Bridge to Terabithia Author: Genre: Concepts: … do you think that Jesse stood up to Fulcher and told Leslie that she could run? What does this tell you about Jess personality?

C O N C EP T S OF COM P RE HEN SI O N : B RI D GE T O TE R AB I T H I A 5 t h G R AD E U NI T

Student Packet

© 2010 Urban Education Exchange. All rights reserved

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Directions: Use your book to fill out the information on the lines below. Then write your name on this packet.

Title: Bridge to Terabithia

Author: ________________________________ Genre: ________________________________

Concepts: Character, Plot, Cause and Effect, Predicting, Theme

Name: _________________________________________________


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Genre Lesson Independent Practice: Realistic Elements

Name: _______________________________ Date: ________________

Directions: As you read your book, record the realistic elements you come across that relate to characters, settings, or events. In the right-hand column, make a personal connection to each element.

Realistic Elements in the Text My Personal Connection


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Genre Lesson Independent Practice: Realistic Elements (continued)

Realistic Elements in the Text My Personal Connection


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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Vocabulary Activity: One of These Words is Not Like the Others

Chapter 1: “Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.” – Chapter 3: “The Fastest Kid in the Fifth Grade”

Directions: Read each group of words. Cross out the word that does not belong in the group. Then explain why the remaining words belong together. 1. admire reject hate despise

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2. blazing scalding numbing fiery _______________________________________________________________________

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3. anticipation expect surprised predict

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4. obvious conspicuous visible hidden

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5. alert aware unresponsive conscious

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6. craziness pandemonium calmness chaos

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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 1: “Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.” – Chapter 3: “The Fastest Kid in the Fifth Grade”

Directions: Read the questions and answer them in complete sentences or choose the correct answer. Use the book to help you, if needed. Use details from the text to support your answer. Record the Concept of Comprehension© on the line next to each question.

_____ 1. Why did Jess wait until his dad had the pickup going in order to run?

a. He knew it would be warmer at that time. b. His dad would take him over to run with Leslie. c. He did not want his dad to know he was going running. d. He knew that this was also when his sister would get up.

_____ 2. Why did Jess want to be the fastest runner in school? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____3. What is the following sentence an example of? “Ellie’s voice was sweeter than a melted Mars Bar.” (p. 8)

a. Simile b. Metaphor c. Idiom d. Pun

_____ 4. What can you tell about Jess’ mom by the way she speaks and acts? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 5. Why couldn’t Jess tell if Leslie was a boy or a girl? _______________________________________________________________________

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Comprehension Questions (continued) Chapter 1: “Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.” – Chapter 3: “The Fastest Kid in the Fifth Grade”

_____ 6. Why do you think that no one in Jesse’s family has paid any attention to his feelings?

a. They are too busy with other things. b. They are more worried about their father. c. They cannot relate to him. d. They care more about themselves.

_____ 7. Why did Jess sit next to May Belle on the bus?

a. He did not want to sit next to Gary. b. The bus driver told him to sit there. c. It was the only seat left. d. He did not want to sit next to Leslie.

_____ 8. Leslie tells Jesse that he’s “the only kid in the whole durned school who’s worth shooting.” (p. 36) Why does the author use incorrect grammar?

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_____ 9. Why do you think that Jesse stood up to Fulcher and told Leslie that she could run? What does this tell you about Jess’ personality?

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_____ 10. How is Jesse feeling about Leslie at the end of Chapter 3?

a. He thinks she is beautiful. b. He is jealous of her running skills. c. He wishes that she was a boy. d. He does not like her.


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Lesson 1 Independent Practice: Predictions Chart Worksheet

Name: ___________________________________ Date: _______________________

Directions: As you read Chapter 4, fill out the events and details about the events that can help you make a prediction about what’s coming up in the text. 1. Identify a big event or cliffhanger.

2. Ask specific questions about what could happen next.

3. Think about your prior knowledge or experience.

4. Make a meaningful prediction using text evidence.


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Lesson 1 Independent Practice: Predictions Chart Worksheet (continued)

1. Identify a big event or cliffhanger.

2. Ask specific questions about what could happen next.

3. Think about your prior knowledge or experience.

4. Make a meaningful prediction using text evidence.


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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Vocabulary Activity: Opposite Meanings Chapter 4: “Rulers of Terabithia” — Chapter 6: “The Coming of Prince Terrien”

Directions: Read each sentence from the book. The definition of each bold word has been provided for you. Write two to four antonyms of the word on the line provided.

1. “Jess knew now that he would never be the best runner of the fourth and fifth grades, and his only consolation was that neither would Gary Fulcher.” (Chapter 4, p. 37) consolation: relief, comfort antonyms: ___________________________________________________________________ 2. “The hissing sounds of disbelief were already building into a rumbling of contempt.” (Chapter 4, p. 44) contempt: disrespect, dishonor antonyms: ___________________________________________________________________ 3. “Between the two of them they owned the world and no enemy . . ., Jess’s own fears and insufficiencies, nor any of the foes whom Leslie imagined attacking Terabithia, could ever really defeat them.” (Chapter 4, p. 52) insufficiencies: inabilities, weaknesses antonyms: ___________________________________________________________________ 4. “‘Shhh,’. Leslie said, stroking May Belle’s head, but May Belle didn’t want comfort, she wanted revenge.” (Chapter 5, p. 62) revenge: to get even antonyms: ___________________________________________________________________ 5. “Then in a loud whisper, ‘Reckon you all know that Janice has a heavy date with you know who.’” (Chapter 5, p. 69) reckon: think, imagine antonyms: ___________________________________________________________________ 6. “This year Ellie and Brenda both had boyfriends at the consolidated high school and the problem of what to give them and what to expect from them was the cause of endless speculation and fights.” (Chapter 6, p. 72) speculation: prediction, guess antonyms: ___________________________________________________________________


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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Comprehension Questions Chapter 4: “Rulers of Terabithia” — Chapter 6: “The Coming of Prince Terrien” Directions: Read the questions and answer them in complete sentences or choose the correct answer. Use the book to help you, if needed. Use details from the text to support your answer. Record the Concept of Comprehension© on the line next to each question. _____ 1. Why does the class react so badly when Leslie says she doesn’t own a TV? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 2. How does Jess feel about the woods beyond the creek?

a. He is frightened of them. b. He loves them. c. He likes them but not the deepest, darkest parts. d. He only likes the deepest, darkest parts.

_____ 3. What can you conclude about Janice Avery? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 4. What do you think the chapter title “The Giant Killers” means? ______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 5. Which of the following is an example of a Character vs. Character conflict in

Chapter 5? a. Jess is scared of Terabithia, but wants to stay because he likes Leslie. b. Leslie is mad at Jess for not standing up to Janice. c. Leslie is mad at May Belle for not sharing her Twinkies. d. Jess is mad at Janice for stealing May Belle’s Twinkies.


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Comprehension Questions (continued) Chapter 4: “Rulers of Terabithia” — Chapter 6: “The Coming of Prince Terrien” _____ 6. Why did Jess avert his eyes when May Belle called him yeller? (p. 63) DC

a. He was going to steal her Twinkies. b. He knew that he would have to fight Janice and did not want to. c. He did not want to get in trouble with Mr. Turner. d. He was embarrassed.

_____ 7. How do you think Jess feels about milking the cow on Christmas? Why? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 8. What caused Jesse to fantasize about actually being taken away from his family?

a. b. He wished that May Belle played with Joyce Ann, rather than him. c. He was upset that his sisters were obsessed with Christmas. d. He was upset that his sister made fun of Leslie.

_____ 9. On page 78, Jesse described himself as feeling “proud and good” when he

received Leslie’s gift. Why do you think that he felt this way? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 10. Why did Jesse have such a hard time coming up a gift idea for Leslie?

a. He knew she expected something expensive and he did not have much money. b. He did not have much money, but wanted to get her a special gift. c. He did not know what she would like. d. He did not want his sisters to make fun of him for getting Leslie a gift.


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Lesson 2 Independent Practice: Plot Conflicts Worksheet

Name: _________________________________________________ Date: _______________________

Directions: Write down the Plot Conflicts you encounter in Chapters 5-6. Answer the questions for each conflict.

Who is the conflict between? ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ What is the cause of the conflict? ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

Describe the tension: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________




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Lesson 2 Independent Practice: Plot Conflicts Worksheet (continued)






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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Vocabulary Activity: Four Square

Chapter 7: “The Golden Room” – Chapter 9: “The Evil Spell”

Directions: For each word below, write the definition, examples of the word, and non-examples of the word. You may use a dictionary if you are unsure of the meaning of the words.

1. Word

garish

Examples

Definition

Non-examples

2. Word

obliged

Examples

Definition

Non-examples

3. Word

vile

Examples

Definition

Non-examples


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Vocabulary Activity: Four Square (continued) Chapter 7: “The Golden Room” – Chapter 9: “The Evil Spell”

4. Word

sanctuary

Examples

Definition

Non-examples

5. Word

conspiring

Examples

Definition

Non-examples

6. Word

sporadically

Examples

Definition

Non-examples


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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Comprehension Questions Chapter 7: “The Golden Room” – Chapter 9: “The Evil Spell”

Directions: Read the questions and answer them in complete sentences or choose the correct answer. Use the book to help you, if needed. Use details from the text to support your answer. Record the Concept of Comprehension© on the line next to each question. _____ 1. Why did Chapter 7 end with May Belle confessing to Jess that she followed him into Terabithia?

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_____ 2. List the different setting changes in Chapter 7. _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 3. Why did Jess avoid going to Leslie’s house?

a. He was jealous of her. b. He had to spend time playing with May Belle. c. His mother did not allow him to go to Leslie’s house. d. He felt like Leslie’s father was taking her away from him.

_____ 4. Why didn’t Mrs. Aarons want Leslie to go with her family to church on Easter? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 5. Why did May Belle feel worried for Leslie when they discussed their beliefs in the Bible?

a. Leslie told her she did not believe in the Bible, so May Belle thought something bad would happen to her. b. Leslie stomped out of the church. c. Leslie yelled at the preacher in church. d. Leslie refused to wear a dress to church.


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Comprehension Questions (continued) Chapter 7: “The Golden Room” – Chapter 9: “The Evil Spell”

_____ 6. How does Jess’s mom feel about Leslie? Why do you think that she feels this way? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 7. What effect do you think Jess’s father’s lay off will have on his family?

a. The family will ask Leslie’s family for money. b. The children will have to go to work. c. The family will have less money to spend on things. d. Jess will see his father even less.

_____ 8. Why do you think the author entitled Chapter 9, “The Evil Spell”? _______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 9. Why did Jess say that “he has no guts”? a. He was scared to go to Terabithia in the rain. b. He was worried about swinging across the creek. c. He was nervous about Leslie going to church with the family. d. He was uneasy about seeing Leslie’s parents.

_____ 10. What did Leslie mean when she said, “’Methinks some evil being has put a curse on our beloved kingdom”?

a. Jess’s mom told him that he was not allowed to go back to Terabithia. b. There was so much rain that Terabithia was getting destroyed. c. Janice Avery was stealing May Belle’s Twinkies again. d. Jess’s stomach hurt.


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Lesson 3 Independent Practice: Relationship Roster

Name: _________________________________ Date: _________________

Directions: Analyze the relationship between Jess and Leslie by answering the following questions for the relationship.

Who is this relationship between? How are these characters alike and different? How are these characters alike and different? How do the characters feel about each other?

Why do the characters need each other? Describe the relationship. Is it positive or negative? Both? Explain.


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Lesson 3 Independent Practice: Friendship Bridge Example

Name: ________________________________ Date: ________________

Jess Leslie


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Name: Date: ______

Boys vs. Girls: It’s Not Just in Your Head Textual Analysis Passage

What does it mean to be a girl? What does it mean to be a boy? There are no correct answers to these questions, but they are important ones. By answering these questions, you’re identifying what you think about gender roles. A gender role is a set of ideas or behaviors associated with being male or female. Some people think gender roles are determined by our bodies and our brains. Other people think gender roles are taught and learned by our parents, communities, and culture.

Nature: How You Are Born Some scientists say gender roles are determined before we’re even born, when the brain develops in a fetus. A brain functions, they believe, based on whether the person is male or female. Recent studies show that a male’s brain functions differently from a female’s brain. A male brain, for example, is wired to work on spatial problems better. A female’s brain, on the other hand, is wired better for verbal tasks. This could explain why girls tend to score better on reading and writing tests than boys, some scientists argue.

Nurture: What You Are Taught Other scientists believe gender roles develop after birth. When a baby girl bumps her head, for example, parents might respond more to her crying. When a baby boy is bumps his head, parents might encourage him not to cry. Gender roles continue to be taught through childhood. A boy might be discouraged from playing with dolls because they are activities considered to be “for girls.” A girl might be guided away from running and race cars because they are activities “for boys.” Boys and girls are taught to follow a set of unwritten rules of what it means to be a boy or a girl.

A Little Bit of Both? Although the structure of the human brain or the rules of society explain some differences in boys and girls, we shouldn’t allow those ideas to tell us what we can or cannot do in our lives. What about the boys who can express their feelings and write creative stories and poems? How about the women marine biologists who’ve won top honors for their science skills? Many scientists today say a combination of nature and nurture help shape a person’s idea of gender roles.

Stamping Out Stereotypes How many of these sentences have you heard? Girls are so moody. Boys are tough and aggressive. Boys are smarter in science than girls. Girls are more creative than boys. Statements like these show gender stereotypes. A stereotype is a phrase that lumps people into a group. Stereotypes are often negative, and they don’t take into consideration someone’s unique personality or abilities.

Society would be safer and happier if people didn’t pigeon hole others. If a boy or girl could safely act in any way without the fear of being made fun of, stereotypes would melt away. A person wouldn’t be expected to act like a boy or a girl; he or she would only act like themselves.


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Name: Date:

“Boys vs. Girls: It’s Not Just In Your Head” Textual Analysis Questions

___ 1. What are gender roles? a. A stereotype that lumps people into one group. b. A way the human brain functions. c. A set of ideas or behaviors associated with being male or

female. d. A person’s unique skills and interests.

___ 2. According to the passage, what do recent brain studies show?

a. Boys are smarter than girls. b. Male and female brains are wired differently for different tasks. c. Girls are more creative than boys. d. All of the above.

___ 3. What is “nature vs. nurture”?

a. A debate that argues if a person is born with certain qualities or if a person develops those qualities through society.

b. A debate that argues if a person’s brain develops before birth or after birth.

c. A debate between scientists only. d. A debate the puts boys and girls on opposite sides.

___ 4. The main idea of the “Nurture: What You Are Taught” paragraph is

a. Boys are encouraged not to cry. b. Boys and girls learn their gender roles. c. Boys and girls learn to follow the law. d. Gender roles are developed before birth.

___ 5. What does the author mean by the phrase, “Society would be safer and

happier if people didn’t pigeon hole others”?

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___ 6. What is the author’s opinion about stereotypes? How do you know? Do you agree or disagree with the author’s opinion?

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Name: _____________________________________ Date: _____________

Vocabulary Activity: Questions, Reasons, Examples Chapter 10: “The Perfect Day” – Chapter 12: “Stranded”

Directions: Think about the meaning of the following words from Bridge to Terabithia:

idly, suppressed, liberated, kinship, hurtling, accusation Answer the following questions about the vocabulary words. 1. Why is it important not to idly do your homework?

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2. Give an example of a time you suppressed your feelings.

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3. When would you feel liberated? Explain.

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4. Give an example of a kinship you have. Why is it important to you?

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5. Why would someone or something hurtle? Explain.

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6. Have you ever made an accusation? Explain.

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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ________________

Comprehension Questions

Chapter 10: “The Perfect Day” – Chapter 12: “Stranded”

Directions: Read the questions and answer them in complete sentences or choose the correct answer. Use the book to help you, if needed. Use details from the text to support your answer. Record the Concept of Comprehension© on the line next to each question.

_____ 1. What did Miss Edmunds mean when she told Jess, “My life has been worthwhile after all”?

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_____ 2. Why did Jess feel a “kinship” with the Indians and buffalo scene?

a. It reminded him how much Leslies liked history. b. It reminded him of some of the drawings that he has created. It could also represent Jess feeling teased by others. c. It reminded him of a class project that he had done. d. It reminded him of the imaginary scenes that he created in Terabithia.

_____ 3. Why do you think Jess didn't think about inviting Leslie right away to go with him to Washington?

a. He did not want her to go at first. b. He was too excited to go on the trip with Miss Edmunds. c. He did not think her parents would allow her to go. d. He did not think she would want to go.

_____ 4. Why does Jess have a hard time accepting Leslie’s death?

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_____ 5. How has Terabithia changed since Jess was last there with Leslie?

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Comprehension Questions (continued) Chapter 10: “The Perfect Day” – Chapter 12: “Stranded”

_____ 6. On page 135, Jess described P. T. running around Leslie like a "star around the moon." What does this phrase say about how Jess thought of Leslie?

a. Jess greatly admired and cared for Leslie. b. Jess was just dreaming about Leslie. c. Jess thought that Leslie had power over him. d. Jess was angry at Leslie for dying.

_____ 7. How does Leslie’s death change the relationship between Jess and his father? ______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 8. Why is it significant that everyone has gathered to mourn Leslie in the golden room? Consider how Leslie described the room in Chapter 7. ______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 9. At the bottom of page 145, Jess revealed his anger toward Leslie. Why is he angry with her?

a. Jess was mad that she was cremated. b. Jess was upset that she had lived in a rotten place. c. Jess felt like he needed her help. d. She made fun of Jess the last time she saw him before she died.

_____ 10. What type of conflict is represented by Jess’s anger toward Leslie?

a. Character vs. Society b. Character vs. Nature c. Character vs. Character d. Character vs. Self


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Lesson 4 Independent Practice: What’s the Theme? Worksheet

Name: _____________________________ Date: _________________

Directions: In the left column, write down the topic. Record the recurring events for this topic in the middle column. Draw a conclusion about the theme/author’s message and record it in the right column.

Topic Recurring Events Theme/Author’s Message

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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________

Vocabulary Activity: Have You Ever? Chapter 13: “Building the Bridge”

Directions: Think about the meaning of the following words from Bridge to Terabithia:

piteously, constricting, traitorously, swiftly, emphasis

Answer the following questions about the vocabulary words. 1. Have you ever acted piteously? Why or why not?

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2. When have you felt like something was constricting you?

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3. Describe a time that you or someone else acted traitorously.

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4. Give an example of a time that you acted swiftly.

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5. What is something that you would give emphasis to? Explain. ______________________________________________________________________

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Name: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Comprehension Questions Chapter 13: “Building the Bridge”

Directions: Read the questions and answer them in complete sentences or choose the correct answer. Use the book to help you, if needed. Use details from the text to support your answer. Record the Concept of Comprehension© on the line next to each question. _____ 1. What does the new bridge mean to Jess?

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_____ 2. Why do you think Jess forced himself to go to the sacred grove with the wreath he made for Leslie?

a. May Belle teased him that he was too scared to go to the grove. b. Leslie’s father asked him to go to the grove. c. He wanted to show her his appreciation. d. His father made him go to the grove.

_____ 3. What kind of plot conflict was displayed when Jess returned to school?

a. Character vs. Nature b. Character vs. Self c. Character vs. Character d. Character vs. Society

_____ 4. How do you feel about May Belle being the new queen of Terabithia?

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_____ 5. Why did Jess want to give something back to Mrs. Myers?

a. His parents asked him to do this because she helped him. b. Mrs. Myers helped him to understand that he would never forget Leslie. c. Mrs. Myers had given him a Hallmark sympathy card. d. He had some of Leslie’s school supplies that he thought should be returned.


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Comprehension Questions (continued) Chapter 13: “Building the Bridge”

_____ 6. Jess helped May Belle across the fallen branch. How does this show Jess's personal growth? ______________________________________________________________________

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_____ 7. How has Leslie’s death changed Jess’ relationship with May Belle?

a. She follows him around everywhere. b. They do not talk much. c. They are fighting more. d. He is closer to her and invites her to Terabithia.

_____ 8. Why did Jess say that one day May Belle may want to tell Joyce Ann about Terabithia?

a. Jess had a sign from the Spirits that Joyce Ann should know about Terabithia. b. Jess wanted to eventually invite Joyce Ann to Terabithia. c. Jess wanted to warn Joyce Ann about the dangers of Terabithia. d. Jess’s mother told him to say this.

_____ 9. Evaluate the end of Bridge to Terabithia. Did the ending fit in with entire story? Did Jess act in a way that you expected him to behave? Why or why not?

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_____ 10. What was the author’s purpose in ending the book in this way?

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Independent Practice Lesson 5: Relationship Change Worksheet

Name: _____________________ __________________________________ Date: _________________

Directions: Examine the relationship between Jess and his father. Fill in the chart below by answering the questions about the relationship. Be sure to cite page numbers and details from the text to support your answers.

1. What did the relationship look like in the beginning of the book?

2. What does the relationship look like now?

3. What events or other characters caused the change in the relationship?

4. How did the relationship change impact the characters?


Student Packet Answer Key


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Bridge to Terabithia (Page references refer to the page that the activity appears on in the student packet.)

Realistic Elements, pp. 2-3Genre Lesson Independent Practice

Sample realistic elements include: • Characters are realistic and have believable dialogue. • Setting of farm and Lark Creek Elementary school is true of country environments. • A family moving in next door is a realistic possibility.

Vocabulary Activity: One of These Words is Not Like the Others, p. 4

Chapter 1: “Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.” – Chapter 3: “The Fastest Kid in the Fifth Grade” 1. admire; The remaining words belong together because they all can be used to describe looking down on someone. 2. numbing; The remaining words belong together because they all can be used to describe something that is burning hot. 3. surprised; The remaining words belong together because they all can be used to describe something that one realizes beforehand. 4. hidden; The remaining words belong together because they all can be used to describe something that is easily seen or noticed. 5. unresponsive; The remaining words belong together because they all can be used to describe someone that is fully aware of something. 6. calmness; The remaining words belong together because they all can be used to describe something that is disorderly.

Comprehension Questions, pp. 5-6 Chapter 1: “Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.” – Chapter 3: “The Fastest Kid in the Fifth Grade” 1. DC c. He did not want his dad to know he was going running. 2 EI Jess wanted to be the fastest runner in school because he wanted his father to be proud of him and for the kids to like him for something other then drawing. 3. FL b. Metaphor 4. DC Jess’s mom cares about her children and tells them how it is. She also may not have been well educated because she does not speak grammatically correct. 5. EI Jess could not tell if Leslie was a boy or a girl because of the way she was dressed. She had short hair and was dressed like a boy. 6. DC a. They are too busy with other things. 7. EI d. He did not want to sit next to Leslie. 8. G The author uses incorrect grammar because she is trying to make the scene realistic. This is how she imagined Leslie would talk and used incorrect grammar to make her speech seem realistic to the reader. 9. DC, C Jess probably stood up to Fulcher because he was tired of Fulcher making fun of Leslie and always winning the races. This shows that he is loyal to his friends and will not be bullied around. 10. C a. He thinks she is beautiful.

Predictions Chart Worksheet, pp. 7-8 Lesson 1 Independent Practice

Possible events or cliffhangers in Chapters 4 that students can focus on for their predictions include: Chapter 4: Janice Avery bullying Jess. (He may decide to do something about it.) Jess learning to appreciate Terabithia. (He will continue to try things that he is afraid of if Leslie makes him comfortable.)

Vocabulary Activity: Opposite Meanings, p. 9

Chapter 4: “Rulers of Terabithia” — Chapter 6: “The Coming of Prince Terrien”




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1. annoyance, trouble, disturbance 2. respect, admiration, approval 3. flawless, perfect 4. sympathy, forgiveness, pardon 5. disbelieve, distrust 6. reality, truth, fact

Comprehension Questions, pp. 10-11

Chapter 4: “Rulers of Terabithia” — Chapter 6: “The Coming of Prince Terrien” 1. DC The class reacts badly when Leslie says she does not own a TV because they are shocked and surprised. 2 EI c. He likes them but not the deepest, darkest parts. 3. DC Janice Avery may act very tough, but on the inside she may be very nice. Janice may act mean towards others because she is covering something up. 4. DC The chapter title, “The Giant Killers” refers to Janice Avery and her friends because they are large in size and very intimidating. 5. C, P d. Jess is mad at Janice for stealing May Belle’s Twinkies. 6. DC b. He knew that he would have to fight Janice and did not want to. 7. DC Jess did not want to milk to cow on Christmas but probably felt he had to because he wanted to please his father and show his appreciation for the present. 8. C/E d. He was upset that his sister made fun of Leslie. 9. C He probably felt this way because the gift showed that she cared about him as much as he cared about her. It also made the bad start to his Christmas better. 10. DC b. He did not have much money, but wanted to get her a special gift.

Plot Conflicts Worksheet, pp. 12-13 Lesson 2 Independent Practice

Plot Conflicts in Chapter 5: Janice stealing May Belle’s Twinkies; May Belle and Jess arguing over beating up Janice; Jess feeling upset with himself for writing the fake letter to Janice. Plot Conflicts in Chapter 6: Jess worrying about what to get Leslie for Christmas; Jess wanting to please his father; Mr. Aarons’ getting upset that Jess does not like his Christmas gift.

Vocabulary Activity: Four Square, pp. 14-15 Chapter 7: “The Golden Room” – Chapter 9: “The Evil Spell”

1. Definition: flashy, bright, showy; Examples: A neon-colored outfit, a tree decorated at Christmas, someone wearing a lot of makeup; Non-examples: Someone dressed plainly; someone without makeup 2. Definition: grateful, appreciate; Examples: Asking someone to do a favor for you; helping someone out; Non-examples: Not helping someone; ignoring someone 3. Definition: disgusting, horrible; Examples: Food that tastes bad; a bad odor; Non-examples: delicious food; the smell of flowers 4. Definition: a place of safety or protection; Examples: Shelter during a storm; an umbrella; a raincoat; Non-examples: Standing in a storm without an umbrella or raincoat 5. Definition: making a secret plan; Examples: Thinking of a secret, evil plan with someone else; Non-examples: Telling everyone what you will do; being kind to others 6. Definition: occasionally, occurring every once in a while; Examples: Rain in the desert, eating dessert; Non-examples: Doing the same thing over and over; keeping to a daily routine

Comprehension Questions, pp. 16-17 Chapter 7: “The Golden Room” – Chapter 9: “The Evil Spell”

1. DC Chapter 7 ended with May Belle confessing to Jess that she followed him into Terabithia because she may want to be invited to go there herself. She may miss spending time with Jess and was curious to see what he does with Leslie. 2 S Some of the settings in Chapter 7 are The Burke’s home, The “Golden Room” (living room of the Burke’s house, the girl’s bathroom at Lark Creek Elementary, and The Aarons’ house.




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3. C, DC d. He felt like Leslie’s father was taking her away from him. 4. EI Mrs. Aarons does not want Leslie to go with her family to church on Easter because she feels that Leslies does not dress properly. She worries that people at the church will look at the Aarons’ family in a bad light if they bring Leslie along. 5. C/E a. Leslie told her she did not believe in the Bible, so May Belle thought something bad would happen to her. 6. DC Jess’s mom does not like Leslie. When he asks his mom if Leslie can go to church with them, she gives him a weird look and says she does not dress properly. She thinks that Leslie will embarrass their family. His mother might feel this way because Leslie is different than their family and she is not used to that. She has enough to worry about and having Leslie go with the family to church would be another worry. 7. C/E, PRE c. The family will have less money to spend on things. 8. DC The author probably entitled Chapter 9 as, “The Evil Spell” because Leslie says that the large amount of rainfall is probably due to evil spirits. The title may also indicate that all of the rainfall has made Jess nervous about going to Terabithia. 9. DC b. He was worried about swinging across the creek. 10. DC b. There was so much rain that Terabithia was getting destroyed.

Relationship Roster, pp. 18-19 Lesson 3 Independent Practice

Students should answer the questions about the relationship between Jess and Leslie: • Who is this relationship between? Jess and Leslie. • How are the characters alike and different? Jess and Leslie both do not have many

friends at school. Other kids make fun of them. They are different because Leslie is more outgoing and not afraid to try new things, while Jess is very hesitant. Jess’ family is poor, while Leslie’s family chooses to live a life with a small amount of material resources.

• How do the characters feel about each other? At first, Jess does not know what to make of Leslie even though she is friendly. He feels embarrassed by her, but she wants to be his friend. They soon spend time together, create Terabithia, become friends, and care for each other.

• Why do the characters need each other? They both need each other for friendship. Jess needs Leslie to help him realize that it is OK to be different. She also helps him to try new things.

• Describe the relationship. Is it positive or negative? Explain. The relationship is positive. The relationship helps both characters to learn from each other. It also provides the characters with a much needed friend.

“Boys vs. Girls: It’s Not Just in Your Head”, pp. 20-21 Textual Analysis Questions

1. ViC c. A set of ideas or behaviors associated with being male or female. 2. EI b. Male and female brains are wired differently for different tasks. 3. DC b. A debate that argues if a person’s brain develops before birth or after birth. 4. MI b. Boys and girls learn their gender roles. 5. F/O The phrase is the author’s opinion. The author thinks that the world would be a safer place and people would be happier if people did not stereotype gender roles. 6. F/O The author does not think that people should be stereotyped according to their gender. The author says that stereotypes are often negative.

Vocabulary Activity: Questions, Reasons, Examples, p. 22 Chapter 10: “The Perfect Day” – Chapter 12: “Stranded”

1. idly: without purpose or intent 2. suppress: hold back or keep down 3. liberated: free from traditional ideas 4. kinship: a close connection or family-type relationship 5. hurtling: move rapidly or forcefully




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6. accusation: blame for wrongdoing

Comprehension Questions, pp. 23-24 Chapter 10: “The Perfect Day” – Chapter 12: “Stranded”

1. DC When Miss Edmunds tells Jess that, “My life has been worthwhile after all,” she means that she was happy that she could spend time with Jess and bring him on his first trip to an art museum. 2 DC b. It reminded him of some of the drawings that he has created. It could also represent Jess feeling teased by others. 3. DC b. He was too excited to go on the trip with Miss Edmunds. 4. EI Jess has a hard time accepting Leslie’s death because he knew that she was a good swimmer. He did not think that she could have drowned. 5. EI Terabithia has changed since Jess was last there with Leslie because the rope that Jess and Leslie used to swing on had broken. The creek had overflowed. 6. FL, C a. Jess greatly admired and cared for Leslie. 7. DC Leslie’s death changes the relationship between Jess and his father because his father sees how upset he is and runs to get him out of Terabithia. His father is sympathetic and shows he cares. 8. DC, C It is significant that everyone gathered in the golden room to mourn Leslie because she loved the room. She felt like the room was worthy to be in a palace, so by gathering in the room was a way of honoring her. 9. EI c. Jess felt like he needed her help. 10. P, C c. Character vs. Character

What’s the Theme? Worksheet, p. 25

Lesson 4 Independent Practice Topic: Friendship Recurring Events: Leslie and Jess become friends and build Terabithia. It is their secret place. Leslie helps Jess to overcome things that he is fearful of, such as standing up to Janice. Jess also admits to Leslie that he likes drawing, something that he cannot tell his father. Theme/Author’s Message: Friendship can be a way to escape the realities of life. A friendship helps you to learn more about yourself and become a better person. Friendship allows you to be your true self.

Vocabulary Activity: Have You Ever?, p. 26

Chapter 13: “Building the Bridge” 1. piteously: sadly, pathetically, pitifully, heartbreakingly 2. constricting: making or becoming narrower; squeezing 3. traitorous: disloyal, unfaithful 4. swift: moving or able to move very fast 5. emphasis: special attention or importance given to something

Comprehension Questions, pp. 27-28 Chapter 13: “Building the Bridge”

1. DC Building the new bridge means to Jess means keeping Terabithia alive and the memory of Leslie alive. It is a way to remember her and continue to enjoy Terabithia. 2. DC c. He wanted to show her his appreciation. 3. P, C b. Character vs. Self 4. F/O I feel that it is a good idea that May Belle is the new queen of Terabithia. By making May Belle the queen of Terabithia, the world that Leslie and Jess created can live on. 5. C/E b. Mrs. Myers helped him to understand that he would never forget Leslie. 6. C When Jess helped May Belle across the fallen branch, this shows Jess’s personal growth because earlier in the story, he did not want to spend much time with her. Also, it was hard for him at first to go to Terabithia because he was scared to go there. He probably did not want to see what happened to Leslie to happen to May Belle. He put his own fears aside to help her.




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7. C, C/E d. He is closer to her and invites her to Terabithia. 8. P, DC b. Jess wanted to eventually invite Joyce Ann to Terabithia. 9. DC No, the ending did not fit with the entire story because Jess had a very hard time dealing with Leslie’s death. He seemed to blame himself for her death. Terabithia was a place that was special and private for Jess and Leslie. He did not allow anyone to enter it throughout the story. It was unusual for him to feel comfortable enough to go back to Terabithia and allow his sister to be a part of it. 10. AP The author’s purpose in ending the book in the way she did was to show the reader that life goes on after someone you care about dies. The new Terabithia was a way that Jess coped with Leslie’s death.

Relationship Change Worksheet, p. 29

Lesson 5 Independent Practice Relationship: Jess and Mr. Aarons What did the relationship look like in the beginning of the book? In the beginning of the book, Jess and his father did not have much contact. Jess resented his father for putting down his art work. Jess’ father was not very affectionate. What does the relationship look like now? Jess’ dad told him it was a mistake that he threw his art supplies in the water. His dad also comforts him in times of need. What events or other characters caused the change in the relationship? Leslie’s death caused the change in the relationship. After she died, Jess’ father saw that Jess needed him and comforted him. How did the relationship change impact the characters? Jess realized that his father did care about him.

C ON CE PT S OF C OMP R EH E NS IO N: B RI DG E TO TE RA BI T HI A 5 t h GRA D E UN IT

Unit Assessment

Name: _______________________________ Date: ________________

Fifth Grade Realistic Fiction Unit AssessmentBridge to Terabithia

Directions: Read each question. Circle the correct answer, or respond by writing complete sentences. You may use your book to help you find information from the story.

1. Explain how you know that Bridge to Terabithia is realistic fiction. Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.

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2. In Chapter 1, why did Jess wait for his father to have the pickup going before getting out of bed?

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3. Describe two conflicts that Jess has. What type of conflicts are they?

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4. Where was Jess when May Belle told him people were moving to the Perkins place on the next farm?

a. Running in the cow fieldb. In Terabithiac. In the bean patchd. Sitting on the bench


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Unit Assessment

5. Why didn’t Jess dare to show his drawings to his dad? a. His father believed boys shouldn’t draw.b. His father was never home.c. His father would yell about wasting time and wasting paper.d. His father didn’t like art.

6. Describe the conflict between Jess and Janice Avery. What type of conflict is this?

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7. Why did Jess believe May Belle was a “durn lucky kid” because of her interactions with their father?

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8. How did the relationship between Jess and his dad change after Leslie died?

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9. Why did Fulcher tell Leslie, “OK, you had your fun. You can run on up to the hopscotch now”?

a. Fulcher didn’t want to race against a girl.b. Fulcher believed girls weren’t supposed to play on the lower field.c. Boys and girls didn’t compete against each other in sports.d. All of the above.


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Unit Assessment

10. What is the author’s message about gender roles in Bridge to Terabithia? Describe recurring events in the text that support this message.

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11. Why did Leslie’s parents move from the suburbs of Arlington to the farm?a. They couldn’t afford their home in Arlington.b. Leslie’s mother got a new job.c. They wanted to farm the land and think about what’s important.d. Leslie asked them to move.

12. Why did Leslie offer May Belle some new paper dolls?a. May Belle asked for them.b. Leslie wanted her and Jess to play alone.c. Leslie had already played with the dolls.d. Leslie’s grandmother sent them especially for May Belle.

13. In Chapter 4, Jess avoids Leslie. Why do you think he does this?

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14. Describe how Leslie’s death impacts the relationship between Jess and May Belle.

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Unit Assessment

15. Which statement is not a theme of the book?a. Everybody should go to church. b. Real friendship allows you to be yourself.c. You don’t have to fit into specific gender roles.d. Death is sad but can bring new beginnings.

16. Why do you think Miss Edmunds took Jess to the museum? Support your opinion with evidence and details from the text.

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17. Why do you think Jess hit May Belle in the face when she asked him if he had seen Leslie laid out?

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18. Based on what you know about Jess bringing May Belle to Terabithia at the end of the story, what do you think will happen after the story ends?

a. May Belle will tell their father about Jess’ imaginary world.b. May Belle and Jess will visit Terabithia together and will

eventually invite Joyce Ann.c. May Belle won’t like being queen of Terabithia, so she’ll stay

away.d. Jess will invite Janice Avery to Terabithia.


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Unit Assessment

19. Why did Jess continue to visit Terabithia after Leslie died? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

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Unit Assessment

20. Is Jess the same person at the end of the book as he was at the beginning? Why or why not? How has he changed? What changed him? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

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Unit Assessment


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Unit Assessment Answers

1. Sample realistic elements in the text include that the characters are realistic and have believable dialogue. The characters have southern accents. The setting is a farm and Lark Creek Elementary school. The way the setting is described is true of country environments. When Leslie’s family moves next door to Jess’s family, it is a realistic possibility.2. In Chapter 1, Jess waited for his father to have the pickup going before getting out of bed, because he wanted to go running. He did not want his father to hear him getting up and go off to run.3. Jess getting mad at Janice for stealing May Belle’s Twinkies (Character vs. Character); May Belle and Jess arguing over beating up Janice (Character vs. Character); Jess getting upset with himself for writing the letter to Janice (Character vs. Self); Jess worrying about what to get Leslie for Christmas (Character vs. Self); Jess wishing that he could please his father (Character vs. Self); Mr. Aarons getting upset at Jess when Jess does not like his Christmas gift (Character vs. Character)4. c. In the bean patch5. a. His father believed boys shouldn’t draw.6. Janice Avery enjoyed bullying other students at school. One day she took Jess’s sister’s Twinkies. Jess wanted to defend his sister and make sure that Janice stopped picking on his sister. He devised a plan to write her a note about a fake secret admirer as revenge for picking on his sister. The conflict is an example of a Character vs. Character conflict.7. Jess believed that May Belle was a “durn lucky kid” because of her interactions with their father because this was something he craved. He wanted to have a positive relationship with their father, but instead Mr. Aarons only made fun of him.8. After Leslie died, Jess’ father saw that Jess needed him and comforted him. His dad also told Jess that it was a mistake that he threw his art supplies in the water. This is a change because in the beginning of the book, the two characters did not have much contact.9. d. All of the above.10. The author’s message about gender roles in the text is that it is okay to be different and to accept differences in others. Some recurring events in the text that support this include Leslie racing against the boys, but the boys thinking she should be playing with the girls; Jess enjoying drawing, but his father does not approve of this; and Jess’s mother doing all the housework and cooking for the family.11. c. They wanted to farm the land and think about what’s important.12. b. Leslie wanted her and Jess to play alone.13. Jess avoids Leslie because it reminds him of his own shame and her inability to not fit in at school. He is embarrassed to admit that he wants to be friends with Leslie, especially after she admits in front of the other students that she does not own a TV.14. After Leslie died, Jess is more accepting of May Belle. He rescued her from the branch. May Belle respects Jess more because he allowed her to join Terabithia, he helped her when she was on the branch, and he stands up for her.15. a. Everybody should go to church. 16. Miss Edmunds probably took Jess to the museum because she may have known that his family would never take him there. She knew that he would enjoy it. Also, she may have wanted to go to the museum with someone that would enjoy it as much as she would. The trip was a way for her to show Jess that she cared about him.17. Jess hit May Belle in the face when she asked him if he had seen Leslie lay out because he did not want to think about the fact that Leslie had died. Also, he may have felt that May Belle was disrespecting Leslie and making a spectacle of the situation.18. b. May Belle and Jess will visit Terabithia together and will eventually invite Joyce Ann.19. Jess continued to visit Terabithia after Leslie has died because at first he cannot believe she is gone. He goes there to see if he can find her. Later, he continues to visit as a way to remember Leslie and their friendship.20. No, Jess is not the same person he was at the beginning of the book. At the beginning of the book he did not attempt to make friends. He often got down on himself and did not have a good relationship with his father. At the end of the book, he learns the value of friendship and develops


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a relationship with his father. He is not as fearful as he stands up to Janice Avery and becomes friendly with May Belle. He begins to accept that it is OK for boys to draw.


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Unit Assessment AnalysisUse the Unit Assessment Answers to mark each student’s assessment. Then refer to the following table to formally assess your students’ performance on their Unit Assessment. The table shows how each question is aligned to the concepts in this Unit. If a student gets question 1 wrong on the assessment, you will know that this student may benefit from a re-teaching of Cause and Effect, since question 1 is a Cause and Effect question. Use the table to pinpoint what Concepts your students need additional practice with.


Concepts of Comprehension©

G EI C DC S Th F/O PRE P Co/CoQuestion Number

1 X2 X3 X X4 X X5 X6 X7 X8 X X9 X10 X11 X12 X13 X X14 X X15 X16 X17 X18 X19 X X20 X

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Use the following table to find the questions that are specifically aligned to the lessons and learning outcomes for the unit.


Question Lesson(s) Learning Outcome(s)1 Genre Students will be able to identify the realistic elements of realistic

fiction by making personal connections.3 2 Students will be able to identify two plot conflicts in the text.

(Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self)

5 3 Students will be able to analyze character relationships.

6 2 Students will be able to identify two plot conflicts in the text. (Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self)


8 5 Students will be able to explain what drives a change in characters and their relationships.


10 4 Students will be able to use recurring events in order to identify and examine a theme in a work of realistic fiction.


13 2 Students will be able to identify two plot conflicts in the text. (Character vs. Character and Character vs. Self)


15 4 Students will be able to use recurring events in order to identify and examine a theme in a work of realistic fiction.


18 1 Students will be able to make a prediction about what will happen in a work of realistic fiction using text evidence and prior knowledge.



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Documents

Bridge to Terabithia Author: Genre: Concepts: … do you think that Jesse stood up to Fulcher and told Leslie that she could run? What does this tell you about Jess personality?