Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor Lit Link Grades 4-6

The powerful theme of prejudice, hardship, and the strong will to survive by a hard-working African-American family in this novel will leave a powerful impact on its readers. The setting is in Mississippi during the Great Depression. It tells the story of the Logan family, an independent, hard-working African-American family, who are locked in a desperate struggle to survive during hard times and try to keep the 400 acre farm passed down to them by Grandpa Logan. The story is told through the eyes of ten-year old Cassie who witnesses segregation, lynch mobs, and the social and economic hardships endured by the black people of the area. A very compelling novel that deals with racism and its effects on people. Chapter questions strengthen student's reading comprehension and assist in developing critical thinking and emotional development. The vocabulary and word study activities are designed to improve literacy skills in an enjoyable way. 64 pages including an answer key.

Overall Expectations:

- use good literature as a vehicle for developing skills: reasoning and critical thinking, knowledge of language structure, vocabulary building, and use of conventions.

- identify and describe elements of stories (i.e., plot, main idea, characters, setting).

- learn about the dynamics of unselfish relationships, the destructive power of greed, prejudice and hatred, and the ability to exercise initiative in difficult circumstances.

- appreciate the importance of self discipline and loyalty in friendship

- relate events and feelings of characters found in the novel to their own lives and experiences.

- appreciate the importance of loyalty in friendship, family, in personal relationships, and the risks involved in cultivating friendships.

- learn about the necessity of maintaining hope in the face of unfortunate circumstances.

- appreciate that the growth of one's character is often the result of trials that come into one's life.

- learn the importance of dealing with adversity and developing perseverance in the face of difficult experiences.

- state their own interpretation of a written work, using evidence from the novel and from their own knowledge and experience.

List of Skills

Vocabulary Development

1. Using content clues

2. Locating descriptive words/phrases

3. Listing synonyms, antonyms, homonyms

4. Use of capitals and punctuation

5. Identifying syllables

6. Understanding colloquialisms

7. Determining alphabetical order

8. Use of singular/plural nouns

9. Developing dictionary skills

10. Identifying parts of speech

11. Identify an analogy

12. Identifying personification

13. Identifying a simile

14. Identifying alliteration

Setting Activities

1. Identify the details of a setting

2. Investigating The Great Depression

3. Investigating Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi

Plot Activities

1. Identify conflict in the story

2. Determine the role of others in one's personal growth

3. Develop a Storyboard

4. Identify a cliffhanger

5. Identify the climax of a novel

6. Create a synopsis

Character Activities

1. Determine character traits

2. Compare two characters

3. Relating personal experiences

4. Understand concepts: self-respect, perseverance

Creative and Critical Thinking

1. Research

2. Complete Observation Chart

3. Write a letter

4. Conduct an interview

5. Create a film review

6. Write a description of personal feelings

Art Activities

1. Design a collage

2. Design a cover for the novel

3. Develop a Storyboard