Mother Fletcher’s Gift
By Teacher Jasmine
Big Question
Why should we care about people
we don’t know?
Characters
People who take part in the events in a
story.
Theme
Is the main idea or central meaning of a
piece of writing. The theme is often not
stated. You can find it using evidence from
the story as clues.
P.52-53
Vocabulary
Apparently
Fixtures
Flimsy
Incident
Subscribe
Survive
P.54-55
Apparently
Seemingly; with the appearance of
Fixtures
Things put in place to stay
Flimsy
Easily torn or broken; not strongly made
Incident
Something that happens; event
Subscribe
To give your consent or approval; agree
Survive
To continue to exist; remain
Explore
What are some thing neighbors do to help
and support each other?
In what ways do people in a neighborhood
celebrate together?
How are people in a neighborhood similar
and different?
Realistic Fiction
Tells stories about ordinary characters in
everyday situations. Both characters and
events are imaginary.
Guide Questions
 What can you infer about Mother Fletcher
from what you read on page 59?
Why do you think the author compares
Mother Fletcher to “a legend”?
Guide Questions
What is the setting of the story?
What is the conflict in the story so far?
Summarize what you have learned about
Mother Fletcher.
Why do you think Officer O’Brien is
reluctant to call for an ambulance right
away?
Guide Questions
 What does Officer O’ Brien do after he received
his sweater?
 What does he not do after his wife receives a
sweater?
 What inference can you make about Officer
O’Brien?
 What inference can you make about the
character of Lt. Stanton from what you read in
the last paragraph of page 62?
 Does Mother Fletcher remind you of anyone in
your neighborhood? If so, explain.
Guide Questions
What does O’Brien think of Mother
Fletcher’s invitation?
What can you infer about Meaghan based
on the things she says and does?
What generalization can you make about
Kathy based on her words and actions on
pages 64-65?
Guide Questions
What does he hope those worst streets
will symbolize to Kathy and Meaghan?
Visualize the characters as they drive to
Harlem. What types of expressions are
probably on their faces?
Guide Questions
Think about the characters words and
actions. What is Mother Fletcher
pretending?
What inference can you make about
Mother Fletcher based on what she says
to her guests, especially Officer O’Brien?
Compare and Contrast Officer O’Brien’s
and Kathy’s behavior after they arrive at
Mother Fletcher’s house.
Guide Questions
Combine information and identify the
theme of the story.
How do you think the author would have
answered the “Big Question”?
Summarize Mother Fletcher’s character in
one sentence.
Why do you think the author told the story
from O’ Brien’s point of view?