The Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden Lit Link Grades 4-6 - Paperback

by Nat Reed (Author)

The importance of friendship, feelings, and doing the honorable thing regardless of the consequences is stressed throughout the novel. The activities guide student learning and enjoyment through chapter-by-chapter questions. The additional activities in vocabulary, word study, and personal development help to improve literacy skills in communication, critical thinking, and more. Reproducible chapter questions, plus comprehension questions, a story summary, author biography, creative and cross curricular activities, complete with answer key. A novel by George Selden.

Overall Expectations; The students will:

- use good literature as a vehicle for developing skills in: reasoning and critical thinking, knowledge of language structure, vocabulary building, and use of conventions.

- identify and describe elements of stories (i.e. plot, main idea, characters, setting).

- learn about the dynamics of relationships, empathizing and looking out for others who are going through difficult times, learning unselfishness, and the ability to exercise initiative in difficult circumstances.

- relate events and feelings found in the novel to their own lives and experiences.

- appreciate the importance of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice in personal relationships.

- learn how that standing up for what one feels is right, is the honorable thing to do.

- appreciate that the growth of one's character often comes through the trials of living.

- learn the importance of dealing with adversity and developing perseverance in the face of difficult experiences.

- state their own interpretation of a written work, using evidence from the novel and from their own knowledge and experience.

List of Skills

Vocabulary Development

1. Using content clues

2. Locating descriptive words/phrases

3. Listing synonyms, antonyms, homonyms

4. Use of capitals and punctuation

5. Identifying syllables

6. Listing compound words

7. Determining alphabetical order

8. Use of singular/plural nouns

9. Developing dictionary skills

10. Identifying parts of speech

11. Identify an analogy

12. Identifying an idiom

13. Identifying a simile

14. Identify alliteration.

Character Activities

1. Determine character traits

2. Compare two characters

3. Relating personal experiences

4. Understand concepts: friendship, perseverance

Creative and Critical Thinking

1. Research

2. Complete 5 W's Chart

3. Write a letter to a friend

4. Conduct an interview

5. Create a KWL Chart

6. Write a description of personal feelings

Setting Activities

1. Identify the details of a setting

Art Activities

1. Design a cricket house

2. Design a cover for the novel

3. Develop a Storyboard

Plot Activities

1. Complete a Story Map

2. Identify conflict in the story

3. Determine the role of others in one's personal growth

4. Develop a Storyboard

5. Identify a cliffhanger

6. Identify the climax of a novel

7. Develop a synopsis.