For this lesson, I want to show you that words have meanings that impact the way a story can unfold.
From watching some popular commercials, you've learned that very specific choices are made that will affect your thinking about a product. Authors choose their words just as carefully when they write.
"Words have an overt meaning, a meaning that is out in the open and is not hidden. The formal term for that is "denotation." Words "denote" or very clearly convey what they mean. Like the word, "ice" in the sentence "I like ice in my Coke."
But words also have a connotative meaning. This is a secondary meaning that has to do with the emotions and associations connected with a word. Like the word 'ice' in this sentence: 'His heart is as cold as ice.' We're not saying this person has a freezing cold heart. Another meaning is conveyed by how the word is used."
"Words can have a positive, negative or neutral connotative meaning. In the '...heart as cold as ice' sentence, 'ice' connotes a negative meaning. The words an author chooses really develops the mood or feel of a scene in a book. When you read closely, actively paying attention to the author's choice of words, you are aiming to better understand what the story is intending to say."
Read the excerpt of Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key and think about the main character. Let's narrow our focus and pay attention to particular details by close reading through the lens of "word choice".
Now let's complete the chart, and see how the words can give us a better understanding of the text.
You try it. Reread Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key and fill out the (Close Reading Chart - Joey Pigza - Word Choice Found in our Google Reading Classroom). The first one has been done for you as an example.
Use these "Phrases for Reflection" to help you start your new understanding.
One pattern I see is ... The author used words like ...
Some words fit together, like.. Together they make me feel ...
These words fit together because they sound ...
There seems to be more than one pattern ... and also ...
I think the author feels ... about this topic. The words/phrases ... convey this tone.
You can read for the remainder of the time. Do not forget to do an entry in your - Keeping Track of my Reading.