4
Activities:
1. Rachel references a lot of people who work at the farm in the “backstretch that most people never know about.”
In groups, research the type of jobs needed to raise race horses. You may want to watch the movie, “Seabiscuit,”
to help students get an idea of the life of a horse.
2. Before reading this story, would you like to have known what others think about it? A review provides readers with
information about an album, movie, book or television show. The Seattle Times has a lot of reviews in it. Look through
the newspaper, especially the Entertainment section and find a review about a movie, album or play you would like to
get or see. As a group, discuss the various aspects of a review. What information was provided that was worthwhile?
What information was useless? Then, begin writing a review of The Winner’s Circle. At the end of the story, read
your review and rewrite it based on your thoughts after reading the entire story.
CHAPTER 5: A HORSE RACE ISN’T A HORSE RACE...
EALRS
Reading:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
Writing:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5
Communication:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Pre-reading questions:
1. What warning did Rachel give Ben? Why do you think she did that? Was it fair?
2. How do you meet people who you have heard negative things about?
3. Who does Ben think the boy in the fog is?
Post-reading questions:
1. If you were to summarize the main events that occurred in this chapter, what would they be and why?
2. During this chapter, Ben has a surge of affection for Mrs. Brennan. Why?
3. What does Ben begin to find out about the Brennans in this chapter?
Activities:
1. Find a headline in today’s newspaper and think of a story you could write using the headline. Share with your
classmates the following information about your story: plot, characters, setting and main idea.
2. Mrs. Brennan has to prepare and provide breakfast to everyone who works at Wind Rider Farm; she must spend
a lot of money on it. Imagine you were Mrs. Brennan and prepare a menu for 10 hardworking employees. Then,
make a store list for the items to purchase. This evening, research the amount of each ingredient. Look on the Internet
for weekly grocery store advertisements and see how much you could save by using coupons or by shopping for
what is on sale. How much would you save with the coupons?
CHAPTER 6: THE FACE ON THE WALL
EALRS
Reading:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2
Writing:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5
Communication:
1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Pre-reading Questions:
1. Look up the following words in preparation for reading chapter six: impression, saunter, transparent, Adirondack
and destiny.
2. The title of this chapter is, “The Face on the Wall.” Think about the story thus far. To what might the title of this
chapter be referring?
3. To what was Ben looking forward?
4. What does this week’s picture lead you to believe will happen in chapter six?
