1. Introduction to Literature Webs

2. 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

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

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

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

6. Let’s review!
Selection & Author

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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?

10. 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?

11. 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?

12. 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.”