For today’s lesson, we will be reading about The Great Chicago Fire. Pre-Reading Discussion: Discuss with a shoulder partner the following questions and then raise your hand if you would like to share out. Look at the photos below: What is your impression of the fire? Was it serious? How much damage do you think the fire has caused? According to your own experience, what may cause a fire? What can lead to the spread of a fire? Background Information on The Great Chicago Fire The Great Chicago Fire was one of the worst disasters in U.S. history. The fire began on October 8, 1871 and burned for two days until October 10th. Much of the city was destroyed in the fire. The fire completely destroyed the heart of Chicago including an area four miles long and nearly a mile wide. The fire began in a small barn owned by the O'Leary family in the west section of the city. No one is quite sure how the fire began. One story tells how a cow named Daisy in the barn kicked over a lantern that started the fire, but this story was likely made up by a reporter. There are lots of other stories explaining the start of the fire including one about someone stealing milk from the barn and even one about a meteor shower! And today, we’re going to read a little bit more about it! I’m going to read the first page as you follow along, then, we’ll stop to analyze what we’ve read! I would like someone to volunteer to re-read the first paragraph so we can stop to make sense of what we’ve read so far. Why does the author start with this description of Daniel and Patrick and Catherine if he plans to describe a famous fire? The author wants the reader to understand and relate to the characters in the story. They want us to relate so we can understand and personalize the disaster. Let’s take a look at the second paragraph now. Can someone volunteer to re-read the second paragraph? What tone is the author creating by choosing to use the words “stretch” and “leaned back”? The tone is relaxed, chill, tranquil. Why does the author create this feeling or mood when the main story is about the disaster? The author is showing us by using verbs that give a relaxed tone that disasters rarely ever happen when we expect them to! Can I have another volunteer to re-read paragraph three? What details can you find about the weather and the families who live in the neighborhood? What is the author trying to show us about the characters? The author is trying to show us that the people who live here are friendly and care about each other. Can I have a volunteer read the final paragraph? Sullivan has to shout “FIRE!” What does this tell you about the technology in Chicago at the time? Sullivan has to shout “FIRE!” What does this tell you about the technology in Chicago at the time? There’s no phones, no fire alarms, not much technology if any at all. Thank you so much for letting me teach you guys today! You were awesome!