Introduction to Literature Webs

What are today’s objectives? We will: Develop reasoning and interpretive skills in literature by discussing the selection “Shells” Use a Literature Web to help us analyze a piece of literature

We will analyze and interpret text by using a literature web!  “Shells” By Cynthia Rylant

Today’s Task: Independently reread the selection “Shells”.

Let’s analyze “Shells” by completing a Literature Web.

Let’s review! Selection & Author

Words/phrases that were powerful Words connected to the theme Key Words You can include… Names of characters Names of places Words/phrases that were powerful Words connected to the theme Words you thought were interesting or exciting

Feelings the characters felt during the story Feelings/ Moods You can include… Feelings the characters felt during the story Feelings YOU had as a reader How do you think the author wanted readers to feel while reading?

What was the main idea of the story? Big Ideas/ Concepts You can include… What was the main idea of the story? What were some of the other ideas the author was trying to talk about? What was she saying about being lonely? What was she saying about change? What was she saying about differences between people?

Why was the hermit crab significant? Why was its shell important? Images/ Symbols What were some of the pictures that came to your mind as you read the story? What were some things about the story that may have had more than one meaning? Why was the hermit crab significant? Why was its shell important?

What is the genre of this selection? Structure What is the genre of this selection? Why did the author most likely write “Shells”? Which characteristics were important to this piece of text? What did you notice about the author’s writing style? How is this text different than other texts you have read?

Your Ticket Out… Respond to one of the following: How did Michael feel about losing his parents? Give at least 3 sentences from the story that support your point of view. OR Michael’s parents had died and his “heart hurt”. Describe a situation in your life in which your “heart hurt.”