Title: Exploring “Gathering Blue” - A Reading Comprehension Unit for Grade 6 Students

Unit Overview: In this reading comprehension unit, students will delve into the captivating world of “Gathering Blue” by Lois Lowry. Through a variety of activities, discussions, and assessments, students will enhance their reading comprehension skills, critical thinking abilities, and understanding of literary elements. This unit is designed to engage students in meaningful discussions, foster their love for reading, and develop their analytical skills.

Unit Objectives: 1. Develop reading comprehension skills, including summarizing, making inferences, and drawing conclusions. 2. Analyze and interpret literary elements, such as character development, setting, and theme. 3. Engage in collaborative discussions to deepen understanding and share insights. 4. Enhance critical thinking skills through analyzing and evaluating the text. 5. Develop vocabulary and language skills through context clues and word study.

Unit Duration: Approximately 4-6 weeks

Lesson 1: Introduction to “Gathering Blue” - Introduce the author, Lois Lowry, and discuss her other notable works. - Provide an overview of the book’s plot, setting, and main characters. - Engage students in a pre-reading discussion about their expectations and predictions.

Lesson 2: Character Analysis - Introduce the main characters in “Gathering Blue” and their roles in the story. - Assign students a character to analyze and create a character profile. - Discuss the importance of character development in a story.

Lesson 3: Setting and Atmosphere - Explore the dystopian setting of “Gathering Blue” and its impact on the story. - Engage students in a visualizing activity to imagine the world of the book. - Discuss how the setting contributes to the atmosphere and mood of the story.

Lesson 4: Theme Exploration - Introduce the concept of theme and its importance in literature. - Identify and discuss the themes present in “Gathering Blue.” - Engage students in a group activity to analyze and interpret the themes.

Lesson 5: Plot Analysis - Analyze the plot structure of “Gathering Blue” (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution). - Engage students in a plot diagramming activity to visualize the story’s progression. - Discuss the significance of the plot in developing the story and characters.

Lesson 6: Reading Comprehension Strategies - Teach and practice various reading comprehension strategies, such as summarizing, making inferences, and drawing conclusions. - Provide students with excerpts from the book to practice these strategies. - Engage in class discussions to share and evaluate their comprehension strategies.

Lesson 7: Vocabulary and Language Skills - Introduce challenging vocabulary words from “Gathering Blue.” - Engage students in vocabulary activities, such as context clues, word study, and creating vocabulary flashcards. - Encourage students to use the new vocabulary in their discussions and writing.

Lesson 8: Critical Thinking and Analysis - Engage students in critical thinking activities, such as analyzing the author’s purpose, evaluating the effectiveness of the story’s ending, and predicting possible sequels. - Encourage students to support their opinions with evidence from the text.

Lesson 9: Culminating Activity - Book Review - Assign students to write a book review of “Gathering Blue.” - Provide guidelines for the review, including a summary, analysis of characters and themes, and personal reflections. - Allow students to present their book reviews to the class or create a class book review compilation.

Assessment: - Formative assessments: Class discussions, character profiles, plot diagramming, vocabulary activities, and reading comprehension exercises. - Summative assessment: Book review.

Note: Adapt the lessons and activities as per the needs and abilities of your students.