“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Reading Skills Sequencing Drawing Conclusions http://www.opencourtresources.com

Sequencing Review When authors write a story, they arrange the events in a certain order or sequence to keep the reader from getting confused. Words such as: before, during, after, first, then, while, next, and finally all help to sequence an event. Let’s practice!

Sequence Sequence these events from the lives of William and Ellen Craft. They lived in England. William and Ellen left their cottage on December 21st and began their journey to freedom. They safely arrived in Philadelphia and were free. William and Ellen returned to Georgia and bought a large plantation where they devoted their lives to helping others.

Sequence Here is the correct sequence of William and Ellen Craft lives. First, William and Ellen left their cottage on December 21st and began their journey to freedom. Then, they safely arrived in Philadelphia and were free. Next, they lived in England. Finally, William and Ellen returned to Georgia and bought a large plantation where they devoted their lives to helping others.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s begin by reading pages 318-319 (not the last paragraph), and then we’ll practice describing when events happen in the story. When does Karana hope a ship will come to rescue her? Karana __________________ during ________________________________. Karana hopes a ship will come during the summer.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s begin by reading pages 318-319 (not the last paragraph), and then we’ll practice describing when events happen in the story. When does Karana see whales in the ocean? Karana __________________ while ________________________________. Karana sees whales while she is looking for ships on the ocean.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s begin by reading pages 318-319 (not the last paragraph), and then we’ll practice describing when events happen in the story. When do the storms come to the island? The storms _____ during ______________. The storms come during the winter.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 319 (the last paragraph) - 321, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events using the sequential words first, then, next, and finally. What was the first thing Karana did to get her canoe into the water? First, _______________________________. First, she removed the large rocks in front of the canoe.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 319 (the last paragraph) - 321, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events using the sequential words first, then, next, and finally. What did she do after that? Then, _______________________________. Then, she laid down strips of kelp in front of the canoe.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 319 (the last paragraph) - 321, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events using the sequential words first, then, next, and finally. What did she do next? Next, _______________________________. Next, she pushed the canoe onto the strips of kelp.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 319 (the last paragraph) - 321, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events using the sequential words first, then, next, and finally. What is the last thing that happened? Finally, _______________________________. Finally, the canoe slid into the water.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 322- 324, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events by telling in what part of the day something happens. When did Karana notice that she could not see the island anymore? Karana _____________ at ______________. Karana noticed that she could not see the island at dusk.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 322- 324, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events by telling in what part of the day something happens. When did Karana use the stars to know what direction she was traveling? Karana _____________ at ______________. Karana used the stars at night.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s continue by reading pages 322- 324, and then we’ll practice sequencing a series of events by telling in what part of the day something happens. When did Karana see that her canoe was leaking again and might break? Karana _____________ at ______________. Karana saw that her canoe was leaking at dawn.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s finish by reading pages 325-327, and then we’ll identify when events happen in the story using the words before and after. When does Karana decide she ha to go back to the island? Karana _____________ after ______________. Karana decides she has to go back to the island after the canoe leaks.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s finish by reading pages 325-327, and then we’ll identify when events happen in the story using the words before and after. When does Karana feel the loneliest Karana _____________ before _____________. Karana feels the loneliest just before the dolphins swim beside her boat.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Let’s finish by reading pages 325-327, and then we’ll identify when events happen in the story using the words before and after. When do the dolphins leave Karana The dolphins _____________ before ________. The dolphins leave Karana shortly before dusk.

“Island of the Blue Dolphins” Comprehension Assessment How did the dolphins help Karana survive? Do you think Karana was happy to be back on the island? Why or why not? If you were Karana, would you try to leave the island again in a canoe? Why or why not?

In this story we learned the following concepts: Resourcefulness and courage can enable a person to deal with extreme danger. Adaptability is important to surviving. Enduring loneliness is as big a challenge as enduring the dangerous forces of nature.