1. The Four Friends by A. A. Milne
Included: A brief excerpt from the poem and rigorous question set activities promoting higher level-thinking development

2. story selection Jacob’s Ladder Goals & Objectives Habits of Mind
Tier 1
story selection
Jacob’s Ladder Goals & Objectives
Habits of Mind

3. Ernest was an elephant, a great big fellow,
Leonard was a lion with a six foot tail, George was a goat, and his beard was yellow,
And James was a very small snail.
Leonard had a stall, and a great big strong one,
Ernest had a manager, and its walls were thick,
George found a pen, but I think it was the wrong one,
And James sat down on a brick.
Ernest started trumpeting, and cracked his manager,
Leonard started roaring, and shivered his stall,
James gave a huffle of a snail in danger
And nobody heard him at all.
Ernest started trumpeting and raised such a rumpus,
Leonard started roaring and trying to kick,
James went on a journey with the goat’s new compass
And he reached the end of his brick.
Ernest was an elephant and very well intentioned,
Leonard was a lion with a brave new tail,
George was a goat, as I think I have mentioned,
But James was only a snail.

4. Students will be able: Ladder B
B1-Details- To list specific details or recall facts related to the text or generate a list about a specific topic or character.
B2-Classifications-To categorize different aspects of the text or identify categories from a list of topics or details.
B3-Generalizations-To make general statements about the reading or an idea in the reading and use data to support statements.
Ladder D
D1 Paraphrasing Students will be able to restate lines read using their own words.
D2 Summarizing Students will be able to provide a synopsis of text sections.
D3 Creative Synthesis Students will create something new using what they have learned from reading and their synopses.
Ladder F
F1: - Understanding Words – to identify and explain the meaning of figurative language or new vocabulary within the context of a story or poem.
F2: - Thinking About Words – to analyze the use of words within the context as related to the theme of a text.
F3 - Playing With Words – to accurately apply figurative language and new vocabulary to newly created contexts

5. Habits of Mind
Working Interdependently
Thinking about Thinking (metacognition)
Innovating, Creating, Imagining
Refer to Jacob’s Ladder Story Table for Ladder B, D & F Thinking Questions.

6. (Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder B, D & F Questions
Tier 2 Rigor
(Discussion)
High Level Strategies with
Ladder B, D & F Questions

7. Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, 3-4 Podcast slides (Pixie, Frames).
Choose 2 of 3 questions below to complete.
B1 — Make a list of each animal and its characteristics as written in the poem.
B2 — Make a chart of the animal characteristics. Be sure to have a title for each column. Example under animal name – Ernest, Leonard, George, James next column animal type elephant, lion, goat, snail, etc
D1 — What do you think is meant by the last line of the poem “But James was only a snail.” Do you agree with that statement? Why or Why not? Explain.
D2 — Draw 5 pictures, one for each stanza. Be sure to show each animal character and all needed details.
F1 — After looking up the word “huffle” explain the meaning in your own words. Find another word, a synonym, that could be used instead of huffle.

8. Discussion Strategies: Think-Pair-Share, Write-around, 3-4 Podcast slides (Pixie, Frames).
Choose 2 of 3 questions below to complete.
B3 — Explain what would make each of the 4 characters a good friend. Which would you want as a close friend and why?
D3 — Write a poem about 4 animals. Write a stanza for each animal. The last or fifth stanza will compare the animals.
F2 — James is perceived as small. Which lines or words tell us that? He overcomes that to achieve his goal. Describe or illustrate a time you didn’t think you could do something but then DID!!
F3 — The author has asked you to rename each of the characters. What names would you give each of the characters? Explain your choices.

9. (Discussion) High Level Strategies with Ladder B, D & F Questions
Tier 3 Rigor
(Discussion)
High Level Strategies with
Ladder B, D & F Questions

10. Reflections/Relevance
Tier 4
Reflections/Relevance

11. Choose one of the writing ideas to complete.  Be creative. 
1. Write a poem in this style about 4 important people in your life.
2. Research about the author of this poem. Share what you found.
Suggested project strategies:  Write a podcast script; create a puppet show; develop a PSA; a PowerPoint presentation; write and be an actor in a skit; write a persuasive speech and give before the class.