5th-8th LEVELED READER –
EARTH’S STRUCTURE UNIT
BRIGHTY OF THE GRAND CANYON (TE)
SYNOPSIS:
Brighty of the Grand Canyon is the story of a little burro who lived largely
on his own in the Grand Canyon of Arizona, where he helped blaze trails at
the turn of the century. Throughout his life he met many famous people in
the process, but was tamed by none. He was befriended by an old
prospector who found him near Bright Angel Creek and nicknamed him
Brighty. The prospector discovered copper ore and made the mistake of
telling a stranger, Jake Irons, what he had found. Before the old timer
could realize his dream of striking it rich and buying his little niece a
wheelchair, Jake Irons murdered him and tossed the body into the Colorado
River. The sheriff and the old man’s friend, Uncle Jimmy Owens, figured out
what happened, and Uncle Jimmy vowed to find the killer. Brighty’s antics
and intense love for freedom to roam his beloved canyon are woven
throughout the book as he encounters one adventure after another and
finally helps in the capture and arrest of Jake Irons.
ESSENTIALS:
As the leveled reader, 5th - 8th grade students will be working independent
or in small groups to do reading activities. Teacher lead discussion questions
for each chapter are available on pages following each day’s lessons.
The main activities for students using this book are as follows:
 An introduction day, 14 days of readings, and a closure day
 Vocabulary awareness for each day
 Questions to assess student thinking and comprehension divided into
levels, 5th-6th, and 7th -8th .
 Author’s Craft to highlight during reading
 Graphic Organizers to help clarify thinking
As the instructor, please take time each day to go over the material
students will be using and discussion questions.
VOCABULARY: (Numbers in parentheses represent page numbers)
Vocabulary sheets and Quia sites (one for each week) are available for each
day’s vocabulary. Teacher’s edition follow student pages. The Quia sites
offer a variety of vocabulary activities for the week.
1
QUESTIONS/ PREDICTIONS: (No additional: Thoughts to Ponder are
included on TE page. In Depth questions are included with student wk.)
Question sheets provide students with questions from various Bloom’s
Taxonomy levels. Many sheets direct students to make predictions.
AUTHOR’S CRAFT/GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS:
Visual representations of how the ideas in the book are related to each
other and techniques the author uses to enhance readers enjoyment are
presented throughout the 16 days of this study unit.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION (TE)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Marguerite Henry has been called the “poet laureate of horses”. Although
she wrote many, many books on a variety of topics – including animal stories
about dogs and foxes, and pictured geographies about countries around the
world – she is best known fro her award-winning books about legendary
horses. She was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1949 for Justin Morgon
Had a Horse and the Newbery Honor Award in 1967 for Misty of
Chincoteague. Like her other horse stories, Brighty of the Grand Canyon
has been praised for the careful research, lively story, true-to-life animal
heroes, and memorable people it presents.
GRAND CANYON:
The Grand Canyon is located in northwestern Arizona; this magnificent valley
has been carved out by the Colorado River and runs 217 miles between the
Little Colorado River and Lake Mead. Four to eighteen miles wide, it is
sometimes over a mile deep. Grand Canyon National Park was created in
1919. Especially beautiful is the way the colors change as the day passes and
light hits the layers of limestone, sandstone, and lava at different angles.
BURRO:
Also know as a donkey, this horse-like animal is strong enough to carry a
human and is not to be confused with the mule (the sterile offspring of an
ass and horse) which, like the burro, has long ears, a tufted tail, slender
legs, small hooves and loud bray. (You may wish to show the students
pictures of each.)
THEODORE ROOSEVELT:
President form 1901 to 1900, Roosevelt was an avid hunter who loved the
outdoors. He is also remembered for advancing the cause of conservation.
Those who knew him described him as he appears in Marguerite Henry’s
book: Witty, colorful and outspoken.
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DAILY LESSON PLANS FOR
BRIGHTY OF THE GRAND CANYON (BGC)
DAY 1
Introductory
activities
Student, p.7
TE, p. 1-6
DAY 2
BGC Ch. 1-3
Pages 13-28
Student, p.8-10
TE, p. 11
DAY 3
BGC Ch. 4-5
Pages 29-43
Student, p.12-14
TE, p. 15
DAY 4
BGC Ch. 6-8
Pages 44-60
Student, p.16-19
TE, p. 20-21
DAY 5
BGC Ch. 9-10
Pages 61-72
Student, p.21-24
TE, p. 25
DAY 6
BGC Ch. 11-12
Pages 73-86
Student, p.26-28
TE, p. 29
DAY 7
BGC Ch. 13-15
Pages 87-102
Student, p.30-32
TE, p. 33,34
DAY 8
BGC Ch. 16-17
Pages 103-117
Student, p.35-38
TE, p. 39
DAY 9
BGC Ch. 18-20
Pages 118-135
Student, p.40-42
TE, p. 43
DAY 10
BGC Ch. 21-23
Pages 136-150
Student, p.44-46
TE, p. 47
DAY 11
BCG Ch. 24-26
Pages 151-167
Student, p.48-50
TE, p.51-52
DAY 12
BGC Ch. 27-29
Pages 168-182
Student, p.53-56
TE, p. 57-58
DAY 13
BGC Ch. 30-31
Pages 183-196
Student, p.59-61
TE, p. 62
DAY 14
BGC Ch. 32-34
Pages 197-211
Student, p.63-65
TE, p.66
DAY 15
BGC Ch. 35-36
Pages 212-222
Student, p.67-70
TE, p. 71
DAY 16
Closure Acts.
p. 72-73
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BRIGHTY OF THE GRAND CANYON BY MARGUERITE HENRY
DAY 1 – INTRODUCTION TO BOOK (TE)
CONNECT:
To set the stage for this unit, do the following activity:
 Take apart a puzzle with enough pieces for each student to have one,
or at most two pieces.
 When you are ready to begin, give each student a piece of the puzzle
and ask them to turn the piece face down on their desk
 Use Random Call to have about half of the class come up one at a
time, show the class the puzzle piece given to them, and let the
student, not the class, try to guess what the puzzle is about.
 Make notes on the board as to what each person guesses
 The student is to return to his desk and turn the piece face down
again.
 NOTE: Instruct the students that the piece must remain face
down until you give further instructions.
 After approximately half of the pieces have been shown, have the
students look at the guesses that are on the board and see if there is
any obvious pattern or connection.
 On a table or desk large enough to hold the completed puzzle, have
the students bring up one piece at a time and begin to assemble the
puzzle. Let them continue to revise their guesses about what the
puzzle is about as they bring up the pieces.
 Make a note of how many of the pieces must be in place before the
students begin to “get the picture.”
ATTEND:
After the puzzle is completed, have the students compare the actual puzzle
to the guesses on the board. How close did their guesses come?
Lead them in a discussion that will help them to see the following
connections between the puzzle activity and the concept of building
character.
Ask the students,
“How do you put a puzzle together?” ans. One piece at a time.
“How do you build character?” ans. One step or one decision at a time.
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“Is it possible to know what a puzzle is from one piece?” ans. One piece can
give a clue to the puzzle but the entire picture of the puzzle is bigger than
one piece. It is very much like a mystery.
“Is it possible to make a ‘good guess’ about the character of a person from
one action or choice?” ans. Our choices and actions can give a clue to the
character but the entire picture of the character is bigger than one choice.
“Did each piece of the puzzle tell you something about the puzzle?” ans. Yes,
it told something, maybe not much but it did tell something about the puzzle
even if it just told you the color of one little section.
“Does each choice or decision or action of a person tell you something about
the person’s character?” ans. Every action, word, or choice reveals something
about the person’s character at that time.
IMAGINE: Each student will work with a partner, or in teams of three, to
build a visual display. The display with have two sides, one of a person with
“good” character and the other side a person with “bad” character.
They may use whatever supplies they wish but they cannot use any words on
the display. The observer needs to be able to tell which is which by simply
looking at the display.
Allow the students 15 to 20 minutes for this activity.
Have each team display their visual and then have the class see if they can
tell which is the good and which is the bad character. After the students
have guessed, the team is to explain what it is they did to try to reveal the
good and the bad characters in their visual.
Finish up by explaining to the students that the theme of this unit is
structure and building. As the unit progresses, we will look at the structure
of the planet and the pieces that God put together to form our Earth’s
crust. Just like the pieces He puts together in our lives form the structure
of our being. Ask them why they think it might be important to learn about
structure and building.
Tell them that as they work through the unit, they are to look for clues that
will help them see how the different people involved in the stories and
activities are using the structure they have been given to build either a good
or bad character. Also point out that you need each of the pieces of a story
to truly see how the story turns out, just like you need all the puzzle pieces.
5
INFORM, PRACTICE:
Hand out copies of the book to the students. Ask them NOT to open the
book, ONLY look at outside for now. Have students study the cover,
consider the title, and read together the synopsis on the back. Invite
students to discuss what you have read and complete together the Book Clue
Search chart (page 7). You may wish to post predictions on chart paper.
INFORM, PRACTICE, EXTEND
As you read Brighty of the Grand Canyon together over the next four
weeks, students will see many examples of people who are building their lives
for good and for evil. They will also learn more about the Grand Canyon and
the structure of the Earth.
REFINE, PERFORM
After the book is completed, a day will be given to bringing closure to this
text. Activities will help refine what has been studied and celebrate the
completion of the text.
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BRIGHTY OR THE GRAND CANYON
DAY 1
BOOK CLUE SEARCH
INFORMATION SOURCE
INFORMATION PROVIDED
Title
Cover
Teasers on the Cover
Reviewers’ Recommendations/
Awards Won
Teacher’s Introduction
Predictions about the book:
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VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 1-3, pages 13-28
www.quia.com/jg/1135479.html
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
canyon (13)
heaving (13)
nuthatch (14)
haunches (14)
forelegs (14)
crevice (14)
cropped (14)
thatched (14)
bray (14)
bellowing (15)
momentum (15)
prospector (15)
lupine (17)
loomed (18)
flapjacks (20)
chuck (20)
flaunt (21)
sheepishly (22)
retorted (23)
wheedled (23)
puttees (23)
nuggets (24)
contempt (27)
petered (28)
ridgepole (28)
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Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 1-3, pages 13-28
INQUIRY
1
Who is Brighty?
Where does he live?
2
Why does Brighty suddenly
bound down the trail?
3
What has the prospector found
and what does he intend to do
with the money he will earn?
4
What happens right before and
right after the picture shown on
page 19?
5
How can you tell that Brighty
does not trust Jake? Do you
think the prospector trust the
stranger?
6
How does Jake Irons figure out
that the prospector has found
copper ore?
7
How did the prospector and the
burro first become friends?
What did the old man do for the
burro?
RESPONSE
9
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 1-3, pages 13-28
INQUIRY
1
“Looking through Brighty’s eyes”
what do you see as you wake up?
What is his life like?
2
How can you tell the prospector
and Brighty are friends?
3
What has the prospector found
and what does he intend to do
with the money he will earn?
What does that show you about
the kind of person he is?
4
Look at the picture on page 19,
how does the picture make you
feel about the stranger?
5
How can you tell that Brighty
does not trust Jake? How good
of a “Judge of character” has
Brighty been in the past?
6
Why does the prospector tell
Jake about finding the copper?
7
What did the old man do for the
burro? What has the burro done
for the old man?
RESPONSE
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Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chapter 1-3,pgs 13-28
(13) – a deep narrow valley
momentum (15) – forward movement
Vocabulary canyon
with steep sides
prospector (15) – somebody who
heaving (13) – rising and falling of
explores area in search of valuable ore
Definitions: the chest rhythmically
lupine (17) – plant with tall flower spikes
QuestionsAnswers:
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft –
Narrator
nuthatch (14) – small tree-climbing
bird
haunches (14) – one of the back
legs of a four-legged animal
forelegs (14) – one of the front
legs of a four-legged animal
crevice (14) – a narrow crack or
opening, especially in rock
cropped (14)- cut something short
thatched (14) – thick hair looking
much like straw roof on an house
bray (14) – the sound a burro or
donkey makes
bellowing (15) –to shout something
in a loud deep voice
Grades 5-6
1) a burro, the Grand Canyon
2) He has heard his friend, the
prospector
3) copper, buy a wheelchair for his
sister’s daughter
4) The stranger approaches the
fire and the prospector makes him
food.
5) Brighty stands nervously with
his hindquarters haunched. He
seems to have a shade of doubt.
6) He sees the stone the
prospector uses to clean Brighty’s
hoof is veined with blue.
7) The prospector found Brighty
near the creek full of porcupine
quills, he pulled them out.
loomed (18) – be seen as large shape
flapjacks (20) – pancakes
chuck (20) – food
flaunt (21) – show something off
sheepishly (22) – embarrassedly
retorted (23) – respond sharply
wheedled (23) – to coax or try to
persuade using guile or indirect means
puttees (23) – leather covering for
lower leg
nuggets (24) – lump of precious metal
contempt (27) – attitude of utter
disgust or hatred
petered (28) – to become less
ridgepole (28) – horizontal tent pole
Grades 7-8
1) Bright Angel Creek, Colorado River,
wall of rocks, he sleeps in the sun, visits
his friend.
2) Brighty pushes him playfully, the
prospector shares his pancakes.
3) He is kind, generous
4) Picture makes the stranger look
sinister.
5) Brighty stands nervously with his
hindquarters haunched. Brighty has
been a good judge of character, He
kicked dishonest barber.
6) He is probably happy to have human
company, he needs someone strong to
work for him.
7) He pulled out the porcupine quills,
Brighty made the trail to the North Rim
and helps carry the Old Timer’s tools.
What is a narrator? (The person who tells a story) Who is the narrator of
this story? The angle from which the narrator tells the story is called the
point of view. The three common points of view are:
a) First Person: Narration of the story by a character who uses the
pronoun “I” in referring to himself.
b) Omniscient: The narration of a story as though by an all-knowing
observer who can see into the minds of all the characters.
c) Omniscient Third Person: The narrator is all-observing, but limits
himself primarily to what one of the characters can know and
experience.
(Brighty of the Grand Canyon was written in Omniscient Third Person.)
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VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 4-5, pages 29-43
www.quia.com/jg/1135505.html
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
whitewashing (29)
promontories (29)
crag (30)
draught (30)
eddies (30)
clambered (30)
parapet (32)
fondling (33)
crescendo (34)
penetrate (34)
reconstructs (34)
recesses (38)
posse (38)
testily (39)
hammock (40)
c'roborate
corroborate (40)
absently (41)
hobble (41)
fetlocks (42)
silt (42)
desolate (42)
discharge (43)
expectant (43)
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Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 4-5, pages 29-43
INQUIRY
1
What clues do Brighty, Uncle
Jim, and the sheriff find that
point to the prospector’s having
been murdered?
2
Who will locate the killer? How
long will it take? What will
Brighty’s role be?
3
Why does the sheriff have to
cross the river?
4
Why does the sheriff want
Brighty along?
5
How can you tell that Uncle Jim
isn’t angry with Brighty when
Brighty escapes from the
sheriff?
6
Why does the sheriff want Uncle
Jim along?
7
Do you think Uncle Jim ends up
going with the sheriff? Why or
why not?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
PREDICTION:
13
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 4-5, pages 29-43
INQUIRY
1
What does Uncle Jim mean, “The
Colorado River never gives up its
dead”? Why do you think he puts
on the prospector’s hat?
2
Who will locate the killer? How
long will it take? What will
Brighty’s role be?
3
What options does the sheriff
have to cross the river? Why
does he choose the one he does?
4
How does Brighty refuse to
cooperate with the sheriff?
5
How can you tell that Uncle Jim
isn’t angry with Brighty when
Brighty escapes from the
sheriff?
6
Uncle Jim does not want to go
with the sheriff, what other
plans does he have?
7
Do you think Uncle Jim ends up
going with the sheriff? Why or
why not?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
PREDICTION:
14
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Chapter 4-5, pages 29-43
Vocabulary
Definitions:
QuestionsAnswers:
Discussion:
Foreshadowing
whitewashed (29) – cast white light
on wall or rock
promontories (29) – a point of land
that juts out into the water
crag (30) – rocky part of the
mountain
draught (30) – drink of liquid
eddies (30) – a small whirl of
movement in a stream
clambered (30) – climb quickly but
awkwardly
parapet (32) – low protective wall
fondling (33) – to stroke lovingly
crescendo (34) – increasing loudness
penetrate (34) – enter or pass
through something
reconstructs (34) – to create a likely
scenario of the details of something
Grades 5-6
1) the prospector is gone, doesn’t
come to feed Brighty, left his
campsite messy, left his watch, find
his hat and feather
2) Answers will vary.
3) To get back to the state’s
attorney’s office to report the crime
4) He wants the men to take turns
riding the burro up the canyon wall
5) He cheers him on.
6) Uncle Jim knows the prospector’s
sister and the sheriff wants him to
corroborate the story.
7) Answers will vary.
recesses (38) – a remote or secluded
place
posse (38) – sheriff’s helpers
testily (39) – impatiently or irritably
hammock (40) – a hanging bed
c’roborate, corroborate (40) –give
evidence to the truth of, confirm
absently (41) – inattentively
hobble (41) – to tie the legs to limit a
horse’s (or burro’s) movement
fetlocks (42) – projection on lower leg
of a horse, or burro
silt (42) – fine grained sediment, river
deposits
desolate (42) – sad, gloomy, empty
discharge (43) –released
expectant (43) – excitedly
anticipating something
Grades 7-8
1) Once someone dies in the river, his
body is never found; Answers will
vary: In memory of his friend
2) Answers will vary.
3) Get into the swinging cage or use
collapsible boat; he gets dizzy easily
so does not want to use cage.
4) He allows himself to be hobbled,
then bounds away, just as the sheriff
is about to rope him.
5) He cheers him on.
6) He is going to lead a lion hunt to be
attended by Teddy Roosevelt.
7) Answers will vary.
Foreshadowing is a hint or suggestion of something that will happen
later in the story. The prospector’s words hint at his later death
(p.28): “Why, if’n I was to die tonight, Uncle Jimmy’d step right into
my boots, fur as Brighty goes.” Have students note how Uncle Jimmy
and Brighty take care of each other as the book progresses.
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VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 6-8, pages 44-60
www.quia.com/jg/1135494.html
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
buck (44)
pungence (44)
ouzel (44)
meekness (47)
cataracts (48)
lasso (48)
raucous (48)
mesquite (49)
monotonously (50)
loafing (51)
detours (52)
resolutely (52)
beckoning (52)
cascade (52)
vermilion (52)
abyss (52)
pell-mell (54)
loped (56)
dulcet (57)
grotto (57)
rapier (58)
flailing (58)
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Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 6-8, pages 44-60
INQUIRY
1
Why is Brighty happy to see the
red-bearded man and Joe? Why
are they happy to see him?
2
How is Brighty having fun in the
picture on page 48? Which
seems stronger – his need for
freedom, or his need for
companionship?
3
Why does Brighty return to the
Old Timer’s camp?
4
Where does Brighty usually
spend the winter? Why?
5
Why does Brighty choose this
particular cave as a resting
place?
6
What is the “fight in the Cave”?
(pg. 56, chapter title)
7
How badly hurt is Brighty? Will
he make it to Uncle Jim’s? Will
his wounds heal?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
17
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 6-8, pages 44-60
INQUIRY
1
Why does the red-bearded man
compare Brighty to a “little gray
mouse”? Is he right in his
comparison?
2
How is Brighty having fun in the
picture on page 48? Which
seems stronger – his need for
freedom, or his need for
companionship?
3
How is Brighty “like a man in
ambush”, when he visits the old
Timer’s camp? What do you
suppose he is thinking?
4
Where is Brighty’s summer
home? What pleasure does he
enjoy on his trip to his summer
home?
5
What words does the author use
to suggest that the cave was a
comfortable, safe place?
6
What is Brighty’s fighting
strategy? Do you tink this could
really happen? Why or why not?
7
How badly hurt is Brighty? Will
he make it to Uncle Jim’s? Will
his wounds heal?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
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Journal – Week One
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Jake Irons takes advantage of the prospector. Describe
a time you saw someone take advantage of someone else’s
generosity. (How did the person “open himself up” to the
other? Why?
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Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Chapter 6-8, pages 44-60
Vocabulary
Definitions:
QuestionsAnswers:
Discussion:
Character
buck (44) – to jump or rear upward
resolutely (52) – having determination
pungence (44) – strong smell
beckoning (52) – an attraction or
ouzel (44) – bird in thrush family with temptation, gesture to come
band across throat
cascade (52) – small waterfall
meekness (47) – showing a mild, quiet
vermilion (52) – bright red
nature
abyss (52) – a chasm or gorge so deep
cataracts (48) – a series of river
or vast it seems bottomless
rapids and small waterfalls
pell-mell (54) – in a disorderly frantic
lasso (48) – rope with a sliding noose
rush
raucous (48) – unpleasantly loud
loped (56) – run in long easy strides
mesquite (49) – a small spiny tree or
dulcet (57) – agreeable to hear
shrub
grotto (57) – a cave
monotonously (50) – uninteresting or
rapier (58) – long, slender, cupboring because of its sameness
shaped, sharp-pointed
loafing (51) – spending time lazily
flailing (58) – thrashing or swinging
detours (52) – deviation from a more
around wildly
direct route
Grades 5-6
Grades 7-8
1) the prospector is gone, doesn’t
1) Once someone dies in the river, his
come to feed Brighty, left his
body is never found; Answers will
campsite messy, left his watch, find
vary: In memory of his friend
his hat and feather
2) Answers will vary.
2) Answers will vary.
3) Get into the swinging cage or use
3) To get back to the state’s
collapsible boat; he gets dizzy easily
attorney’s office to report the crime
so does not want to use cage.
4) He wants the men to take turns
4) He allows himself to be hobbled,
riding the burro up the canyon wall
then bounds away, just as the sheriff
5) He cheers him on.
is about to rope him.
6) Uncle Jim knows the prospector’s
5) He cheers him on.
sister and the sheriff wants him to
6) He is going to lead a lion hunt to be
corroborate the story.
attended by Teddy Roosevelt.
7) Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Many characters are introduced in the first few chapters of the book. Begin
to list them, identify their physical and special characteristics, and how
Brighty feels about each one. Be sure that Brighty is one of the characters
that you use in your attribute webs. For Brighty, concentrate primarily on his
appearance, what he does and what others say about him. Have students use
the chart on page 16 or create their own graphic organizers for the
characters selected.
20
CHARACTER ANALYSIS SHEET
Character’s Voice
What the character says:
Character’s Voice
What the words show:
Character’s Deeds
What the character does:
Character’s Deeds
What the actions show:
Character’s Thoughts and Feelings
What the character thinks and feels:
Character’s Thoughts and Feelings
What the thoughts and feelings show:
Character’s Looks
Hair Color
Eye Color
Age
Height
Distinguishing features:
What Others Say about the Character
Character’s Looks
Similarities to me:
Differences:
What We Learn About the
Character From Them
21
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 9-10, pages 61-72
www.quia.com/jg/1135549.html
1 pungent (62)
2 salve (63)
3 carcass (64)
4 chasm (64)
5 trough (68)
6 tendrils (72)
7 domesticated (72)
22
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 9-10, pages 61-72
INQUIRY
1
How does Brighty get to Uncle
Jim? How do both feel when
they see each other?
2
How does Uncle Jim feel about
the death of the cougar?
3
What kind of “tie” is there
between the man and the burro
(p.64)? Why doesn’t the burro
run off?
4
What is Brighty’s daily routine
like at Uncle Jim’s?
5
How long does Jim spend nursing
Brighty back to health? What
does Brighty do for Uncle Jim?
6
Why does Uncle Jim think of the
kid who had his head shaved? Do
you think Brighty’s character has
changed?
7
How much longer will Brighty
stay with Uncle Jim? How will
they be separated?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
Questions for 7th-8th
23
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 9-10, pages 61-72
INQUIRY
1
How does Uncle Jim treat the
wounds that Brighty got from
the mountain lion? Why does he
cover the cuts?
2
Why does he say that “the only
good lion’s a dead ‘un” (p.64). Do
you agree? Why or why not?
3
What kind of “tie” is there
between the man and the burro
(p.64)? Why doesn’t the burro
run off?
4
Where does Uncle Jim go during
the day?
5
How does Brighty show his
gratitude to Jim for nursing him
back to health? Do you think an
animal can really be grateful?
6
Why does Uncle Jim think of the
kid who had his head shaved? Do
you think Brighty’s character has
changed?
7
How much longer will Brighty
stay with Uncle Jim? How will
they be separated?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
24
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Chs. 9-10, pages 61-72
Vocabulary:
pungent (62) – strong - smelling
salve (63) – soothing ointment
carcass (64) – dead body of an animal
chasm (64) – a deep crack or hole in the earth
trough (68) – a narrow channel, groove, or gutter
tendrils (72) – threadlike plant coil coming out from stem
domesticated (72) – tame, not wild
Questions:
Discussion:
Thoughts
Discussion:
Simile
Grades 5-6
1) Uncle Jim goes looking for Brighty
when the burro doesn’t appear at his
usual time in the spring. He finds
Brighty in the cave. They are elated
to see each other.
2) Impressed, Happy
3) They are friends who enjoy each
other’s company.
4) He grazes in the meadow, spends
evenings with Jim and gets wounds
tended to in the evening
5) Several months, Brighty stays and
helps carry water tins.
6) The kid’s formerly straight hair
grew in curly; Brighty seems to want
to work after illness. Answers will
vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Grades 7-8
1) Pours pine resin into the cuts; rips
his pants and fastens the bottoms on
Brighty with suspenders. He does
this to keep Brighty from picking at
the cuts.
2) He sees cougars as dangerous
enemies , to be conquered by men.
Answers will vary.
3) They are friends who enjoy each
other’s company.
4) He leads lion hunts.
5) Brighty stays and helps carry
water tins. Answers will vary.
6) The kid’s formerly straight hair
grew in curly; Brighty seems to want
to work after illness. Answers will
vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Quentin, President Roosevelt’s son, is being allowed to go on an adult outing,
possible a dangerous one. Have you ever been included in something the adult
members of your family were doing? How did it make you feel? How do you
think Quentin felt?
A simile is a comparison that includes the words “like” or “as”. For example:
“Her hands are like ice cubes.” The simile on page 50 states “… he watched
the man…disappear in the black mine like a mole into his run.” How is the
man’s movement like a mole’s? Why is this comparison effective? (Both
tunnel underground; there is something bestial about the man.) Keep a running
list of similes used by the author.
25
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 11-12, pages 73-86
www.quia.com/jg/1135549.html
1 expectancy (73)
2 capering (74)
3 tumult (75)
4 tawny (75)
5 stealthy (76)
6 lustily (76)
7 tapering (78)
8 transfixed (79)
9 quizzical (79)
10 venison (80)
11 frijole (80)
12 umber (81)
13 gangly (82)
14 gaits (83)
15 aspen (85)
16 boles (85)
17 artfully (86)
26
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 11-12, pages 73-86
INQUIRY
1
How does President Theodore
Roosevelt feel about being on
the lion hunt? How would you
feel?
2
How does Brighty feel about the
lion hunt?
3
What happens when the lion sees
Brighty?
4
How does Brighty get rid of the
lion?
5
How does the president react to
the incident?
6
Why does Uncle Jim decide to
let Brighty work for other
people? Who does Brighty work
for?
7
What are your impressions of
Brighty now?
RESPONSE
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
27
Chapters 11-12, pages 73-86
INQUIRY
1
How does President Theodore
Roosevelt feel about being on
the lion hunt? How would you
feel?
2
What Brighty’s goal on the lion
hunt? Why is he the only animal
wearing a bell? Do you think it
will help him?
3
What happens when the lion sees
Brighty? How does Brighty
react?
4
How does the President react to
the incident?
5
Who does Brighty refuse to work
for?
6
How does Uncle Jim feel about
that?
7
What are your impressions of
Brighty now?
RESPONSE
28
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Chs.11-12, pgs 73-86
expectancy (73) – excited awareness
that something is about to happen
tow-headed (73) – light blond, almost
white hair
capering (74) – playful jumping
tumult (75) – noisy commotion
tawny (75) – orangey brown
stealthy (76) – done in a slow, careful,
and quiet way
lustily (76) – full of energy
tapering (78)- becoming more narrow
transfixed (79) – inability to move
Questions:
Grades 5-6
1) Happy to be close to nature,
exhilarated by the element of
danger; Answers will vary.
2) He is bewildered, but excited by
all the yelling and barking.
3) The cougar jumps on his back.
4) He tries to get the cougar off,
shake him loose, scrape him off, a
lasso finally pulls him off.
5)The president treats Brighty like a
hero.
6) Uncle Jim wants to test whether
Brighty has really changed. Brighty
works for Homer Hobbs the waterboy
and he plays with the children and
gives them rides for the treats they
share with him.
7) Answers will vary. May include He
is young, free-spirited, intelligent,
helpful to his friends, enjoys playing
tricks and fooling some. --------------
Grades 7-8
1) Happy to be close to nature,
exhilarated by the element of
danger; Answers will vary.
2) Brighty wants to stay even with,
or ahead of the dogs, mules and men.
He is the only animal young enough
and small enough to be prey for the
lion. Answers will vary.
3) The cougar jumps on his back. He
tries to get the cougar off, shake him
loose, scrape him off, a lasso finally
pulls him off.
4) The president treats Brighty like a
hero.
5) He doesn’t cooperate with those
who prod or whip him, like the redheaded man.
6) Uncle Jim is relieved that Brighty
won’t take any guff and hasn’t really
changed.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Author’s
CraftIrony
Irony refers to an incident that turns out to be the opposite of what
is expected.
Vocabulary:
Discussion:
Thoughts
quizzical (79) – questioning
venison (80) – deer meat
frijole (80) – Mexican beans
umber (81) – dark brown
gangly (82) – lanky, tall, and awkward
gaits (83) – manner of walking
aspen (85) – type of poplar tree
boles (85) – tree trunk
artfully (86) – performed with
cleverness
What is ironic about the way that Brighty has been acting ever since
he was injured? Do you think that Brighty has changed?
Uncle Jim does not seem to be happy with the change in Brighty. How
is this ironic?
What words need to be added to Brighty’s character attributes web?
Find out if any students have seen the Grand Canyon. Ask how they
would describe it. May also want to show pictures .
29
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 13-15, pages 87-102
www.quia.com/jg/1135594.html
1 mesa (88)
2 skirting (89)
3 sluiced (89)
4 pummeled (89)
5 grubstakers (92)
6 captive (93)
7 cinch (95)
8 forlornly (95)
9 beacon (96)
10 sodden (97)
11 spasm (100)
12 dejected (100)
13 festered (100)
14 liniment (101)
30
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 13-15, pages 87-102
INQUIRY
1
What is a “homing instinct”
(p.89) and where does Brighty’s
homing instinct take him?
2
How does the man catch
Brighty? How does he plan to
use the burro?
3
How does the man try to get
Brighty across the river?
4
What is shown on page 94-95?
5
Look at the picture on page 96.
Why does the author refer to
the beaver as Brighty’s “furry
little savior”?
6
Why does Brighty stumble often
and feel pain? Where is he
headed for help?
7
Compare what Jim does for
Brighty with what you think a
modern day vet would do for
him?
RESPONSE
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
31
Chapters 13-15, pages 87-102
INQUIRY
1
When Brighty’s homing instinct
drives him back to the mine, who
is there and what do they try to
do? Why?
2
How does the man catch
Brighty? How does he plan to
use the burro?
3
How can you tell that Brighty is
afraid of crossing in the cage?
4
How does Brighty get out of his
bondage to the man?
5
What do you suppose the man
says and does when Brighty
swims to freedom?
6
What are the “Battle Scars of
Freedom” (p. 97) that Jim
mentions?
7
Compare what Jim does for
Brighty with what you think a
modern day vet would do for
him?
RESPONSE
32
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs.13-15, pgs 87-102
Vocabulary:
Questions:
Discussion:
Thoughts
Discussion:
Story Map
mesa (88) – flat, elevated area
skirting (89) – traveling along the
edge
sluiced (89) – to flood with a heavy
flow of water
pummeled (89) – hit with repeated
blows
grubstakers (92) – people willing to
advance money to prospectors
captive (93) – a prisoner, person or
animal forcibly confined
cinch (95) – a thick leather strap
used to keep saddle secure
Grades 5-6:
1) A drive to return home, the
Little Mimi Mine
2) He flings a belt around his neck,
makes a cinch out of one of his
puttees. He wants the burro to
carry the ore samples to town.
3) He shoves Brighty into the cage.
4) Brighty kicks out the bars of the
cage and gets caught on a stud by
the belt around his neck. The man
thinks the burro will kill them both
so he is trying to cut Brighty loose.
5) He finds strength by swimming
toward the beaver.
6) He is sick and is trying to get to
Uncle Jim’s for help.
7) Answers will vary but should
mention some of the things Jim did.
forlornly (95) – lonely an miserable
beacon (96) – flashing light for
ships
sodden (97) – thoroughly wet
spasm (100) – involuntary sudden
muscle contraction
dejected (100) – very unhappy
festered (100) – to produce pus
because of an infection
liniment (101) – pain –relieving liquid
rub
Grades 7-8:
1) Jake Irons is at mine (even
though author does not say name)
He tries to push Brighty out of cave
onto the rocks. Answers will vary.
2) He flings a belt around his neck,
makes a cinch out of one of his
puttees. He wants the burro to
carry the ore samples to town.
3) He rears up; a “wild dread” seizes
him; he bucks and breaks bars of
cage. Leaps out and gets caught.
4) He kicks his way out and leaps
out and gets caught by the belt,
while hanging and fighting wildly.
The man thinks the burro will kill
them both so he cuts Brighty loose.
He falls into the rushing river, he
struggles, then swims to safety.
5)Answers will vary.
6) Brighty is free, but has serious
cough and sores.
7) Answers will vary but should
mention some of the things Jim did.
Why do you suppose the author does not refer to the man by his name?
Possible answer – The author is going from Brighty’s point of view and thus
he is just “the man”.
A Story Map is an outline that helps you to understand and remember the
story better. Guide students to remember details of what the story has
covered so far using a graphic organizer similar to the one found on page
30? You may choose to have them do just a chapter of the story like “The
Lion Hunt” or “Caged over the Colorado”.
33
STORY MAP
Setting:
Characters:
Problem:
Event 1:
Event 2:
Event 3:
Event 4:
Solution or Conclusion:
34
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 16-17, pages 103-117
www.quia.com/jg/1135594.html
1 shaft (105)
2 stupor (105)
3 auger (106)
4 chiseled (107)
5 johnnybread (111)
6 daubed (111)
7 formaldehyde (113)
8 ambled (113)
9 wiles (113)
10 tremors (114)
11 bulkhead (116)
35
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 16-17, pages 103-117
INQUIRY
1
What is the “carrot cure”?
2
How does Brighty feel when
Uncle Jim leaves for town?
3
Why doesn’t Brighty stay in the
corral with the white mule as
winter approaches?
4
How did Brighty get along with
the painter on page 110?
5
How does the man with the
butterfly net help Brighty? How
does Brighty help the man?
6
Why does the man with the
butterfly net put a bell on
Brighty?
7
What is the “Spider Web of
Steel” (p. 110)?
RESPONSE
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
36
Chapters 16-17, pages 103-117
INQUIRY
1
Why do the trees seem to grow
taller and the forest deer seem
to be closing in on Brighty after
Jim left (p.104)?
2
Do you think it was good that
Brighty chases after the white
mule? Why or why not?
3
How does Jim feel about Brighty
not staying for the winter?
4
What ended the painter and
Brighty’s friendship? Do you
think Brighty would have stayed
with the painter if that hadn’t
happened?
5
How does the man with the
butterfly net figure out who
Brighty is?
6
How does Brighty fool the man
with the butterfly net? Why?
7
How does Brighty help the
bridge builders? Why?
RESPONSE
Journal – Week Two
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
37
Uncle Jim devises the “carrot cure” to get Brighty to
take the cough medicine. Have you ever done anything
similar to make you pet take its medicine? Have you
heard stories about how others have tricked their pets?
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38
Answer Key & Discussion Leads(TE) (inappropriate language pg. 112)
Brighty of Grand Canyon, Chs 16-17, pgs 103-117
(105) – light beam
formaldehyde (113) – a colorless gas
Vocabulary: shaft
stupor (105) – dazed state, lacking
with a strong distinctive smell
Questions:
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft Dialect
Discussion:
Thoughts
mental alertness
auger (106) – hand tool for boring
holes
chiseled (107) – cut away
johnnybread (111) – thin cornbread
cakes
daubed (111) – put something on in an
irregular or blotchy way
Grades 5-6:
1) When Brighty won’t swallow the
medicine, Uncle Jim hides it inside a
carrot.
2) Frightened and lonely, he is sick.
3) He considers it, but decides to
run free. Freedom is important.
4) Pretty well at first; The painter
shared his food and Brighty carried
his supplies.
5) He removes the picture from
Brighty’s neck and shares his food.
Brighty carries his bedroll and
formaldehyde.
6) He is getting possessive and
wants to know where the burrow is
at all times so there are no delays
7)The bridge that is being built
across the Grand Canyon
ambled (113) – walked slowly in a
relaxed manner
wiles (113) – a trick or cunning ruse
tremors (114) –a slight shaking or
trembling movement
bulkhead (116) – a wall built to hold
back something or hold something in
place
Grades 7-8:
1) Brighty is sick, he becomes frightened
and lonely
2) Answers will vary, may mention that
he was able to be with someone and was
cared for.
3) He understands and is content to let
Brighty choose.
4) Brighty got stung by a yellow jacket
and bucked the artist off; the artist’s
foot went through the canvas and he
smashed it over Brighty’s head in anger.
Answers will vary.
5) Apparently Brighty is famous;
thehiker figures out that this dokey is
the one everyone talks about
6) Brighty knows how to keep from
swaying so the clapper of the bell
doesn’t sound. He sneaks around quietly
because he doesn’t like being bossed
around
7) The workers are kind to him and he
helps carry sand for the cement.
A dialect is a local from of a language. It may differ from standard English in
pronunciation, intonation, grammar or vocabulary. Refer to Uncle Jim’s
comments about the medicine on page 108;
“I don’t know when I’ve been so tickled with myself! Presidents and burros ain’t
so different, after all…If I recollect proper, I used to doctor up Teddy
Roosevelt’s dose in a cup o’ hot tea!” How would the same idea be expressed in
“standard English”.
(I’m pleased with myself! Presidents and burros aren’t so different, after all.
If I remember properly, I used to mix Teddy Roosevelt’s medicine in a cup of
hot tea.)
Make a list of unusual expressions and pronunciations you find in the book, and
their “translations”.
The sheriff is so upset about not being able to catch the Old Timer’s murderer
that he is losing weight, tossing and turning at night, and developing ulcers.
Have you ever been really worried about something? How was it settled? Who
can we turn all our worries over to so that we get the “peace that passes all
understanding.”
39
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 18-20, pages 118-135
www.quia.com/jg/1135395.html
1 faltered (121)
2 emblem (123)
3 surveyor (124)
4 khaki (125)
5 treachery (126)
6 enterprising (126)
7 boatswain (127)
8 brassiest (129)
9 hankering (130)
10 inscription (130)
11 spliced (132)
12 bulwark (132)
13 pulsating (133)
14 gingerly (134)
40
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 18-20, pages 118-135
INQUIRY
RESPONSE
1 What are the two meanings
of “B.A.”?
2 Who came to the dedication
ceremony? What was being
dedicated?
3 What gift is Uncle Jim
given? Who gave it to him?
Why?
4 Why does President Roosevelt
think Brighty and Uncle Jim
should be the first across the
bridge?
5 How was Brighty coaxed
across the bridge?
6 Why do you think it is hard
for Brighty to go across the
bridge?
7
What will happen when
Brighty meets a herd of
wild burros?
PREDICTION:
41
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 18-20, pages 118-135
INQUIRY
1
How did the men dress Brighty
for the ceremony?
2
What sort of “fitting emblem” is
Brighty given? What would have
been another “fitting emblem”
for him?
3
How does Uncle Jim respond to
the gift he was given? Why do
you think he reacted that way?
4
Why does President Roosevelt
think Brighty and Uncle Jim
should be the first across the
bridge? Do you agree? Why or
why not?
5
How was the celebration
different from what it would be
if the bridge were built today?
6
Who was the “jailer atop the cage”
(p.133) Brighty may be
remembering? How do you know
that that jailer is watching the
ceremony>
7
What will happen when Brighty
meets a herd of wild burros?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
42
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs.18-20,pgs 118-135
Vocabulary:
Questions:
Culinary:
Discussion:
Comparison –
faltered (121) – lose confidence
emblem (123) – symbol
surveyor (124) – somebody
whose occupation is taking
accurate measurements of land
khaki (125) – brownish-yellow
color
treachery (126) – betrayal or
deceit
enterprising (126) – showing
initiative and a willingness to
undertake new projects
boatswain (127) – a noncommissioned officer on a ship
Grades 5-6:
1) B.A. stands for Bright Angel
and Bachelor of Arts.
2) Participants included Uncle
Jim, President Roosevelt, the
governor of Arizona, & builders.
3) President Roosevelt gives
Uncle Jim a rifle because he
admires him.
4) They are the frontiersmen
who forged the trail and bridge
is intended for man and beast.
5)Uncle Jim lifted his feet onto
the bridge and walked beside
him.
6) Answers will vary. Might
mention something about falling
in or what happened with Jake.
7) Answers will vary.
brassiest (129) – resembling the
sound of a brass musical
instrument
hankering (130) – to want
something very badly
inscription (130) – words or
letters engraved on a surface
spliced (132) – to join into
bulwark (132) – to fortify or
protect by building walls
pulsating (133) – a strong regular
beat that is full of energy
gingerly (134) – very cautiously
Grades 7-8:
1) They give him a helmet and
braid colored tapes through his
mane and tail.
2) A pair of wings are pasted on
the helmet. Answers will vary.
3) He has trembling hands and
his eyes mist with tears.
Answers will vary.
4) They are the frontiersmen
who forged the trail and bridge
is intended for man and beast.
Answers will vary.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Jake Irons, who forced him
into the cage. P. 128, “a ragged,
black-bearded creature, more
animal than man, peered down…”
7) Answers will vary.
Find and make a recipe for johnnycake or sourdough biscuits.
Have students compare and contrast the different men that have
had close contact with Brighty. What do they have in common?
How do they differ from one another? Have students use a venn
diagram like the one on page 39.
43
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 21-23, pages 136-150
www.quia.com/jg/1135395.html
1 rapt (136)
2 jennies (137)
3 slued (138)
4 labyrinth (141)
5 brooked (141)
6 vortex (142)
7 Palomino (144)
8 welts (145)
9 pelts (149)
10 balk (149)
11 hindquarters (149)
12 precipice (150)
44
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 21-23, pages 136-150
INQUIRY
1
Why does Brighty leave Uncle
Jim?
2
What kind of life does Brighty
lead with the other burros on
the mesa?
3
What kind of father does
Brighty make?
4
Why does Brighty leave the
other burros?
5
How does Brighty feel about
seeing Jake again?
6
How does Jake abuse Brighty?
7
How do you think Brighty will act
once he is on the side of the
bridge most familiar to him?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
45
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 21-23, pages 136-150
INQUIRY
1
What is the “Battle on the Mesa”
p.136)?
2
How long did Brighty stay with
the burro herd? How did he
change physically?
3
What enemies does Brighty face
as leader of the herd? How does
He lose some of his foals?
4
What would have happened if
Brighty refused to leave?
5
How does Jake capture Brighty?
Could he have avoided capture if
he had wanted to?
6
How does Jake abuse Brighty?
Why doesn’t Brighty escape?
7
How do you think Brighty will act
once he is on the side of the
bridge most familiar to him?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
46
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs.21-23,pgs. 136-150
Vocabulary:
rapt (136) – completely engrossed
jennies (137) – a female donkey
sluted (138) – to swerve or skid
sideways
labyrinth (141) – a confusing
network of crisscrossing or
complicated paths or passages
brooked (141) – to put up with
something
vortex (142) – a whirling mass of
something
Palomino (144) – golden-colored
burro
welts (145) – raised ridges or
bumps caused by a scratch or blow
pelts (149) – animal skin with fur
balk (149) – to refuse to deal with
something
hindquarters (149) – rear of a fourlegged animal
precipice (150) – high, vertical or
very steep rock face
Questions:
Grades 5-6:
1) He sees the wild burros.
2) He raises a family, explores
the trails, fights to keep his
position, defends his group.
3) Intelligent and devoted
4) He is beaten by a younger
male.
5) A little less lonely and
miserable
6) Ropes him, jerks the
ropes,pokes hime, jumps to make
the bridge sway more
7) Answers will vary
Grades 7-8:
Discussion:
Author’s
CraftConflict
As is true in real life, the characters in novels face many conflicts.
When two people or forces struggle over the same thing, conflict
occurs. The excitement in novels develops from the use of the
three main types of conflict: (1) person against person; (2) person
against nature or society; and (3) person against himself or herself.
Use a chart similar to the one below to help your students
remember some of the conflicts Brighty has encountered from the
novel.
CONFLICT
DESCRIPTION
TYPE
RESOLUTION
Discussion:
Thoughts
Do you think the author has successfully intervoven facts of history
and fiction? What might be the advantage of presenting a
historical period as fiction instead of textbook prose?
1) Brighty fights for leadership of a
group
2) He was with the head for three
years. He becomes thinner,
shaggier,more wild-looking, more
watchful
3) He fights coyotes, wolves, lions.
He lost some foals to Indians
4) Answers will vary. The other
burro would have killed them.
5) Puts a rope around his neck. He
probably could escape.
6) Ropes him, jerks the ropes,pokes
hime, jumps to make the bridge
sway more
7) Answers will vary
47
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 24-26, pages 151-167
www.quia.com/jg/1135401.html
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
delta (151)
splay-legged (152)
plaintive (153)
meager (154)
billowed (155)
rasping (155)
relentlessly (157)
pasterns (157)
shrouded (158)
crone (160)
spume (160)
cackled (162)
taint (165)
plunder (165)
mackinaw (166)
runt (166)
unsheathed (166)
flanks (167)
48
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 24-26, pages 151-167
INQUIRY
1
How does Brighty’s mood change
after he crosses the river?
Why?
2
Why is Jake so anxious to
recapture Brighty?
3
Do you think Jake could survive
without Brighty? Do you think a
burro like Brighty could find his
way home?
4
How does Jake get into the
cabin? Do you think Uncle Jim
planned to leave or did he leave
in a hurry?
5
How can you tell that Jake only
cares about himself?
6
What does Jake take from Uncle
Jim?
7
Why doesn’t Brighty eat Jake’s
leftovers right away?
RESPONSE
49
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 24-26, pages 151-167
INQUIRY
1
How does Brighty’s mood change
after he crosses the river?
Why?
2
Where is Brighty headed? Why
is he baffled by the storm? Do
you think Jake could survive
without Brighty?
3
How do Brighty’s feelings change
when he gets to Uncle Jim’s
place? Why?
4
What does the inside of the
cabin “say” about Uncle Jim?
What does your empty room
“say” about you?
5
What words would you use to
describe Jake?
6
How can you tell this is Uncle
Jim’s cabin? Why does Jake
throw the plate from the rifle
away?
7
Why doesn’t Jake “whack this
skillet over [Brighty’s] head” (p.
165) How can you tell that
Brighty doesn’t like Jake any
better than Jake likes him?
RESPONSE
50
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs.24-26,pgs. 151-167
Vocabulary:
Questions:
Discussion:
Cause/Effect
Chart
delta (151) – triangular land area at
river mouth
splay-legged (152) – spread legs
wide and outward
plaintive (153) – sad-sound
meager (154) – unsatisfactorily
small
billowed (155) – to flow in curling
mass
rasping (155) – harsh grating sound
relentlessly (157) – never slacking,
ceaseless and intense
pasterns (157) – the part of a
burro’s foot between the fetlock
and the top of the hoof
shrouded (158) – completely
covered
Grades 5-6:
1) He feels gleeful, finds new
strength now that he is in his home
territory again. He is thinking of
Uncle Jim.
2) He needs Brighty to lead him;
the burro has his pack.
3) Answers will vary – most likely
not Brighty takes the brunt of the
storm; Jake uses his tail as a towrope.
4)Throws his body against the door;
planned, everything is in order
5) He logs the fire, makes soup and
coffee while Brighty eats bark,
steals Uncle Jim’s things
6) food clothing, his rifle
7) He can’t stand Jake’s smell on
the food.
crone (160) – insulting term for an
elderly woman
spume (160) – a mass of fine
bubbles on the surface
cackled (162) – to laugh a harsh,
shrill, high-pitched laugh
taint (165) – to pollute or
contaminate something
plunder (165) – rob a place or steal
goods
mackinaw (166) – short heavy coat
runt (166) – considerably smaller
than average
unsheathed (166) – to remove from
protective covering (sheath)
flanks (167) – side of an animal
between the last rib and the hip
Grades 7-8:
1) He feels gleeful, finds new
strength now that he is in his home
territory again. He is thinking of
Uncle Jim.
2) The North Rim – Uncle Jim’s; he
has never seen it to this degree
before
3) Joy turns to dismay, the area is
deserted, he is disappointed.
4) Uncle Jim is tidy, the bunk is
made, logs and canned goods are
stacked neatly; answers will vary.
5) Answers will vary -- cruel,
selfish, unscrupulous, conniving
6) The rifle is inscribed to him; so
it won’t be so easily recognized as
the one given to Jim by the
President.
7) He needs Brighty to break trail
through snow; Answers vary
When examining the reason for events in a story, we often find that: (a)
one cause has several results, or (b) several causes lead to the same
result.
Help students understand cause/effect with a chart similar to the one on
page 47.
51
CAUSE/EFFECT CHART
How does the losing the battle with the Palomino affect
Brighty’s behavior?
CAUSE
Brighty
no
longer
leads
herd
Think about why Brighty acts like he does around Jake. Organize
some of these reasons (causes) within the map below.
Jake Iron shows up at the Old Timer’s camp
and the Old Timer disappears
Brighty senses that
Jake had something to
do with his friend
being gone.
52
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 27-29, pages 168-182
www.quia.com/jg/1135401.html
1 pygmy (170)
2 knoll (171)
3 dunce (172)
4 anticipation (174)
5 parings (175)
6 greenhorn (179)
7 wincing (179)
8 buckled (181)
9 scrutinizing (181)
53
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 27-29, pages 168-182
INQUIRY
1
How do Brighty and Jake judge
direction?
2
How is the ranch house different
from what Brighty had
expected? Why do you suppose
it is empty?
3
What sort of feast does Jake
have? What about Brighty?
4
“What is “The Voice Inside the
Snowman”?
5
How is Jake feeling in the
picture on page 178?
6
What is Homer doing here?
7
Why does Homer feel “mean and
selfish” eating the apples? How
do you explain the fact that one
person can be as cruel and
selfish as Jake and another as
kind as Homer?
RESPONSE
54
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 27-29, pages 168-182
INQUIRY
1
Why does Brighty head to the
left (p. 169) ?
2
How is the ranch house different
from what Brighty had
expected? Why do you suppose
it is empty?
3
Why does Jake allow Homer to
stay? What hidden meaning is
there in his statement, “Come
into my parlor”?
4
What do you think Jake means
by “Tomorrow I’ll be rid of ‘em
both”? Was he? Why or why not?
5
Why does Homer blame himself
for getting lost and getting
frostbite?
6
Why does Homer feel “mean and
selfish” eating the apples? How
do you explain the fact that one
person can be as cruel and
selfish as Jake and another as
kind as Homer?
7
Why is Jake tense, then
relieved, as he watches Homer
sleep?
RESPONSE
Journal – Week Three
55
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Uncle Jim cries from happiness and pride when presented
with the rifle by President Roosevelt. Describe the
proudest moment of you life. (What had you done? Was
your achievement recognized by others? How did you
react? What about those around you? Did that moment
change you?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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56
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs.27-29,pgs. 168-182
(170) – tiny creature
greenhorn (179) – someone who is
Vocabulary: pygmy
knoll (171) – little hill
naïve, unsophisticated, easily duped
dunce (172) – somebody who is felt
to be unintelligent or a slow learner
anticipation (174) – the feeling of
eagerly looking forward to
something
parings (175) – thin slices of fruit
peelings
Questions:
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft - Plot
wincing (179) – to make an
expression of pain with the face
buckled (181) – to bend
scrutinizing (181) – to examine
somebody closely and carefully
Grades 5-6:
1) Brighty uses landmarks,
remembers Bright Angel Point and
the ranch where he had enjoyed
salt.
2) It too is deserted; Answers vary
– The cowboys head to more
sheltered areas for the winter, as
Jim does.
3) Jake has soup, squirrel, coffee,
potatoes, and apples. Brighty makes
do with apple and potato peels.
4) Homer shows up, covered with
snow.
5) angry, caged, trapped by the
snow
6) He was on his way to a
lumberjack job in Flagstaff.
7) He didn’t offer any of the first
apple to Brighty; Answers will vary.
Grades 7-8:
1) He wants to get to the ranch.
2) It too is deserted; Answers vary
– The cowboys head to more
sheltered areas for the winter, as
Jim does
3) He sees Homer’s knife, so
decides to use Homer to his
advantage – almost like the
children’s tale about a spider
inviting the fly into his parlor.
4) He plans to leave Homer to fend
for himself and kill Brighty once he
reaches Utah; No, he gets snowed
in.
5) He left seeking a job in Flagstaff
despite Uncle Jim’s advice to wait
until spring.
6) He didn’t offer any of the first
apple to Brighty; Answers will vary.
7) Homer seems to be talking about
the rifle, but Irons realizes he is
only talking in his sleep.
Plot is the author’s way of presenting the important events of a story.
Visualizing the plot of a story helps the students develop knowledge of text
structure, improve comprehension, help with retelling the story in summary
fashion, and enhances students’ knowledge of the art of composing a good
story.
Plot usually consists of an initial conflict, rising action, climax, falling
action, and resolution.
Using the form on page 53 or your own more realistically drawn mountain,
help students plot the story thus far.
57
PLOT DIAGRAM MOUNTAIN
Climax
Rising Action
Initiating Conflict
Falling Action
Resolution
58
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapters 30-31, pages 183-196
www.quia.com/jg/1135379.html
1 hermitage (184)
2 dire (185)
3 canine (185)
4 occupants (186)
5 nursing (186)
6 unkempt (186)
7 ominous (187)
8 swiveled (189)
9 wraithlike (190)
10 wavered (192)
11 fraught (193)
12 wick (195)
13 burnishing (195)
14 transformed (195)
15 saplings (196)
59
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 30-31, pages 183-196
INQUIRY
1
What are some possible reasons
that Brighty joins the others
only at 5:00 and brays every
evening?
2
Why does Jake hit Homer
(p.185)?
3
What is Homer doing with the
wire and canvas? Why do you
think Jake assumes Homer is
trying to escape alone?
RESPONSE
4 Why does Jake threaten
Homer about “two carcasses
to stew” (p.188)?
5
Why doesn’t Jake shoot Uncle
when Uncle Jim appears?
6
Why does Uncle Jim give Jake
“Moon-Lily Tea”?
7
How long will the men be trapped
by the blizzard? How will they
get out? What will happen to
Jake?
PREDICTION:
60
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 30-31, pages 183-196
INQUIRY
1
What does Homer think Brighty
is doing when he brays every
evening?
2
How does Jake react? What do
we know from the Bible that
could calm Jake’s fears?
3
Is Homer trying to escape alone
like Jake thinks? If you were
Homer, what else might you plan
for your survival?
4
Do you think Homer tells Uncle
Jim about Jake’s plan to kill
Brighty? Why or why not?
5
Why doesn’t Uncle Jim believe
Jake’s story?
6
How does he figure out the Jake
is Old Timer’s murderer?
7
How long will the men be trapped
by the blizzard? How will they
get out? What will happen to
Jake?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
61
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs.30-31,pgs 183-196
Vocabulary:
hermitage (184) – a place of
solitude
dire (185) – frightful or terrible
canine (185) – dog-like, or wolflike
occupants (185) – inhabitants
wraithlike (190) – unearthly,
eerie
wavered (192) – moved aside
indecisively
Questions:
Grades 5-6:
Grades 7-8:
1) Answers will vary – Brighty is
1) Brighty might be sending a
use to being fed at sundown.
message to the living or the
2) Homer “hits too close to
dead.
home” when he mentions the
2) Stunned, frightened; The
prospector
Bible says that the dead know
3) Homer is making snowshoes;
nothing.
That is what Jake irons would
3) No he is willing to make
do.
snowshoes for Jake as well;
4) He plans to shoot Brighty to
answers will vary.
eat and will shoot Homer if he
4) Answers will vary.
interferes.
5) He doesn’t believe that
5) Uncle Jim orders him to put
Brighty would come willingly;
the gun down and Irons is
most beaver trappers stay in the
frightened, recognizing the
sheltered canyons in winter and
man’s courage.
sell their pelts in the spring.
6) Uncle Jim pretends that the
6) He sees Irons take out the
tea acts like truth serum to fool gold watch.
Irons into admitting his guilt.
7) Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
This could be a perfect time to talk with students about what we
as Adventist believe about those who have died and the hope of
heaven. With what little we know about the Old Timer, would he be
a believer or non- believer? Have them support their answers from
the text.
Discussion:
fraught (193) - filled
wick (195) – burning stem of a
candle
burnishing (195) – to rub or
buff clean
transformed (195) – changed
saplings (196) – small trees, just
beginning to grow
62
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 32-34, pages 197-211
www.quia.com/jg/1135379.html
1 frowsy (198)
2 floundered (198)
3 contract (199)
4 belch (200)
5 queasy (200)
6 torrent (202)
7 scoundrel (203)
8 clapper (203)
9 foul (204)
10 fitfully (205)
11 faltering (206)
12 forelock (208)
13 defiant (211)
14 leer (211)
63
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 32-34, pages 197-211
INQUIRY
1
Why does Uncle Jim give Jake
“Moon-Lily Tea”?
2
Why does Uncle Jim shoot the
can out of Jake’s hand? Who do
you think will end up with it’s
content? Why?
3
Why doesn’t Homer kill Jake?
4
How does Jake get his hands on
the rifle?
5
How does Brighty get hurt?
6
Do you think Brighty helped save
Uncle Jim’s life? Why or why
not?
7
Do you think Uncle Jim is a
forgiving person? Why or why
not?
RESPONSE
64
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 32-34, pages 197-211
INQUIRY
1
Why does Uncle Jim give Jake
“Moon-Lily Tea”?
2
Why doesn’t Uncle Jim shoot
Jake instead of the can Jake was
holding?
3
What pros and cons do you
suppose goes through Homer’s
mind as he contemplates killing
Jake?
4
Why doesn’t Jake follow through
on his promise to “do Uncle Jim a
favor” and kill him?
5
Do you think Brighty helped save
Uncle Jim’s life? Why or why
not?
6
How does Uncle Jim take care of
Jake even though Jake has a
gun?
7
How can you tell that Uncle Jim
is a pretty forgiving person? Site
examples from the story in
regards to how Jim relates to
Homer?
RESPONSE
65
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon, Chs 32-34,pgs 197-211
Vocabulary:
Questions:
Discussion:
Author’s
CraftConflict
frowsy (198) – messy or shabby in
appearance
floundered (198) – hesitate in
confusion
contract (199) – shrink or become
smaller
belch (200) – release gas from
mouth noisily
queasy (200) – nauseated, feeling
ill in the stomach
torrent (202) – a fast and powerful
rush
scoundrel (203) - villain, someone
who behaves dishonorably
Grades 5-6:
1) Uncle Jim pretends that the tea
acts like a truth serum to fool Irons
into admitting his guilt.
2) Jake Irons is eating some raisins
he had hidden. Answers will vary.
3) He considers it, but thinks about
Uncle Jakes courage and realizes it
is important to do right, he is
afraid.
4) Homer falls asleep while guarding
him.
5) Brighty takes the bullet that
misses Jim>
6) Answers will vary. – Uncle Jim
mentions later that Brighty
shouldn’t have deliberately shielded
him from the gunfire.
7) Answers will vary
clapper (203) – part making bell
ring
foul (204) – disgusting, unpleasant
fitfully (205) – starting and
stopping irregularly
faltered (206) – stumble, to move
unsteadily
forelock (208) – lock of hair on the
forehead
defiant (211) – challenging
aggressively, ready to confront
leer (211) – to look or smile in a way
that suggest unpleasant or malicious
intent
Grades 7-8:
1) Uncle Jim pretends that the tea
acts like a truth serum to fool Irons
into admitting his guilt.
2) He considers it, but that would
make Uncle Jim a murderer; he
wants Jake Irons to live to pay for
his crime – to suffer and “atone”, p.
199.
3) Pros – He would get revenge; it
would be easier than keeping Jake
prisoner; Cons – Killing is wrong;
Irons should pay for his crime;
Uncle Jake wouldn’t approve.
4) He tries to, but misses.
5) Answers will vary. – Uncle Jim
mentions later that Brighty
shouldn’t have deliberately shielded
him from the gunfire
6) He returns a shot in the
confusion, it hits the rifle and
renders it useless.
7) Answers will vary
Conflict, or struggle, drives a plot. There are several types: 1) person
against person, 2)person against nature, 3)person against society, 4)person
against self (inner conflict). Site these examples of each type from story:
The men are trapped by the snow. (2)
Jake Irons bosses and threatens Homer. (1)
Uncle Jim is torn between wanting Brighty and wanting him
to have his freedom. (4)
Jake Irons is wanted for murder. (3)
66
VOCABULARY –
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,
Chapter 35-36, pages 212-222
www.quia.com/jg/__________.html
1 kindling (212)
2 labored (213)
3 gaping (214)
4 sullen (214)
5 furrow (215)
6 pummeling (215)
7 toboggan (216)
8 desperado (217)
9 pompously (217)
10 stalwart (218)
11 mashes (218)
12 tartly (219)
13 addled (221)
67
Questions for 5th-6th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 35-36, pages 212-222
INQUIRY
1
How does Uncle Jim tend
Brighty’s gunshot wounds and try
to strengthen him?
2
When the ground shakes, what
possible causes occur to Homer?
3
Who are the rescuers?
4
What supplies did the rescuers
bring?
5
Why did the rescuers bring the
toboggan? How is it put to an
unusual use?
6
Why doesn’t the rescue party
leave right away?
7
What do you suppose happens to
Jake Irons? What punishment
do you think he deserves?
RESPONSE
68
Questions for 7th-8th
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Chapter 35-36, pages 212-222
INQUIRY
1
How does Uncle Jim tend
Brighty’s gunshot wounds and try
to strengthen him? What do you
suppose a modern-day
veterinarian would do?
2
When the ground shakes, what
possible causes occur to Homer?
What is the real reason for the
blasts?
3
Who are the rescuers? What
supplies did the rescuers bring?
4
What do you imagine the
conversation is like when the
rescuers first come upon Jim and
the others?
5
Why did the rescuers bring the
toboggan? How is it put to an
unusual use?
6
Explain the irony of the sheriff’s
statement “If this ain’t a comical
sight! Here’s a parcel of people
footing it , and the beast…riding”
7
What do you think the rest of
Brighty’s life is like? How can
you tell that his memory lives on
– even to this day?
RESPONSE
69
Journal – Week Four
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Uncle Jim was terribly worried about Brighty as he
tended his wounds. Describe a time when you were
worried about the health of your pet. (What was wron?
What did you do? What thoughts ran through your
mind?)
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
70
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Brighty of the Grand Canyon,Chs 35-36,pgs 212-222
Vocabulary:
Questions:
Discussion:
kindling (212) – fire-lighting
material, usually small dry twigs
labored (213) – done with obvious
effort
gaping (214) – wide open and deep
sullen (214) – hostilely silent
pummeling (215) – to hit repeatedly
furrow (215) – a wrinkle in the skin
of the forehead
toboggan (216) – long narrow
runnerless sled
desperado (217) – bold, reckless,
and violent criminal
pompously (217) – self-important,
exaggerated manner
stal’art or stalwart (218) – sturdy,
strong and dependable
mashes (218) – grain and water
mixture
tartly (219) – with curt disapproval
or annoyance
addled (221) – befuddled, confused
or muddled
Grades 5-6:
Grades 7-8:
1) He stops the wound up with dirt,
1) He stops the wound up with dirt,
washes it off later; gives him hot
washes it off later; gives him hot
mashes or rolled oats and sugar.
mashes or rolled oats and sugar.
2) Homer is shaking like his old
Answers will vary.
grandfather; there has been an
2) Homer is shaking like his old
earthquake.
grandfather; there has been an
3) the sheriff and his young deputy
earthquake. The rescue party is
4) blankets, toboggan, mattress,
blasting through the snow.
bacon, oatmeal, coffee, sugar,
3) The sheriff and his young deputy
dynamite
bring blankets, toboggan, mattress,
5) They probably brought the
bacon, oatmeal, coffee, sugar,
toboggan in case someone was hurt.
dynamite
Brighty is carried on it.
4) Answers will vary.
6) Everyone needs to be fed and
5) They probably brought the
strengthened for the trip; Uncle
toboggan in case someone was hurt.
Jim tries to wangle extra time for
Brighty is carried on it.
Brighty to get better.
6) Jake is pulling the burro instead
7) Answers will vary. –He is probably of the Brighty pulling Jake.
tried for murder and very possibly
7) Answers will vary. We know he
hanged.)
revives as soon as fresh air hits him.
Use info found in afterword.
Here are some criteria (“Measuring sticks”) for a realistic animal story:
The author portrays animals realistically, without giving them human
thoughts or reasons for behaving as they do.
The animals behave as animal experts would say they behave.
The story isn’t too sentimental or melodramatic.
Ask students:
What do you think of these criteria? Would you change or add any? Does
Brighty of the Grand Canyon meet these criteria? If so, how? If not, how
would you change the story to make it better?
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Concluding Activities
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Choose an activity or activities as indicated by
your teacher.
1. Make a Venn diagram comparing Uncle Jim and Jake Irons.
Then create a cinquain poem for each of these characters.
2. Summarize the story by making a collage of key characters,
pictures or symbols, and important words.
3. Divide a sheet of paper in four sections. Choose what you
think are the four most important parts of the story.
Write a summary and draw an illustration for each part.
4. Change three things in this novel and write about how the
changes would make a difference in the novel. Be prepared
to present your explanations to your classmates.
5. What did you learn about the Grand Canyon that you did not
know before reading this novel? Write three paragraphs to
share this information.
6. Select one character from the novel and write a short
dialogue from that character’s point of view. You could also
choose to write a skit to enact for the class.
7. Using a diagram similar to the one found on page 61, write
down free-associate thoughts about the novel after you
have finished it.
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Setting
Point of
View
Characters
BRIGHT
OF THE
GRAND
CANYON
Possible
Themes
Conflicts
Author’s
Style and
Tone
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