READING
We’re onto our final novel of Grade 4…boohoo… Here’s a little information on the magic that you can expect between the pages of Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstiltskin.
This funny fractured fairytale goes behind the scenes of Rumpelstiltskin. “A most magical feat,” writes Newbery Honor-winner Kirby Larson, “Liesl Shurtliff spins words into gold.”
In a magical kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone’s joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right.
With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse. To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship – and a cheeky sense of humor – he just might triumph in the end.
The purpose of this unit is to have students relate to a character in a book to their own life. Rump is the main character who is on a mission to find his destiny. Where he grows up the meaning of your name determines your destiny. Unfortunately, Rump only knows half of his name, which makes others and even himself sometimes see him as a lesser person. Throughout this novel, Rump is learning more about himself and what he is capable of doing. The purpose for 4th graders to read this novel and to be a part of this unit is because students should learn that they are much more capable of what they think they can do. This unit is used to give inspiration to students and help them connect with Rump through the realistic struggles he goes through. Rump being a realistic character allows his struggles to be relatable and allows for his successes to also be realistic to students reading! The lessons of “you’re not alone with your feelings” and “you are much more capable of what you think you are” are important lessons for students to learn at such a young age. This is a time in their life before they enter those dramatic teen years. One of the biggest struggles of teen years is having thoughts of being alone or not being good enough. This unit allows for students to live through Rump’s story and hopefully apply it to their own life when needed! Of course this unit is important because it will get students to read an engaging text, but this unit is important because of the lessons found within and the skills students will use throughout to understand this novel.
Essential Questions:
What is destiny?
How do you find your destiny?
What do you do if there is more than one side to a story?
For a little bit of fun, children can watch the original tale of Rumpelstiltskin on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4W_53-fIYdI
WRITING
Use descriptive words and sensory images in our writing to EXPLODE THE MOMENT.
SPELLING
Study spelling words for test on Friday.
Pegasus: First 10 words
Dragons: First 15 words
Vipers: All
1. destiny
2. menacing
3. midwife
4. persuasive
5. rations
6. stifling
7. translucent
8. treadle
9. warped
10. withered
11. addled
12. biding
13. converged
14. gnarled
15. ingratitude
16. meager
17. recipients
18. sluices
19. transfixed
20. wretch
SOCIAL STUDIES
Identify Our Central American neighbours.
Identify and describe our Central American neighbours.
MATH
Terra Nova review.
NOTE: Please remind your child to bring their booklets to school everyday. We review these in class daily.
SCIENCE
Terra Nova review.
NOTE: Please remind your child to bring their booklets to school everyday.
HOMEWORK
Monday
- Study Spelling Words
- Complete draft of “Who I Am” Poem
- Mathletics practice
Tuesday
- Study Spelling Words
- Publish “Who I Am” Poem on line paper that was provided
- Mathletics practice
Wednesday
- Study Spelling Words
- Unfinished work from Rump
- Mathletics practice
Thursday
- Study Spelling Words
- Mathletics practice