As you read each selection, do the following:
- Highlight each time Bradbury uses a color to describe something (imagery).
- Mark places where Bradbury predicts a technology or other future institution. Annotate in the margin whether or not we have that technology today, or if Bradbury accurately predicted a social trend. A simple “yes” or “no” will do for annotation.
- Keep an eye out for figurative language (similes, personification, metaphors)—you may highlight these too, but use a different color highlighter for this.
- Be thinking about what message Bradbury is sending with his story—is there a moral or a lesson he is trying to send the reader?
- Create a chart in your purple Active Reader folder for the selection. This table will have three columns and four rows as demonstrated below. There will be 10 charts in all (10 sheets of lined paper in the brads).
After reading, decide the most prevalent colors Bradbury used in the selection. (The first story has one main color, the second one has two main colors; “The Long Rain” has five). Fill out the “color” row in the chart for the assigned story or stories and bring it with you to class.
Pick one of your favorite predictions for the second row and answer the question about whether or not we have it today. Then predict what that product might look like fifty years from today.
Pick your favorite figurative language example for row number three, and see if you can identify what Bradbury’s message is in the fourth row.
Be sure to leave room in all four rows as we will be sharing ideas and filling the chart more completely in class. The class will also fill out the tone and theme sections during our discussions.
“Title of Selection”
Color (most used in story)Color #2 (etc.) / Things described (list a few)
Things describe by color #2 / Emotion or feeling produced by the color in the selection (symbolism and mood)
Feeling – color #2
Future product(s) predicted / Do we have this product/technology today? / What might this look like fifty years from now—future product or service?
Figurative Language example with page number / Type (simile, metaphor, personification) / Effect on the reader?
Possible message? What is Bradbury trying to tell/teach the reader? / Author’s tone—what is Bradbury’s attitude about his message? / Theme statement