reading task for the other class to complete.
 * Task 8 - November 11, 2011 - Create Your Own Reading Task**
 * First, go back and review the previous reading tasks
 * What skill/concept does the reading task address?
 * Brainstorm with your group ideas for the reading task you will create
 * What skill or concept you will address?
 * What do you want the group to do to show you understanding? (ex: discussion questions, comic life, short writing, comprehension questions)
 * Write-up your reading task and submit to the hand in robot. Remember to be clear and creative!
 * **Meets Expectations: Reading Task that assesses a specific skill or concept. The task must be clear and creative!**


 * Period 3 - Task 9 - November 14, 2011 - Short Answer Questions**
 * Answer these questions individually. Post your responses on the discussion tab on this page.
 * Why do you think that James feels like his grandmother didn’t suffer and die for nothing? Reread pages 178 and 179
 * What do you think Ruth’s reaction would be if James played the recording for her? Reread page 178
 * Make an inference as to why Mameh was so interested in the birds. Reread page 169
 * **Meets Expectations: Posted short answers that include your own analysis with textual support.**


 * Period 10 - Task 9 - November 14, 2011 - Create a Keynote**
 * Discuss with your group members how you feel about each of the main characters - take notes in your Coming of Age notebook
 * Create a Keynote of at least 3 slides showing your opinions about the characters' lives, and what you would do if you found yourself in their shoes
 * **Meets Expectations: One Keynote presentation with at least 3 slides showing your analysis and opinion of the characters**

**The Color of Water - reading schedule**