1. The Path to Becoming Me 1. Question
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The Path to Becoming Me 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Question
Gary Paulsen writes many young adult stories that focus on experiences that have shaped his life. In this lesson you will explore how Gary Paulsen’s life choices have molded his existence.
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How do our experiences shape who we become?

2. Author Profile of Gary Paulsen Paulsen Prezi Paulsen Biography
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2. Information Sources 1 2 3 4 5 6
The sites listed below will help you learn more about Gary Paulsen and his life experiences. You will use this information to complete the graphic organizer .
About Gary
Meet Gary Paulsen
Author Profile of Gary Paulsen
Paulsen Prezi
Paulsen Biography
Interview with Gary Paulsen
See LMS if there are problems connecting
All Stars Watch Video

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3. Student Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6
Organize and share what you have learned. Then you will be ready for the activity on slide 4.
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4. 4. Assessment Activity Composing Paulsen’s Response
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4. Assessment Activity
As you write, be sure to use details from your notes. Remember, you are using your knowledge to determine how GARY PAULSEN would answer the questions.
Once you have finished writing, use the checklist to see if you will need to revise your work.
Composing Paulsen’s Response
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5. 5. Enrichment Activities
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5. Enrichment Activities 1 2 3 4 5 6
Check out the following journals, videos, and articles about Gary Paulsen’s experiences.
Paulsen's Iditarod Journal
Gary’s Survival Tips
Titles Available at your Library
Gary Paulsen Library

6. 6. Teacher Support Materials1 2 3 4 5 6
BCPS Curriculum Explain the implications of the text for the reader and/or society. (9.D) Common Core State Standards Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. Standards for the 21st Century Learner Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g. textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations. Maryland Technology Literacy Standards for Students 3.0: Use a variety of technologies for learning and collaboration.
Time Frame: Two 50 minute periods
Differentiation:
Direct students to use comprehension tools included in databases, such as: audio read-aloud, labeled reading levels, and embedded dictionaries.
Learning Styles: Visual, Auditory, Tactile, Active, Reflective, Global, Analytical
Notes to the teacher:
Review graphic organizers
Review rubric, adjust as needed.
Slide 2 contains colored stars. Please assign students a star color. There is no level difference in stars.
Slide 3 contains group work. Assign groups of mixed star colors in order to get different perspectives.
Slide 5 contains a link to the Destiny OPAC system. Students may want to check out other works by Paulsen.
Last updated: July 2012 Created by Alexis Mazur Library Media Specialist BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2012, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. The models may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Lesson module.