(FLEX) The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman: A Reading and Writing Companion

Throughout 5 weeks together, we will completely immerse ourselves in Lev Grossman's novel The Silver Arrow. The story centers around two siblings who embark on a fantastical quest aboard The Silver Arrow, a seemingly magical train that takes them on a universal and personal adventure: to understand the vastness of the world, their imprint on it, and the many beautiful but fragile creatures that inhabit the earth.


1) WEEKDAY BREAKDOWN:

-- SUNDAY: 'Reading themes' video lesson posted

-- MONDAY: Writing lesson video, and all necessary attachments, posted

-- THURSDAY: Notable vocabulary share (thread based; see below)

-- SATURDAY: All writing work from the week due by end of day. * * All work received by Saturday will be reviewed with encouragement/ feedback by the end of the day Monday * * 


2) READING BREAKDOWN (in connection with Sunday's 'reading themes' video lesson):

-- WEEK 1: Focus pages 1-52
-- WEEK 2: Focus pages 53-105
-- WEEK 3: Focus pages 106-153
-- WEEK 4: Focus pages 154-198
-- WEEK 5: Focus pages 199-259


3) WRITING PIECE/ PROJECT BREAKDOWN (in connection with Monday's writing video lesson):

-- WEEK 1: Identifying notable vocabulary, using notable vocabulary to tease out text-based similes and creating original metaphors
-- WEEK 2: Train Design project (focus: creative and descriptive paragraph writing, purposeful incorporation of self-made similes and metaphors to depict train cars)
-- WEEK 3: Perspective writing (focus: using a specific, teacher-identified quote used by Kate within the week's readings to compile a clear, concise and connective point of view on the quote's meaning)
-- WEEK 4: Compare and Contrast Endangered Animals essay Part 1 (focus: parts of a Venn diagram/ graphic organizer, writing lesson on implementing a hook, bridge, exit statement, transitions and notable vocabulary)
-- WEEK 5: Compare and Contrast Endangered Animals essay Part 2 (focus: compiling your Venn diagram research to become the 'body' of your essay, the importance of direct, concise and orderly writing, assembling your essay with your hook, bridge, body and exit statement with transitions and flow)


4) NOTABLE VOCABULARY SHARE:

My classes, in general, are peppered with the term 'notable vocabulary'; a focus on language and word choice that strikes us, moves us, feels meaningful to us as readers. Notable vocabulary can also be unfamiliar words that inspire you to learn the definition of. As each reader is unique, so will be their identification of notable vocabulary.

During Thursday's Notable Vocabulary Share, I will open up a thread within the Classroom for each participant of the class (teacher included!) to share which language and word choices from the week's reading felt 'notable'. This is intended to be a place to celebrate and learn from language!


5) POTENTIAL SENSITIVE TOPICS: 

Elements of peril woven throughout, notable in the final 'action' scene.