Sunday, February 15, 2015

January's Sparrow


IRA Teachers' Choice Selection
“ These here men,” 
he announced 
over the din of the mob, 
“ have the right, under the law, 
to reclaim their property!” 
The crowd roared. 
“Property! 
People ain’t nobody’s property,” 
a voice called out.









January's Sparrow is: Heartening, Creative, Emotional, Memorable, and Poignant

January's Sparrow
Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Published by Philomel Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, 2009

Reading Level:
Lexile: 760L
Grade Level(s): 3-6
Suggested Delivery: Read Aloud

Summary:

January’s Sparrow is a true story about determination, courage, freedom, and love. After being told that their boys were going to be sold, the Crosswhite family decides to runaway from the plantation that they have been working on as slaves.  The family leaves behind everything they know for the chance to be free. As they follows the Underground Railroad they stop in Marshall, Michigan.  The family ends up staying in the quaint town much longer than expected, and they become an integral part of the it. Throughout their time in Marshall, the Crosswhite’s are constantly aware of the possibility that they could be identified as runaway slaves, and they are always on the lookout for slave catchers. When the Crosswhite’s worst nightmare comes true, it is heartwarming to see what the townspeople do to stand up for what is right and to protect their friends.  


Electronic Resources for Educators:


This is a book trailer for the story.  


This is a guide for educators on books written by Patricia Polacco that includes: curriculum connections, comprehension activities, and discussion questions.


In order to read this book, students need to have an understanding of the Underground Railroad.  This is a brief summary and introduction to the Underground Railroad.

Teaching Suggestions:

Key Vocabulary:

Before Reading Activity:  http://blabberize.com/view/id/1258713
Directions and questions for this activity can be found on the link above.
Build a chart on the board with your students about what they know about the underground railroad. Ask these questions: What was the Underground Railroad? Why was it called the Underground Railroad? Who traveled the Underground Railroad?? Why did they travel the Underground Railroad?  What were some of the challenges that slaves faced while they traveled the Underground Railroad?
-Use the resources in the electronic resources section to help explain the Underground Railroad to your students.

During Reading Activity: As you read January’s Sparrow, keep track of the characters who were part of the Underground Railroad and what they did to help others during the story. You can use the character scrapbook through scholastic to accomplish this task.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/scrapbook/

 Also discuss why the Crosswhite's left the plantation and their experiences after leaving it.

Post Reading Activity: Tossed Terms-

     This is a basketball  type of game where students are split into two teams. It is imperative that the students  know the key vocabulary terms in the book. There is a ball and a goal if they get the ball in the goal then they are asked a vocabulary word. They are only awarded points if they know the meaning of the word. 

 Writing Activity: Why do you think a slave or family of slaves would be afraid to leave their plantation and travel the Underground Railroad?

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