Big Goals & Outcomes
Reading
- Retell with key details; identify setting, problem, solution.
- Track character growth (confidence, kindness, courage).
- Compare events to real‑life challenges.
SEL
- Recognize emotions; practice positive self‑talk.
- Model empathy, gratitude, and perseverance.
- Set personal goals and reflect on progress.
Writing & Speaking
- Opinion & narrative writing tied to the journey.
- Evidence‑based responses using text details.
- Partner talk, small‑group dialogue, presentations.
Standards fit: CCSS ELA (RL/RI/W/SL) and CASEL core competencies.
Flexible Pacing Options
1–2 Days (Mini‑Unit)
- Read‑aloud + turn‑and‑talk.
- Quick write: a challenge I faced & how I showed courage.
- Share‑out + closing circle.
1 Week (Deep Dive)
- Daily read‑aloud segments + focus skill (plot, theme, vocab).
- Small‑group discussion and response writing.
- SEL moment: confidence, kindness, determination, courage, wisdom.
2–3 Weeks (Project‑Based)
- Map the journey; research castles, bridges, or horses.
- Create a class mural or storyboard.
- Publish writing; family showcase or gallery walk.
Before / During / After Reading
Before
- Picture walk; predict using cover and chapter headings.
- Activate background knowledge on quests and maps.
- Purpose for reading: track Dayanara’s choices.
During
- Stop‑and‑jot feelings, questions, connections.
- Vocabulary in context (confidence, perseverance, courage).
- Turn‑and‑talk: Which “candle” lesson fits this scene?
After
- Sequence the journey; summarize in 5 sentences.
- Theme share: how did Dayanara grow?
- Choice board: poem, poster, comic, or letter to Dayanara.
Grade‑Banded Lesson Ideas
K–1
- Chime in on refrain lines; echo reading.
- Identify colors of flowers/candles; sort emotions by color.
- Draw & label: brave moment; sentence frame “I felt ___ when ___.”
2–3
- Character‑trait evidence chart (quote → what it shows).
- Opinion writing: the toughest obstacle & why.
- Dialogue practice: script a scene and perform.
Grade 4
- Theme analysis: fear vs. courage; kindness & reciprocity.
- Narrative: write an extra chapter on the journey.
- Compare quest motifs with another folktale or myth.
Cross‑Curricular Extensions
Art
- Watercolor “candle lessons” posters.
- Character pose studies; mood through color.
Science
- Light & shadows: how a candle works; safety rules.
- Weather & storms: thunder, lightning, safety plans.
Math
- Journey timelines; elapsed time between scenes.
- Symmetry in bridges; simple map scales.
Social Studies
- Map skills: symbols, legends, routes, landforms.
- Castles and communities: jobs, roles, cooperation.
PE & Wellness
- “Cross the bridge” balance course; teamwork relays.
- Breathing for bravery: positive self‑talk practice.
Technology
- Digital storyboards; voice‑over retell with slides.
- Create a simple “treasure map” in Google Drawings.
SEL Mini‑Lessons (Quick Hits)
Confidence vs. Doubt
- Two‑column T‑chart: “doubt thoughts” → “confidence thoughts.”
- Class mantra: “I can do hard things.”
Kindness & Reciprocity
- Acts of kindness chain; horse scene discussion.
- Role‑play: offering help and accepting help.
Facing Fear
- Bridge scene: what thoughts make things scary?
- Replace‑the‑thought practice: fear → fact.
Determination & Grit
- Set a micro‑goal; track one week of effort.
- Share a time you kept going; peer encouragement.
Wisdom & Reflection
- “What did I learn about me?” quick write.
- Group circle: one insight, one next step.
Family Connection
- Send a short note describing this week’s theme (courage/kindness).
- Home challenge: try one brave act; share back to class.
- Invite families to a reading showcase or gallery walk.