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Background

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Where is Seattle, Washington? What are Seattle’s points of interest?

Seattle is a coastal seaport city and the seat of King County, in the U.S. state of Washington. With an estimated 652,405 residents as of 2013, Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and the fastest-growing major city in the United States. Seattle is home to the Space Needle, which was constructed for the 1962 World Expo, www.spaceneedle.com, the Pike’s Place Market and Warf region, as well as many sports teams, universities and industry. Locate Seattle on the map.

Word Wall

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Introduce 5 important, useful words from today’s reading.

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What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is brain damage caused by brain injury or abnormal development of the brain that occurs while a child’s brain is still developing — before birth, during birth, or immediately after.

Cerebral palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning.

Those with cerebral palsy are most likely born with the condition, although some acquire the condition at birth or shortly thereafter depending on cause. Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy may not always be apparent at birth. The child will likely experience a delay in development and growth milestones.

http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/

In today’s reading, we learn that Shawn has Cerebral Palsy (CP). He was born with the condition and as he describes it he has no muscle control. Meaning he cannot function on his own. He has to be cared for 24/7 and have all needs met for him.

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Symbolism of black crows:

Throughout history, the crow has been associated with both positive and negative symbolic meanings. The most common are:

• Life magic; mystery of creation
• Destiny, personal transformation, alchemy
• Intelligence
• Higher perspective
• Being fearless, audacious
• Flexibility, adaptability
• Trickster, manipulative, mischievous

Other traditional meanings associate the crow with bad omen, death, and dark witchcraft. The crow also carries the power of prophetic insight and symbolizes the void or core of creation.

In today’s reading, Shawn and his dad are outside on the porch. His dad feels a crow is mocking him and that the crow wants to harm Shawn. It is at this point he realizes that his son is totally defenseless and cannot care for himself and is totally dependent for everything.

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What is the Pulitzer Prize?

In the latter years of the 19th century, Joseph Pulitzer stood out as the very embodiment of American journalism. Hungarian-born, an intense indomitable figure, Pulitzer was the most skillful of newspaper publishers, a passionate crusader against dishonest government, a fierce, hawk-like competitor who did not shrink from sensationalism in circulation struggles, and a visionary who richly endowed his profession. 

His innovative New York World and St. Louis Post-Dispatch reshaped newspaper journalism. Pulitzer was the first to call for the training of journalists at the university level in a school of journalism. And certainly, the lasting influence of the Pulitzer Prizes on journalism, literature, music, and drama is to be attributed to his visionary acumen.

In writing his 1904 will, which made provision for the establishment of the Pulitzer Prizes as an incentive to excellence, Pulitzer specified solely four awards in journalism, four in letters and drama, one for education, and four traveling scholarships. In letters, prizes were to go to an American novel, an original American play performed in New York, a book on the history of the United States, an American biography, and a history of public service by the press. http://www.pulitzer.org/historyofprizes 

In today’s reading Shawn’s dad shares a poem he wrote about Shawn having CP. It was his hope that it would help heal him but it left him a permanent victim to Shawn and the disease. However, he won a Pulitzer for it, which he was able to capitalize on by involving the media to shed light on Shawn’s disease.

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What is an “autonomic, uncontrollable, systematic reflex”?

An autonomic reflex is the reflex system that governs and regulates the functions of that body which control such activities such as blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and urination. 

In Shawn’s life when he has his seizures his smiles and laughter just happen and he has no control over that part of his body as he is seizing. He enjoys the seizures but feels helpless that as he is experiencing the laughter and joy that he has, his family is sad.

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What is the American with Disabilities Act?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services. Modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin – and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 -- the ADA is an "equal opportunity" law for people with disabilities. 

To be protected by the ADA, one must have a disability, which is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment. The ADA does not specifically name all of the impairments that are covered.

In today’s reading, Shawn describes his time at school. His father arrives with a cameraman to film something for PBS. He talks about the ADA and then need to educate our kids then he discusses the cost to educate Shawn ($35,000 per year). Those resources are given to educate a child that cannot learn and he feels it is irresponsible to spend that much money on Shawn and others like him.

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What is the Puget Sound area?

The Puget Sound region is an inland area of the Pacific Northwest in the U.S. state of Washington, including Puget Sound, the Puget Sound lowlands, and the surrounding region roughly west of the Cascade Range and east of the Olympic Mountains.

In today’s reading, Shawn describes where they live and his view as sits in his chair.

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Who is Maxfield Parrish?

Maxfield Parrish prints have inspired millions because of the artist's unique way of using color. These unique and magical images will always have a permanent place in art history. 

Maxfield Parrish was born July 25, 1870 in Philadelphia, to Stephen and Elizabeth Parrish. His given name was Frederick but he would later adopt the family name Maxfield as a middle, and then professional name. 

His father was an acclaimed etcher and landscape painter who had a big influence on him as a young child. When his father began to notice his son's budding talent he took him under his wing and taught him all that he knew. In 1884 to 1886 his parents took him through Europe to see the great museums. While he was there he absorbed everything around him from the architecture and music to the machinery and nature.

In today’s reading, Shawn describes Ally’s beauty as a Maxfield Parrish painting.

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What is Euthanasia and what are the pros and cons of it?

Proponents of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) contend that terminally ill people should have the right to end their suffering with a quick, dignified, and compassionate death. They argue that the right to die is protected by the same constitutional safeguards that guarantee such rights as marriage, procreation, and the refusal or termination of life-saving medical treatment.

Opponents of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide contend that doctors have a moral responsibility to keep their patients alive as reflected by the Hippocratic Oath. They argue there may be a "slippery slope" from euthanasia to murder, and that legalizing euthanasia will unfairly target the poor and disabled and create incentives for insurance companies to terminate lives in order to save money. 

In today’s reading, Shawn’s dad is doing a project in which he highlights a man who killed his son with a horrible and painful disability. He is trying to show the world that there is a complex issue when it comes to the pain and suffering the person with the disability has as well as their families.

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For discussion

Where is your news source from? Why is it different to learn different perspectives on various different issues? 

In today’s reading, Dad and Cindy fly to LA for the taping of the Alice Ponds show. In this situation the news has covered on side of a story, a dad who killed his child and Shawn’s dad is trying to educate the public about what it is like to care for a child like Shawn.

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How do you keep kids safe?

It is important to do everything you can to keeps kids safe. It is important to set boundaries and limits that are reasonable and allow kids to explore within those limits. Sometimes you do have to say, “no”. In order for kids to be able to learn limits. In addition here are some other ways to keep kids safe (keep these in mind for brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, or neighbors that you may know) 

Teach your children that snakes, spiders and bees are not necessarily dangerous, but should be respected from a distance. In reality, animals such as cats and dogs are much more likely to harm your child, so respect for all animals must be taught. Keep your children within sight while in public places, such as malls and so forth. Do not let them wander off unless they're older children.

Choose a babysitter carefully, making sure the person will not neglect your children. When a family member is not available, consider using a sitter that a family member or trusted friend has recommended.

Explain and show your children how to Dial 911 (US). Instruct your child or children to stay with a group while waiting for the school bus; or to stay in front of the school while that they are waiting for you. Teach your children safety rules on play equipment, such as climbing on monkey bars or swimming pools. Although it can be fun for them, it can also be dangerous. Teaching your children about right and wrong will also help to keep them safe, especially in their teen years. Teach them the complexities of the real world, though - few things are black & white.

In today’s reading, Paul and Cindy are talking about Shawn’s safety. They are compelled and responsible to make sure he is safe. Shawn reflects on a time that his brother comes to his defense when two boys almost burned him. He knows he cannot be protected forever but is glad that his brother and sister feel responsible for him.

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What is security?

Security is the act of being protected from harm. 

In today’s reading, Shawn remembers being held by his dad at the museum and how he felt secure and safe as his dad held him. He remembers the ride and the thrill but more importantly he remembers being safe and held.

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What are dreams?

Dreams are a series of thoughts, visions, and experiences that happen during sleep.

In today’s reading, Shawn visits his dad in a dream. In this situation, Shawn is able to speak and talk to his dad. He lets him know that he loves him and doesn’t want to die.

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How do you build suspense in literature?

Choice—Create many potential paths to a defined goal. The first rule of suspense is to leave the plot open from the onset, but with a more or less clear objective. Detective novels follow this rule closely: The detective must solve a particular crime, but how he will solve it or what paths will unravel the mystery is unknown from the beginning. Hardy Boys novels consistently follow this rule, often resolving a known crime by an unexpected path.

Progression—Instill a sense of progression and movement in the plot. In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, readers sense from the beginning that the couple will fall in love and, likewise, sense the way in which this will be problematic: They come from rival families. This sense of movement makes readers tense and draws them into the plot. 

Intensity—Increase the intensity of the story as the reader approaches the climax. Raise the stakes of the crime. In literary mysteries, such as those by Agatha Christie, the perpetrator of the crime that the detective hopes to solve commits additional murders, or threatens those who are trying to catch him. As the detective comes closer to solving the crime, he also places himself in greater and greater danger. This heightens the excitement of the reader as he approaches the climax of the story.

Detail—Focus on details as the story progresses. Turnings of keys, door knocks, thumbs, clothing caught on hooks---these are the small details that raise the readers' attention level and draw them into the story. The more small details are included in the story, the more the reader will tend to imagine outcomes and possibilities, and this increases a sense of suspense. Most suspenseful works requires several chapters to cover the outcome of the mystery at hand because a successful redaction requires many details.

Close Calls—Finally, authors of suspenseful literature create close calls or "red herrings," a literary term for false solutions. This keeps the plot from becoming predictable and keeps readers on their toes. An author of a suspenseful work might progressively disprove all the usual suspects, leaving the reader wondering in greater anticipation who could have committed the crime. When readers' expectations are upset, they begin focusing with greater intensity on all clues or aspects of the plot, and this focus creates an atmosphere of suspense.

In today’s reading, the author creates a sense of suspense as Shawn’s dad stays with him. This feeling makes you want to know what is going to happen next.

Word Wall

Here are five vocabulary words to teach and add to the Word Wall.