Intermediate Guided Reading Lesson Plan

Author: Kristiana Gregory

Publisher: Scholastic

Summarize important events in the story

Summarize events that record the success and decline of Egyptian society.

Define the success and decline of the Egyptian society

Summarize events for each month and state the successes and decline of Egyptian society especially the Queen Cleopatra VII

Attend to Comprehension Within, Beyond, & About the text:

1. 
   “What does a poor man gain from his toil” mean?
   
2. 
   What did you learn about cobra’s?
   
3. 
   Why did they send the ship without the kind to begin with?
   
4. 
   If twelve-year-old Cleopatra showed up as a new student in your class, would you want her as a friend? Why or why not?
   
5. 
   Throughout her diary, Cleopatra beseeches Isis as in the following, "O Isis, protect my father. Protect me. I sense there is more danger than I can see." Who is Isis and why does Cleopatra speak to her?
   
6. 
   What is a living river?
   
7. 
   Cleopatra had the gift of being able to learn languages. How did that gift help her in the story?
   
8. 
   Who are more brutal and murderous, the Romans or the Egyptians? Defend your response with examples from the Cleopatra's diary.
   
9. 
   What does “heart of stone or heart of flesh” mean?
   
10. 
    What does BC stand for?
    
11. 
    Cleopatra reflects on Nefertiti, Esther of Persia, the Queen of Sheba and contemplates their brave accomplishments. Why does Cleopatra think she should study royal figures from the past?
    
12. 
    Rome was not one of Cleopatra's favorite places. In fact, at one point she writes, "May Rome burn. I want to go home." What are some of her reasons for disliking Rome?
    
13. 
    Cleopatra lived during a time when people were put to death for what we consider to be our rights. Why were Sparticus and his followers crucified? What did Cleopatra fear would happen to Neva and Puzo, Cleopatra's servants, if her father sees them together? Discuss the differences between human rights during Cleopatra's lifetime and your lifetime. When would you rather live?
    
14. 
    Cleopatra writes this about Neva, "A skilled listener makes a good friend, and this perfectly describes Neva." Is Cleopatra right? Does a skilled listener make a good friend? In your discussion group, decide what you think are the three best qualities that make a good friend.
    
15. 
    Shortly after she arrives in Italy, Cleopatra begins comparing the rivers and cities to Egypt. Make a graphic organizer to compare and contrast Rome to Alexandria. Where would you rather live? Why?
    
16. 
    Research the differences between sundial, water clocks and hourglass? Compare and contrast them.
    
17. 
    How were records keep during this time period?
    
18. 
    How did the death of Cleopatra effect Roman history?
    

1. 
   Egypt is a land with many magnificent man-made wonders. Working in small groups, prepare a report on the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, or on Alexandria and its library. Share your reports with the class. Which do you think is the greatest accomplishment of the Egyptians?
   
2. 
   Atticus sponsored a grand banquet in honor of Ptolemy and Cleopatra on their third night in Rome. Make a diorama showing how the guests gathered around the tables. Be sure to include the plates of food that Cleopatra describes, the Romans' manners, and the overall sanitary conditions she discovered.
   
3. 
   In the author interview included in this guide, Kristiana Gregory says that the one word she would use to describe Cleopatra is "focused." Ask each member of your discussion group to select one or two words that best describe Cleopatra. Vote on what one word your group thinks best captures Cleopatra.
   
4. 
   It is fun to see and travel through the lands that Cleopatra mentions in her diary. The following web site will take you on a virtual trip through ancient lands. Rome, Egypt, Greece, and other nations are available:
   http://www.egyptvoyager.com/virtualtours.htm
   
5. 
   Research Nefertiti who was a special person to Cleopatra. Why was she looked up to?
   

One of the best web sites with an image of Cleopatra and links to other locations can be found at

For a site that provides Cleopatra's history, links to additional sites, and a bibliography of books for young people as well as adults, visit:

Additional images, as well as a clip from the Discovery channel, are located at