English Wednesday work Raymond's Run

Wednesday: Read pages 37 - 46. Do the plot worksheet and answer questions 1 -3, 5 - 8 on p.47
https://www.remsencsd.org/cms/lib/NY01913914/Centricity/Domain/46/RaymondsRun.pdf

Plot worksheet:

Questions
1) Recall: What nickname have the big kids given Squeaky and why?
They call her Mercury, because she runs so fast. 

2) Clarify: Why does Squeaky find the may pole dance is a waste of time?
Squeaky has no interest in behaving like a typical, feminine girl by participating in the pole dancing because she is more focused on winning the fifty-yard dash and beating her new rival, Gretchen.

3) Clarify: Describe Squeaky's reaction when she sees Raymond wunning paralel to her in the race

Squeaky's race is a sprint, so she doesn't have much time on the actual course to look around. What's great about the writing is that it gives the reader the impression of everything happening in slow motion. This concept is a common description from many athletes, and it's often referred to as being "in the zone." Squeaky is in that zone, and despite her 50 meter race being over in less than a dozen seconds, she takes in a tremendous amount of information. She looks one direction and sees Gretchen, but the detail is amazing. Squeaky notices that Gretchen's chin is jutting out unbelievably far. It's a bit funny, but Squeaky stays focused on her run. Then Squeaky looks the other direction and sees Raymond. When she sees him, Squeaky is shocked by what she sees. She is so shocked that she nearly stops running.

And on the other side of the fence is Raymond with his arms down to his side and the palms tucked up behind him, running in his very own style, and it’s the first time I ever saw that and I almost stop to watch my brother Raymond on his first run.

Squeaky immediately refocuses herself on the race and wins it. It's not until after she catches her breath that she analyzes and breaks down what she saw. Raymond, despite his handicap and unique running style, was keeping up with her. Additionally, she describes that his running was smooth and efficient looking, and Squeaky realizes that her brother would make a "very fine runner."

And it occurs to me, watching how smoothly he climbs hand over hand and remembering how he looked running with his arms down to his side and with the wind pulling his mouth back and his teeth showing and all, it occurred to me that Raymond would make a very fine runner. Doesn’t he always keep up with me on my trots? And he surely knows how to breathe in counts of seven cause he’s always doing it at the dinner table, which drives my brother George up the wall.

5)  Differences:  Squeaky is boisterous, outwardly competitive and fiercely loyal to her brother, Raymond. When provoked, Squeaky is liable to pick a fight and run away while showing her distain for her adversaries. ... On the other hand, Gretchen, while devoted to her running, is quieter about her practice.
Similar: 
At the end of the story Squeaky and Gretchen smile at each other as a sign of mutual respect. Both girls recognize in each other an opponent worthy of respect. Squeaky realizes that Gretchen is just as serious about running as she is and appreciates this.

6) Evaluate plot: Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling action, Resolution

7) Draw conclusions: How do the events change the way Squeaky views competition?
Squeaky like other people throughout life are changing so much because they have new experiences that make the way they see things different. Taking care of her brother Raymond changes Squeaky because she dont want anyone to hurt his feelings. Squeaky likes to be a winner and who can blame her.

8) Evaluate plot:
Squeaky's consideration for her brother Raymond's talent at the climax of the story leads to her resolution to ask Gretchen to help her train Raymond. Truly, Hazel Elizabeth Deborah Parker matures from her experiences on May Day.