When the Circus Came to Town Author: Laurence Yep Harcourt Storytown Lesson 7~Day 1 By: Mrs. Danford

Listening Comprehension Good readers Read with expression that is appropriate for the text. Use punctuation and other text clues to determine their expression. Expository Nonfiction~presents and explains information When you read expository nonfiction, listen for facts and details about a topic. Listen as I read “Language and the Circus.”

Listening Comprehension What are some popular expressions we have now because of the circus? What is the main idea of the passage? In this lesson, we will read about a Chinese circus troupe who perform in a small town in the American West.

Vocabulary When you fret about something, you keep thinking and worrying about it. Would you describe people who fret as worried or relaxed? Explain.

Vocabulary If someone assured you of something, he or she has said words to make you feel positive that things will be all right. Why would seeing a crossing guard motion you to cross the street make you feel assured that it was safe to cross?

Vocabulary If you nudged a person or thing, you pushed it or poked it gently. If you nudged a book, did you move it a lot or a little? Explain.

Vocabulary If something is outlandish, it is bizarre, strange, and unusual. Would you notice someone if he were wearing an outlandish hat? Why or why not?

Vocabulary To raise a ruckus is to make a lot of noise and fuss about something. Which is more likely to cause a ruckus, a pillow falling or a pile of books falling? Explain.

Vocabulary If you have announced something to a group of people, you have proclaimed it. Why would it be foolish to have proclaimed something you wanted to be kept a secret?

Focus Skill: Theme The theme is the meaning or message of a story. The story’s setting, as well as the characters’ qualities and actions, all contribute to the theme. In fables and some folktales, authors state the theme directly, as a moral. In most stories, you can figure out the theme by asking yourself what the main character learns by the end of the story. P. 175

Assignment Complete p. 39 in your workbook to practice determining theme. Complete p. 37 to review your vocabulary words. Read in your AR book when you finish. (Don’t forget to be reading any assigned reading books.) I will be meeting with small groups.