Tropical Tempests

Tropical Tempests • Unit: James Berry's "The Banana Tree" Page 1 of 2

Teacher Facilitation Guide SAVVAS Workbook Integration

Phase 2: Guided Reading & Practice

4 Guided Reading: "The Banana Tree" (Pages 32-44)

Pacing: 20 minutes

Reading Facilitation: Guide class reading utilizing a shared/popcorn reading strategy. Focus student attention on Mr. Bass's dominant, loud voice (Page 33) and contrast it with Gustus's quiet internal worry.

Discussion Checkpoint: "How does Gustus's decision to sneak out into the eye of the storm (Page 41) escalate the conflict? What does this choice reveal about his sense of identity?"

5 SAVVAS Workbook Practice (Pages 37 & 45)

Pacing: 15-20 minutes

Student Task: Walk around to provide active guidance as students complete Page 37 (Questions 2 & 3) and Page 45 (Questions 5 & 6) in their workbooks. See the separate Answer Key for precise textual exemplars.

Active Monitoring: Ensure students identify the emotional complexity of the father-son reconciliation on Page 45. The hurricane is the catalyst that enables them to finally hear each other.

6 Summary, Exit Ticket, & Turn-In

Pacing: 10 minutes

Closing Synthesis: Guide student focus to Slide 43. Reiterate that the banana tree is a profound symbol of Gustus's future, dignity, and manhood.

Submission Workflow: Display Slide 44. Direct students to keep their workbooks open to the completed pages and place them on the designated classroom submission table before exiting.

Common Misconceptions

• Overlooking Symbolism: Students may think Gustus only wants fruit. Remind them that the banana tree represents his ticket to buy boots and earn independence.
• Simplistic Predictions: Students might predict "it will rain." Encourage specific, text-grounded predictions about character behaviors and safety.

Differentiation Strategies

• Support (ELL/Below-Level): Provide a graphic organizer linking the root words and literary devices to simple illustrations. Allow students to point to text evidence instead of writing full citations.
• Extension (Above-Level): Have students write a short narrative journal entry from Mr. Bass's perspective, reflecting on Gustus's sudden escape and his struggle to protect a tree placed on a high pedestal.

Teacher Preparation Checklist

Load Slides 1-44 Print Answer Keys Verify Page 32 Markers

Tropical Tempests • Unit: James Berry's "The Banana Tree" Page 2 of 2

Question 3: Predictions Regarding Gustus Scoring Focus: Predictions

State one key prediction about what Gustus is considering as the rain continues to pound the shelter.

Exemplar Response: "Based on text clues—Gustus staring at the door, rubbing his hands, and obsessing over his tree—I predict he will sneak out. He is tormented by the thought of his crop being ruined and will risk his safety to protect it."

Tropical Tempests • Unit: James Berry's "The Banana Tree" Page 1 of 2

Teacher Grading Resource SAVVAS Workbook Integration

Part 3: Dialogue Analysis (SAVVAS Page 41)

Evaluate dialogue indicating the father-son tension and the father's absolute authority.

Exemplar Response: "When Gustus tries to express his worry, Mr. Bass dismisses him firmly, telling him to sit down and be quiet. The dialogue shows that Mr. Bass does not understand Gustus's independent dreams, treating him as a child who must obey without question."

Part 4: Physical Struggles & Resolution (SAVVAS Page 45)

Question 5: How does Gustus's physical vocabulary and dialogue on Page 44 show determination?

Exemplar Response: "Gustus is described as 'wrestling' and 'scrambling' against the storm. This active, combat-style language shows he is willing to fight the environment itself. He treats the hurricane as a physical opponent trying to steal his hard-earned future."

Question 6: How does the resolution modify the father-son relationship?

Exemplar Response: "When Mr. Bass finds Gustus injured, he finally understands why the tree mattered. Realizing Gustus braved death to buy boots and earn respect breaks through Mr. Bass's strict exterior, leading to physical comfort and a new foundation of mutual respect."

Part 5: Narrative Plot Organizer (SAVVAS Page 46)

Exposition

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Gustus and his family seek shelter in the Jamaican village schoolhouse.

The storm gets wilder; Gustus escapes into the gale to save his banana tree.

Gustus battles the hurricane directly, wrapping and clinging to the trunk.

Mr. Bass searches outside and finds Gustus pinned under debris.

Gustus explains his motive; the father embraces him with deep empathy.

Tropical Tempests • Unit: James Berry's "The Banana Tree" Page 2 of 2