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Copywork
About This Passage
These two sentences are the most important words Gloria ever says to Opal. She is telling Opal that you cannot force a creature (a dog, a person, a mother) to stay with you if they want to leave. All you can do is love them while they are here. Notice how both sentences use the word 'you' instead of 'I' or 'we.' Gloria is speaking to Opal, but she is also speaking a rule that works for everybody. Copying this passage shows children how a grown-up can teach a very hard lesson in very plain words.
There ain't no way you can hold on to something that wants to go. You can only love what you got while you got it.
Full copywork activity with handwriting lines available in the complete study guide.
Discussion Questions
Narration Prompt
Tell the story of Winn-Dixie getting lost. When does Opal realize he is missing? How does she feel?
Discussion Questions
- Opal says it is her fault that Winn-Dixie ran away because she forgot to protect him from the thunder. Is this really her fault? What in the story makes you think so?
- Gloria says 'you can only love what you got while you got it.' Is this a happy thing to hear or a sad thing? Or both?
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Critical Thinking
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