Connect Reading and Writing
Critical Thinking
1. SUM IT UP Make a Venn Diagram to compare Ikarus and Icarus. Use it to help you retell the stories.
Venn Diagram
2. Infer “Wings” is about a boy who struggles because he is different. What is the author’s message? Support your answer with examples.
3. Paraphrase Why did Icarus drift out of his father’s sight? Use your own words to tell what happened.
4. Speculate Do you think the teacher, the policeman, and the kids in “Wings” will be impressed with Ikarus at the end of the story? Explain.
Reading Fluency
Expression Read the passage on page 591 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
Vocabulary Review
Oral Review Read the paragraph aloud. Add the vocabulary words.
Zephyr is a great trapeze artist. He is a _____ member of a circus troupe that performs around the world. Zephyr practices every day. He never _____ about the hard work. He _____ to improve at every practice session. Sometimes when he has trouble doing a new trick, his spirits _____. He _____ quietly to himself, “I can’t do this. It’s _____!” But everyone else is _____ with Zephyr’s talent. He swings, swirls, and through the air like a beautiful bird.
Written Review Imagine yourself flying over a city or an ocean. Write a paragraph. Tell what thoughts would come to you as you drift through the sky. Use five vocabulary words.
Write About the Guiding Question
Explore Art and Soul How does Ikarus Jackson struggle to express himself? What artful expression does he make? Use details from “Wings” to explain your answer.