Connecting
Events in Text (RI.1.3)
This week we are studying the relationship between ideas and events in a historical text. When studying historical text, we generally focus on two things:
- The cause-effect relationships between the events.
- The sequence of how events happen.
The story this week is about the Underground Railroad, and how slaves used the Underground Railroad to escape slavery. The story is called "Follow the Drinking Gourd" by Jeanette Winter.
Using this story, we will examine how events unfolded to help the fugitive slaves escape to Canada. We will learn why they leave the South, why they are able to elude their captors, and why they needed help to get away.
Using "why" at the beginning of a question can help guide children to the causation of an event. That is an important part of reading development (learning why events happen and how characters react and develop) and social development (why we make the decisions we make, good or bad).
How can I help my child with this skill?
- Ask lots of "why" questions in conversation...(for example, "Why was your day good?" "Why did you feel that way?")
- Talk about a historical event. Research why that event happened. What were the causes of the event? What were the effects?
- Think of simple social situations. Think how things would turn out differently based on a person's reactions.
Have a great week and thank you for all you do, to support your child's learning and growing!
