CERCA Slides by Grade
Grade 3: “The Story Spiders: Anansi and Aso” and “Water for All”
When comparing both stories, are the characters' problem-solving skills more similar or different? Use examples from both stories to explain why.
CCSS.RL.3.9
CCSS.W.3.1
Grade 4: “The Hare and the Tortoise” and “The Elephant and the Ants"
Are the lessons taught about boastfulness in both stories more similar or different? Explain using evidence from the stories.
CCSS.RL.4.9
CCSS.W.4.1
Grade 5: “The Stonecutter” and “The Magic Seeds”
Are the lessons to the reader about envy in these two stories more similar or more different? Be sure to explain each story’s lesson, and use examples from both stories to explain why the lessons are more similar or more different.
CCSS.RL.5.9
CCSS.W.5.1
Grade 6: “John Henry: The Steel Driving Man” and Poem: “John Henry”
Compare and contrast the story and poem versions of the legend of John Henry. Which version do you think better illustrates Henryʻs bravery and daring? Explain your answer using specific details from both texts.
CCSS.RL.6.9
CCSS.W.6.1
Grade 7: “The Legend of Johnny Appleseed” and “Johnny Appleseed”
How can historical information deepen our understanding of the traditional American tale of Johnny Appleseed?
CCSS.RL.7.9
CCSS.W.7.2
Grade 8: Balder’s Dream
Compare and contrast the story and poem versions of the ancient Nordic myth of Balder’s dream. Which version do you think better illustrates both the jealousy and loyalty amongst the mythical Nordic gods? Explain your answer using specific details from both texts.
CCSS.RL.8.9
CCSS.W.8.1
Grade 9: “The Snakey Medusa” and “Perseus”
Does Robert Hayden’s poem, “Perseus,” add to the reader’s understanding of the Perseus and Medusa myth? Why or why not?
CCSS.RL.9-10.9
CCSS.W.9-10.1
Grade 10: “Orpheus and Eurydice” and “Orpheus with his lute made trees”
How does reading the original “Orpheus and Eurydice” myth together with the lyrics of Shakespeare’s song, “Orpheus with his lute made trees,” add to the reader’s understanding of each piece of literature?
CCSS.RL.9-10.9
CCSS.W.9-10.2
Grade 11: “The Good Twin and the Evil Twin” and “The Iroquois Creation Story”
Compare and contrast the Yuma and Iroquois creation stories. How does each tale reflect the culture and beliefs of the Yuma and Iroquois Peoples, respectively?
CCSS.RL.11-12.9
CCSS.W.11-12.2
Grade 12: “Rip van Winkle” and “Young Goodman Brown”
What do cautionary tales “Rip Van Winkle” and “Young Goodman Brown” reveal about the Puritans’ cultural values?
CCSS.RL.11-12.9
CCSS.W.11-12.2
