Preview Look at the titles and pictures in the two texts. Scan the texts for the names of the characters. 1. Who are the main characters in each story? 2. What similarities and differences do you see in the illustrations for the two different myths? 3. Predict How do you think the myths are similar? How are they different? TEXT GENRE Myths You will read two myths, The Story of Arachne and Anansi and His Six Sons. Myths are stories that explain why things happen in the world or the universe, but they aren’t true. A myth sometimes teaches a lesson. When you read the two myths, you will find: • characters with special powers • animals that act like people • an explanation of something in nature • a lesson How do some myths try to explain nature? ? ESSENTIAL QUESTION Reading Reading 168 UNIT 5 The Story of Arachne GLOSSARY conceited being too proud of yourself boast to express too much pride in yourself The Story of Arachne Arachne sat at her loom, weaving brilliant threads into wonderful patterns. She smiled as she worked and sang a happy little song. People in her village and from all over the country came to see the beautiful things this young girl wove. Arachne loved hearing them tell her how clever she was and she grew very conceited. “I can weave better patterns than even the goddess Athene,” she boasted to an old woman. “Hush, Athene may hear you,” whispered the woman. “I don’t care,” said Arachne loudly. CHECK IN 1. Summarize What is Arachne good at? What does she think about her skills? 2. Draw conclusions Do you think Arachne will continue weaving? Why or why not? FROM USBORNE’S GREEK MYTHS 169 UNIT 5 The Story of Arachne Apply the Reading Strategy Summarize A Work with a classmate. What are some of the main events in each story? B Choose one of the two myths and complete a cluster web. Put the title of the story in the large circle. Add the central ideas to the smaller circles. You can add more circles if you need them. C Work with a classmate who chose a different myth in Activity B. Tell your classmate about the events in your cluster web. D Write a summary using the notes from the cluster web. beginning middle end Words to Use The main characters are . . . . . . is about . . . At the beginning . . . In the middle . . . At the end . . . AFTER YOU Read UNIT 5 178 Discuss the Reading A Discuss the questions. 1. Revisit your prediction You predicted what each story was about. Were you correct? Explain. 2. Recall relevant details Why was Athene angry near the end of the story? Why did Anansi want to give his sons a reward? 3. Describe What are some of Arachne’s personality traits? What about Athene? 4. Analyze mood What is the mood of each myth? Use the pictures to help you answer. 5. Evaluate What do you think of Arachne’s behavior? What do you think of the six sons’ behavior? 6. Explain How are the myths similar? 7. Respond to the essential question How do some myths try to explain nature? B Making connections Think about the characters in the two myths. Choose a character. How are you similar to and different from this character? ACADEMIC VOCABULARY mood (noun) Definition the feeling of a story Example The rainy and cold setting gave the story a sad mood. UNIT 5 179 Students follow along with an audio recording of the text. The recording provides a model for pronunciation and fluency. Reading • Students read literary and informational texts. • The text genre is introduced, followed by a preview of the reading selection. • Systematic Check In questions provide ongoing evaluation. After You Read • Apply the Reading Strategy and Discuss the Reading sections support reading comprehension and encourage students to express their ideas. WALK-THROUGH When they got home, Anansi went to his closet and took out a shimmering white ball that he had been saving for a long time. “This ball is my most treasured possession,” Anansi said. “I was saving it for the most special of my sons, but now I see that each of you is equally special. So, it is yours to share.” The sons began to argue over the ball, each thinking it should belong to him alone. “If it wasn’t for me, we would never have known Father was in trouble,” said See-Everything. “Without me, we would not have gotten to him,” said Road-Weaver. “But I am the one who drank all the river water,” said River-Drinker. “And I am the one who made the fish spit Father out!” said Friend-of-Fish. “It is me who saved him from the Crow,” said Bird-Whistler. “I am the one who cushioned his fall!” said Pillow. GLOSSARY possession something you own 176 UNIT 5 Anansi and His Six Sons Reading Saddened that his sons would not share the reward, Anansi looked up at Night Sky and asked what to do. Instead of answering, Night Sky swooped down to Earth, grabbed the glowing white ball, and hung it high in the sky. Night Sky named the ball Moon. Ever since that day, the Moon has appeared in the sky at night for all of Earth’s marvelous creatures, large and small. ? GLOSSARY swoop to fly down through the air, suddenly and quickly CHECK IN 1. Comprehension Why does each son think he should get the ball? 2. Summarize What happens to the ball in the end? 177 UNIT 5 Anansi and His Six Sons Tx
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