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Copywork
About This Passage
These three short sentences are the preacher's promise to take care of Winn-Dixie. Notice how the preacher uses the same simple words over and over — 'we have to,' 'make sure.' This is called repetition. It makes the promise sound like a real promise, not just a quick thing somebody says. The preacher is talking about Winn-Dixie, but the words are also the kind of words a parent says about a child. Copying these sentences shows children how a small promise can be made out of small words.
We'll have to make sure he doesn't get out during the storm. He might run away. We have to make sure we keep him safe.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Tell the story of this chapter. The preacher uses a big word — 'pathological.' What did he mean? Why does Winn-Dixie act so strangely during a thunderstorm?
Discussion Questions
- Winn-Dixie has a 'pathological fear' of thunderstorms — meaning a fear so big he cannot help it. The preacher says they cannot punish him for being afraid. Why not? What in the story makes you think so?
- The preacher says 'we'll have to keep an eye on him' and puts his arm around Winn-Dixie. Was he doing this for the dog or for Opal — or for both? What in the story makes you think so?
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Critical Thinking
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