Connect Reading and Writing

Vocabulary

  • adjustment

  • concentrate

  • couple

  • ignore

  • opportunity

  • perspective

  • refuse

  • remind

Critical Thinking

  • 1. SUM IT UP Use the Text-to-Self Connections Chart you made to sum up the selection and tell about Cristina’s adjustment to the United States.

    Text-to-Self Connections Chart

    The text says …This reminds me of …The connection helps because …

  • 2. Analyze What is the turning point of the story? Explain how Cristina’s perspective on her new home changes as a result.

  • 3. Speculate What might have happened if Cristina had refused to go to the party? Base your answer on events in the story.

  • 4. Interpret How are the perspectives of the poem and the short story similar and different?

Reading Fluency

Expression Read the passage on page 645 to a partner. Assess your fluency.

  • 1. I read

    • a. great

    • b. OK

    • c. not very well

  • 2. What I did best in my reading was _______.

Reading Strategy

Make Connections

How did making text-to-self connections help you? Tell a partner about two of your connections.

Vocabulary Review

Oral Review Read the paragraph aloud. Add the vocabulary words.

Moving to a new place can be a big _______. You can’t simply _______ to change, but you can still be you. Open your mind to the _______ that this is a great _______ to be at home in a new location. _______ on what is positive about the experience and _______ the rest. If you feel alone and everyone seems to be a _______ or in a group, don’t worry. _______ yourself that you will soon make new friends.

Written Review Imagine you are Cristina’s father. Write a letter to remind her how she can make a positive adjustment to her new home. Use five vocabulary words.

Illustration of the pen icon Write About the Guiding Question

Explore Being At Home in the World

Choose a character from the story. How did he or she affect Cristina’s adjustment to her new location? How does this remind you of a situation in your own life? Give examples from the text and your own experience.