#3720. "Miracle at Monty Middle School"

Reading/Writing, level: Middle
Posted Thu Mar 30 06:18:23 PST 2006 by Mary Monroe (mmonroefl4@aol.com).
Forest Hill High School, West Palm Beach, FL
Materials Required: Novel, Miracle at Monty Middle School
Activity Time: 3-4 weeks
Concepts Taught: Main Idea, Supporting Details

Teacher's Guide to
Miracle at Monty Middle School

Written by Mary A. Monroe

Copyright 2006 by Mary A. Monroe.

Permission to copy this material is granted to teachers and other "Leaders of Literacy" using Miracle at Monty Middle School novel as a classroom text, with small group readings such as literature circles, or as a read aloud.

For more information, comments & suggestions, contact the writer @ mmonroefl4@aol.com.
Answer Key
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
1 D 1. D
2 A 2. B Varied answers.
3 B 3. C
4 A 4. A
5 C 5. D
6 C 6. B
7 B 7. C
8 C 8. D
9 B 9. A
10 A 10. C

Unit 4 Unit 5
1 D 1C
2 C 2A
3B 3D
4 A 4 C
5 A 5 B
6 C 6 B
7 B 7A
8 A 8C
9A 9C
10C 10A

Student's Name _______________
UNIT ONE
Chapters 1-5

COMPREHENSION SKILL QUESTIONS

A. Vocabulary in Context
1. In the following excerpt, what does the word intimidated mean?

". . .your 6 ft. 2 in. solid frame of muscle slightly intimidated my 5 ft. 2 in. 155-pound jelly shape could be an accurate statement."

a. embarrassed c. shocked
b. intimate d. to feel threatened

2. In the following excerpt, what does the word simultaneously mean?

"There was a simultaneous groan throughout the room."

a. happening at the same time c. mean
b. loud d. happening without planning

B. Supporting Details
3. The following words were said by
a. Marvin c. Quinesha
b. Mr. Martin d. Markus

". . .we're going to be working on some miracles this year. Are you ready to join me?"

4. The following words were said by
a. Brittney c. Mr. Martin
b. Quinesha d. Ms. Turner

"Who you think you are Cuban wanna-be? You think you all bad with your silver chais and stuff. Shoot. You ain't nothin'."

C. Main Idea
5. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. DOP students need to stay back a grade level.
b. DOP students are smarter than other students.
c. Danielle feels teachers give DOP students good grades they don't earn.
d. Teachers don't like DOP students.
"It don't matter," Danielle said. The teacher always gives us a good grade anyway, so they can pass us to the next grade. I don't think they really want us here any more."

6. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. Spooky movies can be fun.
b. White skin powder can be worn in school.
c. A "gothic" girl looked spooky.
d. A doll's head had safety pins.

"I guess you could say she was into "Gothic," because she had real pale white skin powder on her face and black lips."

D. Literary Elements

7. What literary device does the author use between Chapters 1 and 2?
a. Simile c. Poetry
b. Flashback d. Metaphor

8. What literary device does the author use on pg. 9 when she writes, "Bzzzzzzz."
a. Simile c. Onomatopoeia
b. Flashback d. Personification

E. Conclusions

9. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Mr. Martin is mean.
b. Mr. Martin plans to have rules in the classroom.
c. Mr. Martin wants students to look dumb.

"Now that's better. We are going to be a team -- you and I. I am your coach and your teacher. Rule #1, when I'm standing here, it's obvious we have important work to discuss together, so that means you need to close your mouths, turn your eyes up here and pay attention."

10. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Marvin doesn't think they need rules
b. Marvin has a high IQ.
c. Marvin will get a referral.

"Well, Mr. Martin, you must think you got some other class, because we here -- we're the misfits -- we're not like any other class with rules and such."

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. How does Marvin feel about his father? Why does he feel this way?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Who is Mr. Martin? How is he different from other DOP teachers?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. What does DOP stand for? How is it different from other classes?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. How many students are in Room 122, DOP? What are their names and nationalities?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. What are some details that point to the fact that Room 122 was chaotic and unruly?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Mike makes fun of students who are different than he is from other countries. Why do some people do this? What do you think can be done to make kids see diversity as a positive feature?

2. Mr. Martin tells his DOP class that they will create miracles. Do you think miracles can happen, or are we masters of our own destinies?

3. Marvin wrote, "My Past. Nothing much to write about. My mom and dad got divorced when I was 10. My mom moved back to Chicago to be with her relatives. My dad moved in with his girlfriend and her four kids. I flunked 7th grade and can't wait to make it out of this sorry school."

What is Marvin's attitude -- positive or negative? What things in Marvin's childhood do you think contribute to his attitude?

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

1. We learn that Marvin feels that the students in DOP 122 are different from other students. Make a list of the ways you are different from other people. Then write a paragraph explaining your differences and whether or not you're bothered by them.

2. We learn in Chapter 1 that Marvin cares about Mr. Martin, his new teacher. Write a letter to one of your favorite teachers, telling them why they were important to you.

3. Do the students in DOP 122 remind you of your friends? How are they alike? Compare your friends with the DOP students in a compare/contrast paragraph.

Student's Name _______________
UNIT TWO
Chapters 6 - 10
COMPREHENSION SKILL QUESTIONS
A. Vocabulary in Context
1. In the following excerpt, what does the word vehemently mean?

". . .For example, at the end of your persuasive essay, you write, "I vehemently urge you to consider.." or something like that."

a. wish c. angry
b. vehicles d. strongly

2. In the following excerpt, what does the word controversial mean?

"I was working on this really controversial story that involved a lot of government officials and it got messy."

a. conversational c. fake
b. hot, debatable d. interesting

B. Supporting Details
3. The following words were said by
a. Ms. Turner c. Mr. Martin
b. Dr. Thornton d. Marvin's dad

". . .Luckily, the insurance at the magazine paid the legal damages, but I wanted no more of that career. When people turn against you, it's not worth it."

4. The following words were said by
a. Freddie Crooper c. Markus
b. Travis d. Tiffany

"Hey, bubble boy. You looked so fat on TV, I'm surprised you fit into that freak plastic thing you and your other losers made. Bubble boy in a bubble house."

C. Main Idea
5. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. Nicole likes dressing gothic.
b. Change is usually painful. DOP students are smarter than other students.
c. Nicole's changes are caused by Mr. Martin's positive influence.
"But one of the biggest changes is with Nicole. This week, she came to school for the first time wit just her normal skin tone and lips minus the white makeup and black lipstick. I mean, it was a shock!"

6. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. Marvin has cooties and need to go to the doctor.
b. Marvin feels he's not good enough for Teresa.
c. Teresa treats Marvin like her own son.

"I wanted to ask why I couldn't just sleep upstairs where all the other bedrooms were, maybe on the floor in Travis' room on a sleeping bag or something, but I figured Teresa probably thought I had cooties or something."

D. Literary Elements

7. What is Freddie Crooper's tone when he says to Marvin, "You looked so fat on TV, I'm surprised you fit into that freak plastic thing you and your other losers made. "
a. Comical c. Hurtful
b. Humorous d. Positive

8. The saying, "Life is like a roller coaster," is a
a. Metaphor c. Personification
b. Onomatopoeia d. Simile

E. Conclusions

9. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Tiffany is more spoiled than Marvin.
b. Tiffany is less spoiled than Marvin.
c. Tiffany is the most spoiled child in the world.

"Tiffany is in sixth grade and overindulges in everything. She overindulges in eating, consumption of video games and TV, and has to be first at everythihg."

10. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Teresa prepared a nice sleeping area for Marvin.
b. Teresa was looking forward to seeing Marvin.
c. Teresa thought more about gifts than Marvin..

"We weren't sure you would be here for the holidays with us, Marvin, so I hope you don't mind. I used that area to store Christmas presents. You can sleep on this couch if you want."

UNIT 3
Chapters 11 -- 15

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What were some of the reasons Marvin didn't enjoy Christmas at Teresa's home?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. What gift did Tiffany get for Christmas that was valuable? Why did this bother Marvin?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Why was Marvin embarrassed when Teresa wanted to videotape him opening presents?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. In what ways does Tiffany irritate Marvin?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Who is accused of stealing Tiffany's 14K chain? Why?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When Marvin is accused of stealing the necklace, he looked down in shame. Has anyone ever accused you of something you didn't do? How did you react?

2. What events happen that make Marvin decide to leave Teresa's home and stay with Markus? Do you feel that he was justified in his decision? Why?

3. Do you think Mr. Martin should have told the class about Nicole's injuries? Why or why not?

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

1. Pretend you are an advice columnist, like Dear Abby. You've received the following letter. Write a reply giving the best advice you can.

Dear Abby,
My dad lives with his girlfriend and I don't feel welcome because every time I stay thee, I get accused of stealing something. What should I do?"

2. Pretend you are the judge presiding over the trial of Nicole's stepdad who was found guilty of "beating her with a bat. What would you write in your final sentence and judgment?

Teacher's Guide to
Miracle at Monty Middle School

Written by Mary A. Monroe

Copyright 2006 by Mary A. Monroe.

Permission to copy this material is granted to teachers and other "Leaders of Literacy" using Miracle at Monty Middle School novel as a classroom text, with small group readings such as literature circles, or as a read aloud.

For more information, comments & suggestions, contact the writer @ mmonroefl4@aol.com.
Answer Key
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
1 D 1. D
2 A 2. B Varied answers.
3 B 3. C
4 A 4. A
5 C 5. D
6 C 6. B
7 B 7. C
8 C 8. D
9 B 9. A
10 A 10. C

Unit 4 Unit 5
1 D 1C
2 C 2A
3B 3D
4 A 4 C
5 A 5 B
6 C 6 B
7 B 7A
8 A 8C
9A 9C
10C 10A

Student's Name _______________
UNIT ONE
Chapters 1-5

COMPREHENSION SKILL QUESTIONS

A. Vocabulary in Context
1. In the following excerpt, what does the word intimidated mean?

". . .your 6 ft. 2 in. solid frame of muscle slightly intimidated my 5 ft. 2 in. 155-pound jelly shape could be an accurate statement."

a. embarrassed c. shocked
b. intimate d. to feel threatened

2. In the following excerpt, what does the word simultaneously mean?

"There was a simultaneous groan throughout the room."

a. happening at the same time c. mean
b. loud d. happening without planning

B. Supporting Details
3. The following words were said by
a. Marvin c. Quinesha
b. Mr. Martin d. Markus

". . .we're going to be working on some miracles this year. Are you ready to join me?"

4. The following words were said by
a. Brittney c. Mr. Martin
b. Quinesha d. Ms. Turner

"Who you think you are Cuban wanna-be? You think you all bad with your silver chais and stuff. Shoot. You ain't nothin'."

C. Main Idea
5. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. DOP students need to stay back a grade level.
b. DOP students are smarter than other students.
c. Danielle feels teachers give DOP students good grades they don't earn.
d. Teachers don't like DOP students.
"It don't matter," Danielle said. The teacher always gives us a good grade anyway, so they can pass us to the next grade. I don't think they really want us here any more."

6. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. Spooky movies can be fun.
b. White skin powder can be worn in school.
c. A "gothic" girl looked spooky.
d. A doll's head had safety pins.

"I guess you could say she was into "Gothic," because she had real pale white skin powder on her face and black lips."

D. Literary Elements

7. What literary device does the author use between Chapters 1 and 2?
a. Simile c. Poetry
b. Flashback d. Metaphor

8. What literary device does the author use on pg. 9 when she writes, "Bzzzzzzz."
a. Simile c. Onomatopoeia
b. Flashback d. Personification

E. Conclusions

9. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Mr. Martin is mean.
b. Mr. Martin plans to have rules in the classroom.
c. Mr. Martin wants students to look dumb.

"Now that's better. We are going to be a team -- you and I. I am your coach and your teacher. Rule #1, when I'm standing here, it's obvious we have important work to discuss together, so that means you need to close your mouths, turn your eyes up here and pay attention."

10. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Marvin doesn't think they need rules
b. Marvin has a high IQ.
c. Marvin will get a referral.

"Well, Mr. Martin, you must think you got some other class, because we here -- we're the misfits -- we're not like any other class with rules and such."

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. How does Marvin feel about his father? Why does he feel this way?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Who is Mr. Martin? How is he different from other DOP teachers?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. What does DOP stand for? How is it different from other classes?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. How many students are in Room 122, DOP? What are their names and nationalities?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. What are some details that point to the fact that Room 122 was chaotic and unruly?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Mike makes fun of students who are different than he is from other countries. Why do some people do this? What do you think can be done to make kids see diversity as a positive feature?

2. Mr. Martin tells his DOP class that they will create miracles. Do you think miracles can happen, or are we masters of our own destinies?

3. Marvin wrote, "My Past. Nothing much to write about. My mom and dad got divorced when I was 10. My mom moved back to Chicago to be with her relatives. My dad moved in with his girlfriend and her four kids. I flunked 7th grade and can't wait to make it out of this sorry school."

What is Marvin's attitude -- positive or negative? What things in Marvin's childhood do you think contribute to his attitude?

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

1. We learn that Marvin feels that the students in DOP 122 are different from other students. Make a list of the ways you are different from other people. Then write a paragraph explaining your differences and whether or not you're bothered by them.

2. We learn in Chapter 1 that Marvin cares about Mr. Martin, his new teacher. Write a letter to one of your favorite teachers, telling them why they were important to you.

3. Do the students in DOP 122 remind you of your friends? How are they alike? Compare your friends with the DOP students in a compare/contrast paragraph.

Student's Name _______________
UNIT TWO
Chapters 6 - 10
COMPREHENSION SKILL QUESTIONS
A. Vocabulary in Context
1. In the following excerpt, what does the word vehemently mean?

". . .For example, at the end of your persuasive essay, you write, "I vehemently urge you to consider.." or something like that."

a. wish c. angry
b. vehicles d. strongly

2. In the following excerpt, what does the word controversial mean?

"I was working on this really controversial story that involved a lot of government officials and it got messy."

a. conversational c. fake
b. hot, debatable d. interesting

B. Supporting Details
3. The following words were said by
a. Ms. Turner c. Mr. Martin
b. Dr. Thornton d. Marvin's dad

". . .Luckily, the insurance at the magazine paid the legal damages, but I wanted no more of that career. When people turn against you, it's not worth it."

4. The following words were said by
a. Freddie Crooper c. Markus
b. Travis d. Tiffany

"Hey, bubble boy. You looked so fat on TV, I'm surprised you fit into that freak plastic thing you and your other losers made. Bubble boy in a bubble house."

C. Main Idea
5. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. Nicole likes dressing gothic.
b. Change is usually painful. DOP students are smarter than other students.
c. Nicole's changes are caused by Mr. Martin's positive influence.
"But one of the biggest changes is with Nicole. This week, she came to school for the first time wit just her normal skin tone and lips minus the white makeup and black lipstick. I mean, it was a shock!"

6. The main idea of the excerpt below is that
a. Marvin has cooties and need to go to the doctor.
b. Marvin feels he's not good enough for Teresa.
c. Teresa treats Marvin like her own son.

"I wanted to ask why I couldn't just sleep upstairs where all the other bedrooms were, maybe on the floor in Travis' room on a sleeping bag or something, but I figured Teresa probably thought I had cooties or something."

D. Literary Elements

7. What is Freddie Crooper's tone when he says to Marvin, "You looked so fat on TV, I'm surprised you fit into that freak plastic thing you and your other losers made. "
a. Comical c. Hurtful
b. Humorous d. Positive

8. The saying, "Life is like a roller coaster," is a
a. Metaphor c. Personification
b. Onomatopoeia d. Simile

E. Conclusions

9. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Tiffany is more spoiled than Marvin.
b. Tiffany is less spoiled than Marvin.
c. Tiffany is the most spoiled child in the world.

"Tiffany is in sixth grade and overindulges in everything. She overindulges in eating, consumption of video games and TV, and has to be first at everythihg."

10. From the following excerpt, you can conclude
a. Teresa prepared a nice sleeping area for Marvin.
b. Teresa was looking forward to seeing Marvin.
c. Teresa thought more about gifts than Marvin..

"We weren't sure you would be here for the holidays with us, Marvin, so I hope you don't mind. I used that area to store Christmas presents. You can sleep on this couch if you want."

UNIT 3
Chapters 11 -- 15

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
1. What were some of the reasons Marvin didn't enjoy Christmas at Teresa's home?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. What gift did Tiffany get for Christmas that was valuable? Why did this bother Marvin?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Why was Marvin embarrassed when Teresa wanted to videotape him opening presents?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. In what ways does Tiffany irritate Marvin?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Who is accused of stealing Tiffany's 14K chain? Why?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When Marvin is accused of stealing the necklace, he looked down in shame. Has anyone ever accused you of something you didn't do? How did you react?

2. What events happen that make Marvin decide to leave Teresa's home and stay with Markus? Do you feel that he was justified in his decision? Why?

3. Do you think Mr. Martin should have told the class about Nicole's injuries? Why or why not?

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS

1. Pretend you are an advice columnist, like Dear Abby. You've received the following letter. Write a reply giving the best advice you can.

Dear Abby,
My dad lives with his girlfriend and I don't feel welcome because every time I stay thee, I get accused of stealing something. What should I do?"

2. Pretend you are the judge presiding over the trial of Nicole's stepdad who was found guilty of "beating her with a bat. What would you write in your final sentence and judgment?