Unit Assessment: The Big Move

Key Characters and Setting

• Jason and Marta are siblings living in an apartment, experiencing their first day of summer.
• They should be celebrating summer freedom, but instead are waiting for a moving van to leave their home.

Jason's Emotional State

• Jason feels anxious and overwhelmed about the move to a farm, expressing fear of new experiences.
• He exhibits vulnerability, feeling ashamed about wanting to cry, indicating a strong emotional response to change.

Marta's Perspective

• Marta tries to encourage Jason, believing he will enjoy life on the farm as they have fun during summer visits.
• She displays confidence in the move as a new adventure, contrasting Jason's apprehension.

Change and New Beginnings

• The moving van signifies a significant life change for both siblings, sparking a mix of emotions.
• Jason's worry about transitioning to middle school adds to his anxiety; he fears not only the move but also making new friends.

Anticipated Challenges

• Jason faces the prospect of riding a bus for the first time, which symbolizes taking on new responsibilities.
• His only comfort comes from the friendship with Frank, a boy from the nearby farm, highlighting his struggle to adapt.

Symbolism of Weather

• A dark cloud appears, mirroring Jason's feelings of dread and fear about impending changes, reinforcing emotional turmoil.

Key Themes

• The narrative explores themes of change, fear of the unknown, sibling dynamics, and the complexity of childhood emotions during transitional phases.

This unit assessment covers Chapter 1: The Big Move, featuring Jason and his sister Marta as they navigate the challenges of their first summer after moving. Answer the questions that follow to demonstrate comprehension of the chapter’s themes and character dynamics.