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40 Minute Lesson Plans

Violent Ends


40
The 40-Minute Lesson Plan is essential elements of the CBL lesson plan. We suggest the teacher reads aloud or uses an audio book for the reading portion. 40-min includes: Background, Wordwall, Key Paragraph, and Writing Prompt
60
The 60-Minute Lesson Plan uses the same elements as the 40-minute plan, but also covers a visual activity and discussion. 60-min includes: Background, Wordwall, Key Paragraph,Writing Prompt and adding the Key Questions
90
The 90-Minute Lesson Plan contains all elements of the lesson plan. If time is available, we recommend using this version to get all of the benefits of CBL. The full lesson includes: Background, Wordwall, Key Paragraph, Writing Prompt, and Key Questions of the 40 and 60 minutes options while incorporating the Mapping Activity, Visual Activity and creating the Timeline as a class.

Day 1

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Miss Susie?

Miss Susie had a Steamboat (also known as Hello Operator) is a schoolyard rhyme sung to the same tune as “Miss Lucy had a baby.” Taboo words were sung as part of the following verse (e.g., “hell” as part of “hello!,” “behind the ‘frigerator,” And “as[s]” as part of “ask”). The song was used for jump-rope rhyme and a clapping game. This song references the steam-powered boats which were popular in the 19th century. Some steamboats were large and included theaters, galleries, ballrooms, and saloons. They traveled up and down rivers bringing plays and music to river towns. But they also were accident prone, especially when the boilers exploded and caught fire.

Word Wall

Magpies (7)

renowned (10)

traipsing (12)

recuperate (15)

ambling (17)

 

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Miss Susie” (pp. 1–19)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Susanna’s home

Susanna Byrd, Susanna’s mom

1–2

Backyard on the way to the school bus

Susanna, Ella

2–3

Cassowary Lane

Susanna, boy with rifle and his two friends

4–6

Egert Lane

Susanna, Kirby Matheson

6–9

Bus stop

Susanna, Henrietta Waters

9–10

Mr. Welkin’s class

Third-grade class, Susanna, Simon Loam

11

Susanna’s home

Susanna, mom, dad

12–14

The park

Susanna, boy with rifle and his two friends, Kirby Matheson

15–19

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Susanna turned nine.
  • She saw a boy killing a crow with a rifle.
  • She mocked and teased Kirby Matheson.
  • Susanna received a scooter as a birthday present from her parents.
  • The boy with the rifle bullied Susanna and broke her scooter.
  • Susanna blamed Kirby for not stopping the bullies.

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 18

“You are like that dumb crow.” She stopped and he stopped and she clenched her teeth hard and went on. “I’m nothing like you because you’re a loser and that’s why those boys pick on you.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Twelve-year-old Kirby tried to comfort Susanna. He told her that these bullies pick on him all the time, that they are jerks, and deserve to die. Why did he try to console Susanna? Why is it important to comfort others who have been hurt, even though they are not friends?

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 2

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is the Gun-Free School Zone Act?

The Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 is a Federal law that requires all elementary and secondary schools – public, faith-based, and private – to expel from the school for at least one year any student who possess a firearm or a weapon on school grounds or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the school. The purpose of this law is to support the growing efforts to protect schools from the tragedy of school shootings.

Word Wall

Conjecture (23)

precautionary (24)

rammed (27)

incredulous (34)

antics (39)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Violent Beginnings” (pp. 20–41)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Art room, East Monroe High School

Teddy, Ms. Albans, and class

21–26

Tri-county area outdoor summer camp (seventh grade)

Teddy, Rick, Kirby

27–28

Teddy’s home

Teddy, mother, father, Saul (online)

29–30

Tri-county area outdoor summer camp (eighth grade)

Teddy, Kirby

32–34

Teddy’s home

Teddy, mother, father, Saul (online)

34–40

East Monroe High School

Teddy

40–41

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • East Monroe High school is on lockdown.
  • Students find out about the school shooting at Middleborough High School.
  • Students find out that Teddy knew the shooter and ask him about Kirby.
  • Teddy recalls the two summer camps he spent with Kirby.
  • Teddy’s parents are shaken by the news.

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 39

“But there was no comfort in the truth. There’s no way to make his parents less worried about the evil hidden inside the heart of someone who doesn’t look like a monster. Who never really acted like one.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Teddy felt guilty about not staying in touch with Kirby. He wondered whether he could have prevented the tragedy of the school shooting if had been there to support Kirby. After all, Kirby helped him at the summer camp without being asked, and without knowing him. Was he right to feel this way? Why were his mom’s words “It’s not your fault” important?

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is the Convention on the Rights of the Child?

Members of the United Nations have established common standards for protecting the rights of all children, including their right to physical health, psychological well-being, dignity, education, and identity. The declaration assumes that children are a vulnerable part of society and need legal protection to ensure adequate living conditions and prevent abuse and neglect. The following text is Article 19 as it appears on the website of the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner’s website.

Article 19

  1. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.
  2. Such protective measures should, as appropriate, include effective procedures for the establishment of social programmes to provide necessary support for the child and for those who have the care of the child, as well as for other forms of prevention and for identification, reporting, referral, investigation, treatment and follow-up of instances of child maltreatment described heretofore, and, as appropriate, for judicial involvement.

Word Wall

Magnanimous (45)

bequeath (45)

graciousness (45)

recuperative (72)

hardy (72)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Survival Instinct” (pp. 42–72)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Zach’s home

Zach, Zach’s father

42–44

Zach’s home

Zach, Zach’s father, Kirby (by phone)

45–47

Pulp Fiction (bookstore)

Zach, Kirby, John, Meiko

48–53

Zach’s home

Zach, Zach’s father

54–55

Zach’s home

Zach, Kirby

56–61

Zach’s home

Zach, Zach’s father

62–66

Hospital

Zach, Zach’s mother, Detective Kiernan

67–72

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Kirby tries to persuade Zach to report being abused by her father
  • Zach sneaks out to meet with friends at the bookstore
  • Kirby visits Zach at home and offers her a gun
  • Zach defends herself against her father and injures him with a knife
  • Zach wakes up at a hospital, where she sees her mom
  • Detective Kierman asks Zach to report on the events

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 72

“Plants around here have amazing recuperative properties. Bushes that look long dead can suddenly sprout to life with brilliant reds or yellows or greens. They are hardy things, living things that don’t give up easily.

You have to be strong to live here.

You have to be just a little immortal to survive.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Compare and contrast Zach and Kirby point of views about how Zach should react to her father’s abuse. What is Zach’s plan? What does Kirby encourage her to do? What decision should Zach make that will both protect her and align with ethical, legal, and social norms? 

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 4

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia is a mental disorder often linked to distorted body image and emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression. Anorexic individuals restrict their amount of daily food intake. To further lose weight or avoid weight gain, they use vomiting or laxatives after eating. Most common symptoms of this disorder include lethargy, irregular or delay in onset of menstruation, yellowing of the skin, cold intolerance, abdominal pain, and constipation. This disorder can lead to failure of internal organs including the kidneys, liver, and heart. Psychological counseling can help reduce the symptoms of anorexia nervosa.  

Word Wall

mantra (74)

swagger (75)

transparent (77)

pristine (77)

gash (89)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “The Greenest Grass” (pp. 73–94)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Literature class

Lauren, classmates

73–74

Bathroom

Lauren, Mia, Elsa

75–76

Spanish class

Lauren, classmates

76–77

Cafeteria

Lauren, Elsa, Mia, Kirby, Javier

78–81

Art class

Lauren, Mrs. Recupido

82–83

Tailor

Lauren, Lauren’s mom, Mrs. Cho

84–86

Convenience store and art class

Lauren, guy behind the counter, Kirby

86–92

Lauren’s home

Lauren, Lauren’s mom

92–94

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Lauren go through her daily routine feeling that nobody knows her anymore
  • Lauren’s boyfriend, Javier humiliates Kirby
  • Lauren’s mom reminds her to focus on staying at the top of the pyramid
  • Kirby saves Lauren from committing a painful suicide
  • Lauren stays at home the day of the school shooting

 

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, pp. 81–82

“Next period is my only class that doesn’t include a single cheerleader or football player: Art. I love it, and I hate it. I love it because I get to be myself. I hate it because I always worry that myself isn’t who I’m supposed to be. It’s easier with Elsa and Mia and Javier and Tyler around, reminding me how to act.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Kirby’s words and actions demonstrate that he is an observant and compassionate individual. Provide evidence from the text supporting this claim. 

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 5

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that follows a traumatic event. It is characterized by re-experiencing of the event (for example, through nightmares and flashbacks); distressed caused by the mention of the event; depression or anxiety; and, physical symptoms such difficulty sleeping. The person does not need to have direct exposure to the event to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder. It is sufficient to learn about the event through close others. Severe reactions to trauma are classified as a mental disorder if they linger for more than one month. Cognitive-behavioral interventions can counteract the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.   

Word Wall

soliloquy (99)

entitlement (101)

penance (104)

jugular (111)

fend (112)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Feet First” (pp. 95–113)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Band practice

Jenny, Kirby

96–97

Kirby’s room and near the country club

Jenny, Kirby

100–104

News station

Jenny, Carrie Conlan

104–106

Jenny’s home

Jenny, Kirby

106–108

Near the country club and at Munson’s coffee shop

Lauren, Mrs. Recupido

106–112

Band room

Jenny, Joe

113

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Jenny tells Kirby that she has been following his footsteps during marching drills
  • Jenny and Kirby develop a close friendship
  • Kirby breaks up with Jenny
  • Kirby drives Jenny to Munson’s the morning of the shooting
  • Jenny suffers trauma for five months after the shooting

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 108

“Before the We Go There interview, the reporters always asked if I felt lucky to be alive, and I always said yes. No one wanted to know the truth. They didn’t want to hear that I left pieces of myself behind in those halls too. That each time I passed my locker, I bled. That I wasn’t anything special before I met Kirby, and I felt even emptier after he was gone.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Kirby, who has shown empathy and kindness to others, was ready to commit a horrible crime. To what extent did he take into account the effects of the shooting on the survivors? Support your arguments with evidence from the text.   

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 6

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is bullying using online platforms. Cyberbullying may include private text messages and emails or public humiliations, for example, through sharing of hurtful comments and images on social media. Some forms of cyberbullying constitute illegal behavior. According to information released by the US Department of Education, in 2015, 16% of high school students in the US were victims of cyberbullying.    

Word Wall

telephoto (118)

objectivity (123)

covertly (124)

preposterous (133)

stragglers (135)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “The Perfect Shot” (pp. 114–135)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Middleborough school

Billie

114–132

Billie’s home

Billie, Billie’s dad

132–133

Middleborough school

Billie, Kirby

134–135

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Billie takes pictures of Kirby for her art project
  • Nate Fiorello bullies Billie
  • Billie recalls bullying and cyberbullying at her previous school for being a transgender
  • Billie tells her father that she has a crush on Kirby
  • Billie takes a perfect shot of Kirby smiling during the rally

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 135

“It sounds dumb in my head, but the more I practice, the more my stomach does flips. Backflips and front flips and those side flips that I could never master without falling over. Kirby will probably be confused at first, but eventually, he’ll understand. He’ll see me for who I really am, and smile. I’ll take a picture of that smile, cut it out, and paste it with the rest. My project might be complete, but our story—mine and Kirby’s—will only just be starting.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Billie had many good photos of Kirby. However, she felt that without a picture of him smiling, her art project is incomplete. Why was it important to Billie to capture Kirby’s genuine smile? What does it say about Billie? What does it say about Kirby’s behavior at school?   

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 7

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Survivor’s Guilt?

Survivors of traumatic events, such as war, terrorist attacks, school shooting, and natural disasters may feel guilty for surviving when others did not.  While guilt is a common response, it is dysfunctional. Moral guilt is typically associated with the recognition of wrongdoing. However, in incomprehensible events that are outside one’s control, this emotion has no constructive purpose. Survivor’s guilt can hinder trauma recovery. Survivors need to acknowledge their helplessness in the traumatic event to overcome the feelings of guilt and continue with normal life.

Word Wall

manifests (138)

unfurls (138)

swirling (124)

unearthed (145)

gentrification (147)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “The Girl Who Said No” (pp. 136–152)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Schoolyard

Morgan, Caleb

136–141

School cafeteria

Morgan, Kirby, Sydney

142–144

Morgan’s home

Morgan, Morgan’s father

144–145

School parking lot

Morgan, Sydney, Kirby

146–148

Schoolyard

Morgan, Caleb

150–152

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Morgan tends to the tree she planted in Sydney’s memory
  • Morgan confesses to Caleb that she likes him
  • Morgan remembers turning own Kirby’s invitation to go to the winter formal with him
  • Morgan and Sydney arrive at the parking lot the same time as Kirby and get shot
  • Morgan decides to get back to normal life

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 138

“The school enacted a policy of kindness after the shooting, and for several months it was easy to follow. Middleborough was bound by loss, the belief that something like this could never happen here ripped away. Candlelight vigils for the victims were held at the school, at churches, and in the park. Memorial trees planted around town Casseroles cooked for the families of the dead. People were nicer to each other because they were united by fear. Until, invariably, the weeds began to sprout. Kindness is impossible to sustain.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Morgan chose not to let herself be in a fog anymore. She decided that the shooting will not decide her future. Did she make the right decision? What enabled Morgan to reach this decision? Use evidence from the text to support your arguments.   

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What Does Backfire Mean?

A plan backfires when its outcomes are opposite to the intended ones and hurt the originator. As part of the development of moral virtues, individuals learn that kindness and compassion have the best long-term results, whereas cruelty and revenge can backfire and cause more distress to everyone involved.  

Word Wall

dawdling (157)

scowled (159)

emasculated (160)

crescendo (162)

vindication (163)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Pop” (pp. 153–169)

Setting

Characters

Pages

School halls, near the lockers

Katelyn, Mark, Kirby

154–164

School parking lot

Katelyn, Mark

164–165

Katelyn’s home

Katelyn, Mark

167–168

School gym

Mark

168

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Katelyn’s draws Mark’s attention to the Pop-Tarts in Kirby’s locker
  • Kirby responds rudely when Mark asks him about the Pop-Tarts
  • Mark covers Kirby’s locker with pop tarts
  • Katelyn considers breaking up with Mark because of his act of unkindness
  • Mark hopes Katelyn was not hurt by the shooting

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 138

“Katelyn looked at him. “You really think you did a good thing? I mean, why did you have to ‘do something’ to begin with? You could have just walked away.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Katelyn accused Mark of being immoral because he covered Kirby’s locker with Pop-Tarts. Is Katelyn completely free of responsibility? If Mark and Katelyn had noticed that their knowledge of the contents of Kirby’s locker was a sensitive issue, what could they have done to prevent the conflict? Use evidence from the text to support your arguments.     

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is the Danger in Possession of Firearms?

Research conducted by Charles Branas and colleagues in 2009, provided evidence that, after accounting for multiple intervening variables, gun possession, gun possession significantly increased people’s risk of being shot in an assault. On average, guns did not protect those who possessed them from being shot. The researchers interpreted the findings as suggesting that possession of guns reduces certain protective inhibitions. Having guns led to more bad choices and risk-taking behavior. 

Word Wall

unmarred (170)

camraderie (172)

Bravado (173)

detritus (176)

unnamablen (175)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Presumed Destroyed” (pp. 153–169)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Factory

gun

170–171

Convenience store

Gun, owner

172–174

Alley

Gun, owner, Kirby

167–168

Kirby’s car, Kirby’s home

Gun, Kirby

170-183

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • The gun is secretly sold to its first owner
  • The first owner commits an unsuccessful robbery
  • Kirby buys the gun
  • The gun senses that Kirby is struggling and his parents are oblivious to his pain

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 181

“I bury my thoughts in a casing of denial, and when he takes me again, I realize he’s encased himself in denial as well. A denial of what happened on the roof, of his own self, his own future, and inability to find a new one.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

The gun is increasingly alarmed by Kirby’s behavior. What actions make the gun believe it is in the wrong hands? When the gun says that Kirby is living in denial, what does it mean? How is Kirby’s denial associated with his attitude of despise towards the world? What could Kirby (or someone else) do to channel his thoughts, emotions, and actions towards more constructive and positive ones?     

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 10

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What To Do in Case of Active Shooting?

Immediate responses to active shooting may vary depending on the location and physical setting. If it is safe to do so individuals should run out of the building and until reaching a safe location. If escape is not feasible, individuals should hide in a location where the walls might be thicker and have fewer windows. In many cases, First Responders may arrive to the scene while the shooting is still active. All people on site should follow their instructions.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Safe and Healthy Students, Guide for Developing High-Quality School Emergency Operations Plans, Washington, DC, 2013.

Word Wall

contrary (184)

meticulous (186)

ruckus (187)

docile (187)

condone (187)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Presumed Destroyed” (pp. 153–169)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Reba’s home

Reba, mother, father, Griselda

184–187

School bathroom

Reba, law officer

188–190

Schoolyard

Reba, EMT Jerry, school secretary

191–192

Reba’s home

Reba, mother, father

193–198

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Reba and her parents discuss responsibilities over berakfast
  • Reba avoids the rally and hides in the bathroom
  • Reba learns about the shooting
  • Reba received questions from friends about the shooting

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, pp. 193–194

“Did that kid feel like he was defending himself? Is that what made him dangerous? When he turned the gun on himself, was that part of the plan? Was it straight-up suicide? In the second when he put the gun to his head, were all his other choices gone?”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Compare and contrast Reba’s father attitudes towards the world and school to those of Kirby. Both see an imperfect world but address it in different ways. Use evidence from this chapter and prior chapters to support your arguments.     

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 11

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Sense of Purpose?

Sense of purpose is the motivation to work towards goals associated with life satisfaction and fulfilling one’s positive role in society. Sense of purpose is not associated with ability or socioeconomic status. Everyone can develop a strong sense of purpose. Lack of it can lead to depression and anxiety.

Word Wall

swoop (200)

Detour (205)

server (206)

slumped (208)

savoring (215)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Astroturf” (pp. 199–217)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Ray’s home

Ray, mother, father

201–203

Brothers Pizza

Ray, Emilio, Federico, Maria, Kirby’s family

204–210

Brothers Pizza

Ray, Kirby

211–217

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Ray’s parents are getting a divorce
  • Kirby’s parents buy Ray’s house
  • Ray starts working at Brothers Pizza, first for food and then for income
  • Ray serves Kirby, who seems more distracted than usual

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 203

“His father was out there with him. And his little sister—she wasn’t a little brother, but close enough. All that was missing was the dog I’d always wanted.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Compare and contrast Ray and Kirby’s views of Kirby’s life. Why did they have different perceptions of Kirby’s life? How did their life experiences shape their view of life?    

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Trichotillomania?

Trichotillomania is compulsive hairpulling. People who have this disorder typically suffer from low self-esteem. They feel they are not performing to standards and often feel shame and depression. Treatment includes changing destructive thoughts and helping individuals change unhealthy life habits.

Word Wall

languid (221)

undaunted (222)

saunter (224)

gingerly (226)

fluttering (233)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read the chapter, “Grooming Habits” (pp. 218–235)

Setting

Characters

Pages

School parking lot

Abby Leeland, Chad

218–222

Abby’s home

Abby, Abby’s mom

226–230

Outside Kirby’s home

Abby, Kirby, Kirby’s dad

231–233

School

Abby, Chad

234–235

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Abby escapes Chad at the school parking lot
  • Abby hears her mom’s accusations about destroying the family
  • Abby watches Kirby in emotional pain outside his house
  • Abby calls Kirby to her classroom

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 233

“I think back to his doodle-laced notebook in debate class, his scattered counterpoints, and his middle arguments. Ah. So this room is an ordered place for a cluttered mind.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

Ms. Leeland finds destructive solutions to her emotional pain. Like Kirby, her desctructive solutions affects others around her and hurt other lives. Discuss the potential harmful effects of Ms. Leeland’s behaviors.

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 10

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is Resilience?

Resilient individuals can respond to stress and trauma using effective coping strategies including seeking help and support from friends and finding a renewed meaning in life (e.g., supporting others who have suffered or helping prevent future traumatic events). Lack of resilience is associated with perceived stress, difficulty controlling thoughts about the event, distraction, and intense negative emotions. Supportive families and communities can help individuals improve their resilience and coping skills through caring and compassion, and helping trauma victims practice self-management of emotions and thoughts.

Word Wall

wrecked (237)

closure (237)

retrieving (240)

expunge (243)

hypothetical (243)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read the chapter, “Hypothetical Time Travel” (pp. 236–262)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Carah and Kirby’s house

Carah, Carah’s parents

236–240

Yearbook room

Carah, Vincent, Gwen, Jolie, Kirby

241–247

Near the lockers

Carah, Kirby

247–252

At the park

Carah, Bobby, Carah’s dad

253–262

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students might mention:

  • Carah works with her friends on the yearbook
  • Kirby insults Carah’s friends
  • Kirby gives his dog to Carah
  • Carah talks with Bobby about others’ comments about the shooting

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, p. 256

“I have been going to all the candelight vigils,” Bobby tells me. “And I was at the hospital with some of the guys to see Morgan yesterday. She’s is looking better. I also saw a lot of your year book friends visiting Vincent after surgery. He’s all right too.”

Extend

Write

Have each student write a short product based on today’s prompt to connect to the unit theme.

How has Bobby supported his friends after the shooting? Why was Bobby’s kind behavior important to his friends and school? What traits, values, and skills enabled Bobby to provide support to others?

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.

Day 14

Outcomes for Today

Reading Outcomes

  1. ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1
    Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  2. ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4; CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4

Writing Outcomes

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 

Prepare

Background 

What is a Sense of Community?

A sense of community is the perception of unity, togethernerness, and joint responsibility to support the well-being of members of the community. After traumatic events, a sense of community mobilizes the counseling, emotional support, and help  individuals need to better cope with their reactions to traumatic events. Community members can build on their knowledge and understanding of each other to encourage discussions about painful memories and help individuals manage their thoughts and emotions constructively.  

Word Wall

hyperventilated (267)

instincts (274)

anecdotes (297)

accomodate (311

affirmative (325)

Read

Review 

Review the timeline from the beginning every day.

Read 

Read at least one of the chapter, “All’s Well” (pp. 263–277); Burning Effigies (pp. 278–293); Holes (pp. 294–307); and, “History Lessons” (pp. 308–338)

Setting

Characters

Pages

Counselor’s office; police station

Ruben, reporter, Ms. Washington, Ruben’s dad

263–277

Kirby’s house; Carly’s backyard

Alice and her friends

278–293

A newspaper office

Laura, Leo

294–307

Middleborough High School

Nate, Katy

308–338

Respond

Timeline 

Agree on the facts in today’s reading, and list the 3-5 most important on the Timeline.

Discuss the reading and add 3-5 events to the timeline.

  • Discuss the story to fix the facts: who, what, when, where, and why.
  • Decide on the 3-5 most important events and add these to the timeline.

Students may mention:

  • Ruben lashing out at a reporter (“All’s Well”)
  • Alice and friends burn an effigy of Kirby (“Burning Effigies”)
  • Laura writes an article about Kirby (“Holes”)
  • Nate experiences guilt for bullying Kirby (“History Lessons)

Explore

Analyze

Analyze the key paragraph. 

Key Paragraph, pp. 335-336

“You’re focused on the past, but not in a productive way.” She stares at me. And I make myself stare right back. “You see, I don’t think you knew Kirby was capable of what he did, and Kirby’s not around to tell us why he killed his classmates. It’s nobody’s fault, but it is important that when we have these opportunities to look inward, we do. To realize it’s not really about Kirby now, it’s about what’s left.”

Extend

Write

Select at least one of the four chapters included in this lesson. Discuss the importance of proactively dealing with trauma and loss, rather than ignoring and denying it. Why is it important to seek help from mental health professionals, family, and friends to cope with trauma? Do all people cope in the same manner? Link your essay to the theme, “Kindness Requires Empathy.” How does kindness support recovery? What words and actions demonstrate kindness?

Write a 2-3 paragraph narrative. Use as much detail as you can.

Close 

Close by extending today’s lesson to life and the world.