Questions to ask your student as they read fantasy texts in this unit.

1. How is this part of the story important to the whole story? When writing about how one part fits with the whole story, remember to:

   • name the story element(s) highlighted in this part of the story

     • plot, exposition, rising action, problem, climax, falling action, resolution

   • use literary language to explain how this part or story element is important to the whole story

     • tone, mood, symbolism, theme, tension, text structure, point of view, figurative language

   • discuss how this part begins to develop an idea or theme that will be important in the story

     • hope, love, friendship, power, fear, innocence, determination, courage, bravery, home, jealousy, gratitude

2. The author uses some of the techniques of fantasy writers in this story. Discuss what you notice about the author’s craft techniques. When writing about author’s craft, remember to:

   • identify the craft technique(s) the author used

     • word choice, dialogue, repetition, point of view, figurative language, symbolism, tone, mood, tension, sensory text features, graphic features, text structure, punctuation

   • write about the goals the author may have been trying to achieve

   • use literary language (for example: create tension, build empathy, develop a theme)

3. What themes are especially important in this story? Provide evidence to support your ideas. When writing about themes, remember to:

   • write about more than one theme that comes across in the story

   • show how different parts of the story support each theme

   • discuss the technique(s) the author used to develop at least one of these themes

4. Find two texts that explore some similar theme/life lessons. Compare and contrast a theme or lesson that is developed in both stories. When comparing and contrasting themes, remember to:

   • show how a theme is similar in the two stories

   • also show ways in which it is different in the two stories

   • discuss ways the author develops the theme (craft techniques or story elements).

     • Story Elements: plot, exposition, rising action, problem, climax, falling action, resolution