Focusing Question Tasks

1. Write an explanatory paragraph to explain how words create both confusion and humor in Bud Abbott and Lou Costello’s comedy routine “Who’s on First?”

FQT 1 PDF

• Identify the source of confusion and humor of words in context.

• Explain how a conflict in understanding can lead to confusion and humor.

RL.5.1, RL.5.2,
W.5.2

2. Write a “character snapshot” scene featuring Milo and an invented character from Abandon Elementary School, including wordplay to describe both the setting and the character.

FQT 2 PDF

• Use descriptions and sensory language to show not tell about the setting, characters, and situation.

• Describe a setting and a character’s traits using wordplay.

W.5.3,
W.5.4, W.5.5, L.3.3.a,*
L.4.3.a,*
L.5.1.a, L.5.3.a

3. Write an “exploded moment” scene featuring Milo and an invented character from Abandon Elementary School, including dialogue sequences to show conflicting ideas between characters.

FQT 3 PDF

• Use dialogue and description to effectively pace dialogue sequences.

• Develop plot with a clear conflict and a new learning or understanding.

W.5.3, W.5.4, W.5.5, L.4.2.b,*
L.5.1.a, L.5.2.c

4. Write an explanatory paragraph to identify one overarching theme in Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth, and explain how Juster reveals this theme by revealing how the main character, Milo, changes from the beginning to end of the story.

FQT 4 PDF

• Identify and explain a theme from a novel.

• Analyze a character’s transformation and explain its connection to a theme.

RL.5.1, RL.5.2,
W.5.2, W.5.9.a,
L.4.2.b,*
L.5.2.b, L.5.3.a

New-Read Assessments

1. Read an excerpt from The Phantom Tollbooth. Complete a character analysis chart for a new character, then answer multiple-choice questions about the literal and figurative meaning of words.

• Explain the wordplay found in a character’s name and description.

• Understand literal understandings and figurative meanings of words and phrases.

RL.5.1, RL.5.4, RL.5.7,
L.5.4.a, L.5.4.c, L.5.5.b

2. Read an excerpt from The Phantom Tollbooth. Complete a story map (optional) to organize events in a story; analyze how an illustration supports the text; and answer multiple-choice questions about plot structure.

• Explain how an illustration enriches the text.

• Identify how individual episodes contribute to the overall structure of a text.

RL.5.1, RL.5.5, RL.5.7

Socratic Seminars

1. Explain how wordplay can create both confusion and humor, drawing on examples from the collection of jokes and riddles students shared and Abbott and Costello’s famous comedy routine, “Who’s on First?”

SS

• Establish an understanding of how language can convey meaning both literally and figuratively.

• Articulate how a writer uses wordplay, and explain how it creates confusion and humor for audiences.

RL.5.1,
RL.5.2,
SL.5.1,
SL.5.4,
SL.5.6

2. Synthesize understanding of overarching themes in Norton Juster’s novel, The Phantom Tollbooth, drawing on evidence of how Milo has changed since the beginning of the book, what he has learned throughout his journey to the Lands Beyond, and how he has confronted and overcome challenges along the way.

SS

• Express understanding of overarching themes in The Phantom Tollbooth and the wisdom the main character, Milo, has gained on his journey.

• Offer relevant evidence of how Milo has changed from the beginning to the end of the story.

RL.5.1,
RL.5.2,
SL.5.1,
SL.5.4,
SL.5.6