Shoofly Pie

1. Shoofly Pie Naomi Shihab Nye

2. Literature book pg 296 • Is there a cure for grief? • In light of recent events, this is a very important question. Some of us may have experienced a very profound loss in our lives previously, but for others, the loss of Brandon is their first true connection with death. Let’s discuss. • (Guess what will be an important theme in this short story?)

3. Character Traits pg 297 Physical or personality Usually have to use inference  A static characteris one that does not undergo important change in the course of the story, remaining essentially the same at the end as he or she was at the beginning.  A dynamic character, in contrast, is one that does undergo an important change in the course of the story.  More specifically, the changes that we are referring to as being "undergone" here are not changes in circumstances, but changes in some sense within the character in question -- changes in insight or understanding (of circumstances, for instance), or changes in commitment, in values.  The change (or lack of change) at stake in this distinction is a change "in" the character (nature) of the character (fictional figure).

4. Meet the Author

5. Reading the story We will listen to the story. Follow along in your book. As you read, note the ways different characters react to their grief. As you read, create your own Venn diagram comparing Mattie and Johnny.

6. Silent Partner Discussion • You will be assigned a partner • You will exchange information so that you can have an iMessage chat with them answering the questions on the next screen. • Include me in your discussion: • Crussell-read@providencehigh.net

7. Questions for Silent Partner Discussion What words would you use to describe Mattie’s boss? Is this realistic? Why or why not? The word “distraction” (line 53) and “abstract” (line 62) have the same root. So what do you think “tract” means? (discuss and then check your answer) What impression do you get of Mattie’s character after reading lines 135-143? What do Mattie’s interactions with the girl customer reveal about Mattie? Cite specific words or phrases to support your answer. What personality traits are suggested by the description of Johnny’s appearance? Lines 222-247

8. Continued What trait is Johnny suggesting that Mattie possesses in line 304? Lines 410-411: Johnny uses an IDIOM to describe Mattie’s mother. What do you think this idiom means? (Look up IDIOM if you need to.) Line 404: How has Johnny’s character softened? Explain. Johnny is a dynamic character. Explain his change and use specific examples from the text of him before and after the change. Who is an example of a static character? Why do they fit that category?

9. Class Discussion Questions Key Idea: Grief How does working at the Good For You Restaurant help Mattie work through her grief? How does she change by the end of the story9. Evaluate Character Traits: What positive character traits of Mattie’s do you think most changed the Good for You Restaurant Connect: Have you or some one you know ever had a job that taught valuable life lessons? Explain.

10. Newspaper article: “A Mexican Feast for Bodies and Souls” Does your family, religion, or culture have any special ceremonies, rituals, or celebrations for honoring the dead? Do you have any personal ways of remembering loved ones? What makes the Day of the Dead different from other Mexican holdiays? What is the true purpose of the Day of the Dead?