Students have been reading "Shells" by Cynthia Rylant. This story was about a boy named Michael who has to live with his Aunt Esther because his parents passed away unexpectedly. We read the text multiple times for a variety of purposes. Students analyzed the story to determine how the elements of change applied to the text. We also did a fun activity to compare and contrast the two characters. We created a venn diagram by using two hula hoops. Next, students used sticky notes to write down their ideas. They then placed them in the appropriate category. This was a twist on the traditional use of a venn diagram, and the students enjoyed it immensely. Our main focus during this story was to come to an understanding about what the author meant when she used the phrase "came out of its shell". We did some research using a website called Wonderopolis to learn about the purpose of a hermit crab's shell. Then we talked about the literal and figurative meanings of this word and also discussed the different types of shells that people have that prevent them from reaching their full potential in life. Some of the ideas we came up with were fear, anxiety, grief, sadness, anger, etc..We are finishing up with a culminating activity in which students will need to write about a time in their lives when they had to come out of their shell. I am eager to read them.
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