Day 1: The Observer & The Ambush

Target: I can analyze how being an "outsider" helps Roy see things others miss.
Pre-Reading Warmup (5 min)
Open your Novel-Ties Packet to Page 8.
Find #1 Ambushed and #6 Intimidated.
Think: How are these words related to bullying? Draw the matching lines now.
Teacher Read Aloud (12 min)
Chapter 1: Follow along as we read.
We will stop when Roy has to let the running boy go because the bus is moving.
Discussion (8 min)
Turn to Page 9, Question #1.
"Do you think Roy’s school should act against the bullying behavior? Is there a problem of bullying in your school or neighborhood? How is it handled?"
Success Criteria: I can explain why Roy didn't fight back against Dana.

Day 2: The Decision

Target: I can evaluate if breaking a rule is ever the "right" thing to do.
Pre-Reading Warmup (4 min)
Open your Novel-Ties Packet to Page 8.
Find #2 Vandalism.
Think: Is a "vandal" always a bad person? Match the definition now.
Teacher Read Aloud (10 min)
Chapter 2: Follow along.
We will stop right after Roy punches Dana and runs off the bus (Page 20).
Discussion (11 min)
Look at Page 10, Writing Activity #2.
Debate: Raise your hand if you think the Principal was WRONG to suspend Roy. Raise your hand if you think Roy SHOULD have been suspended.
Why is it so hard for adults to tell who started a fight?
Success Criteria: I can argue whether Roy was right or wrong to punch Dana.

Day 3: Parents & "The Other"

Target: I can compare different support systems (families) in the story.
Pre-Reading Warmup (4 min)
Open your Novel-Ties Packet to Page 8.
Find #7 Skeptical.
Look For: Who is skeptical of Roy in this chapter? Who believes him? Match the definition.
Teacher Read Aloud (11 min)
Chapter 3: We will read the scene with Officer Delinko, then skip to Roy's dinner with his parents.
Listen for how Roy's parents react to the bad news.
Discussion (10 min)
Turn to Page 9, Question #3.
"Do you think it is wise for parents to get involved when their child is a bully or a victim?"
If Roy’s dad calls the school, will it make things better or worse?
Success Criteria: I can describe how Roy's parents support him differently than Dana's parents.

Day 4: Literary Analysis

Target: I can identify Similes and use Foreshadowing to make predictions.
Context (5 min)
No new reading today! We are looking at the Author's Craft.
We will re-read the paragraph where Roy is running and gasping for air.
Similes (10 min)
Turn to Page 10, Section II (Simile).
"Roy was gulping like a beached trout."
What is being compared? Why didn't the author just say "he was out of breath"? Write your answer.
Foreshadowing (10 min)
Turn to Page 9 (Foreshadowing).
Prompt: What might the presence of the owls at the construction site tell us about the future of the story?
Write your best prediction on the lines.
Success Criteria: I can explain the effect of a simile and predict an outcome based on clues.
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