Unit 1

What Does it Mean to Show Respect?

Lesson 9

Reader's Notebook

My Gran's Different

Think about five people you know. Do they all walk the same? Talk the same? Like the same foods?

Why do we use language to communicate with others? Why do we use emotional languages such as music and art? Why do we use scientific reason or mathematical logic? Why do we recognize truth, beauty, love? Because we are not mistakes.

Every person is a signature, an imprint, a masterpiece, and that is part of what gives each person worth and value. This is why we uphold their dignity.

In this poem, you will be reading about many different children's grandmas and what makes them special. Each individual matters.

Click each coloured row for information about the activity.

Think About It


Before you read the poem, think about these two questions:

  • What are some of the ways we are different?
  • Why do we value human dignity?

Go to pages 40 to 45 of Literacy in Action 5.


Look at the Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different. Predict what you think this poem will be about.
Remember to write at least one complete sentence for each question on the Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different.




Document: Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different
Click here to download

Download PDF


  1. Download the document Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different.
  2. IMPORTANT NOTE: When the download screen opens: 
      • Click the "Open with" button.
      • Select "Adobe Reader".
      • Click "OK".
      • You will then be able to view the document Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different.

  3. Print the document.

As you read the poem, pause after each page to check your understanding. Try to imagine what each of the grandmothers would look and act like.


This poem uses adjectives to help make the descriptions of the grandmothers even more interesting. Adjectives are words that describe how people, places, or things look, feel, sound, smell, or taste. Using adjectives makes your writing more dynamic and enjoyable.

Log-In

BrainPOP Log-In

Watch this short video about adjectives.

Click on this link for BrainPOP.
(Log-in: User: 0099, Password: students.)

After you view the video, go back to the poem My Gran's Different.


  • Find places in the poem that use adjectives.
  • For example, the phrase "bakes sponge cakes as high as my school bag" is an adjectival phrase that describes what the sponge cakes are like.
  • Write these five phrases in the Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different and highlight the adjective in each phrase.
  • Do not use the example given here as one of your phrases.

After you finish reading My Gran's Different, answer the questions in the After Reading section of the Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different.



Save

How to save a file:

  1. Scan the document to your computer.
  2. Have the file open and select Save As from the File menu.
  3. Name your Reader's Notebook: My Gran's Different file in this format: jsmith_mygransdifferent and save the file to your Documents folder.
Compare your responses with those in the Key by clicking here.