Lesson Plan - Out of the Ashes

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• devastating 
• empathy

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them identify why Avery Colvert wanted to help other teens after the wildfires.

1. Based on the article and the sidebar, “City On Fire,” what were some of the effects of the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire?
Based on the article and sidebar, some of the effects of the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire were the loss of thousands of homes, businesses, schools, and other buildings; the evacuation of 200,000 people; and the destruction of 40,000 acres.
^{R.5 Cause and Effect}

2. What does Avery Colvert describe as a miracle? Why?
Avery Colvert describes the huge number of donations of clothes, shoes, and beauty products the Altadena Girls project received as a miracle. In the article, Avery says, “We were afraid we wouldn’t have enough for everybody, but the donations just never ended.” 
^{R.1 Text Evidence}

3. Summarize the main idea and key details of the section “Hope for the Future.”
The section “Hope for the Future” is about how the Altadena Girls project is becoming a permanent center. The authors note, “Avery plans to turn her project into a community center with mental health help for teen girls. She hopes to set up homework help rooms, dance classes, and more.”  
^{R.2 Summarizing}

Featured Skill: Social and Life Skills
Distribute the skill builder “Empathy in Action.” Have students note how empathy guided Avery’s project and how they can show empathy in their own lives.
^{W.2 Informative Writing}