Our Current Wit & Wisdom Module:

Module 2 - Wordplay

Click the following link for the Wit & Wisdom Family Letter to learn more about our program:  Wit & Wisdom Family Letter.

Click the following link for tips for supporting your child during Module 2:  Module 2 Tips for Families.

Module 2 Essential Question

How and why do writers play with words?

Module 2 Summary

"The English language, with its rich, hybrid history and innumerable sounds and word choices, is ripe with opportunity for wordplay.  It almost begs for it!  But why play with words?  Comedians Bud Abbott and Lou Costello and writer Norton Juster prove that wordplay can be a worthy and thought-provoking challenge, a source of fantastic amusement, and a splendid avenue for conveying meaning.

For students to understand and appreciate these author's masterful use of wordplay, they must first understand how words and phrases in the English language - including homophones, homographs, and idiomatic expressions - can cause confusion because of their various possible meanings.  They must grasp the idea that language can convey meaning in both a literal and a figurative sense.  As students are increasingly called upon to read rich, complex texts, knowledge of how authors use wordplay and figurative language to convey meaning will empower them to unlock meaning, and it will further enrich their experiences with reading, writing, and the brilliant world around them.

This module explores how authors use wordplay to engage audiences, create humor and meaning, and express themes"  (Wit & Wisdom Teacher's Edition page 2).

Module 2 Core Texts

Novel (Literary):  The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

This module "centers on Norton Juster's classic modern fantasy novel, The Phantom Tollbooth, which pulses with clever puns and vibrant wordplay.  Juster turns abstract concepts into concrete places, characters, and events in his imaginary land called the Kingdom of Wisdom, turned upside down after its princesses, Rhyme and Reason, were banished to the Castle in the Air.  Juster's young hero, Milo, a bored, disengaged young boy accustomed to wasting time and not accustomed to thinking, is whisked away to this fantastical land one day after traveling through a mysterious tollbooth he discovers in his room.  Milo soon discovers that he cannot navigate this strange world without thinking, especially if he is going to complete his quest to conquer the Mountains of Ignorance to rescue Rhyme and Reason"  (Wit & Wisdom Teacher's Edition page 2).

Supplementary Text - Comedy Routine & Video: "Who's on First?", Bud Abbott and Lou Costello

"Throughout the module, students study the richness and complexity of the English language from a humorous angle.  The module begins with an exchange of riddles and jokes that rely on puns.  Students then watch and read Bud Abbott and Lou Costello's celebrated comedy routine "Who's on First?" which illustrates how even misunderstanding simple words can cause humor and confusion for audiences" (Wit & Wisdom Teacher's Edition pages 2).

Module 2 Focusing Question Arcs

• Focusing Question Arc 1:  How can wordplay create confusion and humor? (Lessons 1-4)

• Focusing Question Arc 2:  How can writers use wordplay to develop a story's setting and characters?  (Lessons 5-15)

• Focusing Question Arc 3:  How can writers use wordplay to develop a story's plot? (Lessons 16-26)

• Focusing Question Arc 4:  How is The Phantom Tollbooth a story of transformation? (Lessons 27-33)

Module 2 Quizzes and Assessments

• Quizzes:

  • • New-Read Assessment:  Lesson 14

    • Socratic Seminar:  Lesson 32

    • Vocabulary Quick Checks:

      • • VQC #1: after Lesson 6

          • • Quiz Date:  Monday, December 22nd

            • Study Guide 

        • VQC #2:  after Lesson 10

          • • Quiz Date:  Tuesday, January 13th

            • Study Guide

        • VQC #3:  after Lesson 14

          • • Quiz Date:  Wednesday, January 21st

            • Study Guide

        • VQC #4: after Lesson 23

          • • Quiz Date:  Thursday, February 19th

            • Study Guide

        • VQC #5: after Lesson 29

          • • Quiz Date:  Friday, March 6th

            • Study Guide

    • Question Sets:

      • • Lesson 7

          • • Quiz Date:  Thursday, January 8th

            • Study Guide

        • Lesson 17

          • • Quiz Date: Wednesday, February 4th

            • Study Guide

        • Lesson 19

          • • Quiz Date: Tuesday, February 10th

            • Study Guide

        • Lesson 21

          • • Quiz Date:  Wednesday, February 18th

            • Study Guide

        • Lesson 30

          • • Quiz Date:  Wednesday, March 11th

            • Study Guide

• Assessments:

  • • Focusing Questions Tasks:

      • • FQT#1: Lesson 4

        • FQT #2:  Lesson 15

        • FQT #3:  Lesson 26

        • FQT #4:  Lesson 33

    • End of Module Vocabulary Test - Friday, March 13th

      • • Vocabulary Study Guide - Click HERE!