Oliver Hyde’s Dishcloth Concert

1. Oliver Hyde’s Dishcloth Concert by Richard Kennedy

3. Session 1

4. Prereading(5-10 min) • Have you ever tried to comfort someone, but you couldn’t? We are going to read a story about a man who cannot stop mourning the death of his wife. • If so, what did you do or say? • How did it feel to not be able to help someone you care about?

5. Prereading(5-10 min) We are going to read a story about a man who cannot stop mourning the death of his wife.

6. How do you prefer to be comforted? Prereading(5-10 min) • Do you think the person preferred to stay sad, or do you think he or she wanted to be cheered up? • What might be a special or unusual way to comfort someone

7. First Reading (15-20 min) While I’m reading… Mark with a “C” places where you connect something in the text with your knowledge or experience. Mark with a “?” places where you have a question about the story.

8. Sharing Questions (15-20 min) Student name Student question (*) means speculative – not as useful 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11)

9. Session 2

10. Second Readingwith Directed Notes (45 min) While I’m reading… Mark with a “-” places where Oliver shelters himself Mark with a “+” places where Oliver opens himself up Think about why you choose these places as you make your notes

11. Session 3

12. fretful bitterness Vocabulary (20 min) wretched

13. Session 4

14. Shared Inquiry Discussion (45 min) • Why does Oliver agree to play the fiddle as long as everyone else wears a dishcloth on his or her head? Why does Oliver want the people to have a “wretched time” at the wedding party?

15. Shared Inquiry Discussion (45 min) Why does Oliver want the people to have a “wretched time” at the wedding party?

16. Shared Inquiry Discussion (45 min) • Why does Oliver feel that the townspeople have tricked him into playing at their party? Why does Oliver want the people to have a “wretched time” at the wedding party?

17. Shared Inquiry Discussion (45 min) • Why does Oliver keep his promise to play at the party, even though he feels tricked? Why does Oliver want the people to have a “wretched time” at the wedding party?

18. Shared Inquiry Discussion (45 min) • Why does Oliver feel “a little mean” about playing sad songs after thinking of his own bride? Why does Oliver want the people to have a “wretched time” at the wedding party?

19. Session 5

20. Creative Writing: Your Own Ending (45-60 min) What if Oliver had entered the barn where the wedding was being held instead of going to the wrong one? • Brainstorm • Rough draft • Final draft