After the First Death Discussion

After reading After the First Death and learning about the theories of Freud, Skinner and Maslow, you now have the opportunity to share your thoughts. You may focus on either of the two questions to get you started:

• Which of the three theories of human behavior do you believe most accurately describe why humans behave the way they do? Explain.
• Which of the three theories of human behavior most accurately describe the characters in the novel? Explain.

1. Write at least one well-organized paragraph in response to the question.
2. Then read other students' paragraphs, and write at least two responses to their posts.

The Outsiders Week of September 20th

Let's get your first thoughts on The Outsiders. Here are some questions you may want to discuss:

• How realistic is the conflict between the greasers and the Socs? Are there similar conflicts between groups in your school or city?
• What do you think is causing the problems between Ponyboy and Darry?

As always, you may write on any topic relating to the book.

8th Grade: Individualism Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Individualism Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question:

The village elders want Nhamo to marry in order to appease the dead man's spirit and save the village from his wrath. Should an individual person focus on his/her own needs or make sacrifices for the greater good of the village or society?

Discussion Assignment:

1. Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, her grandmother, Aunt Chipo, Uncle Kufa, Joao, Rosa, the muvuki, and Masvita, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.
   

Due Sunday.

8th Grade: Gender Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Gender Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question: To what degree should women and girls have control of their own lives?

Discussion Assignment:

1. Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, her grandmother, Dr. Masuku, Uncle Kufa, Rosa, the muvuki, the nganga, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.

Due Sunday.

8th Grade: Progress Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Progress Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question: Which offers the greatest good to today’s Africans: traditional or more modern lifestyles?

1. Discussion Assignment:
   Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, her grandmother, Dr. Van Heerden, Uncle Kufa, Aunt Chipo, the muvuki, Dr. Masuku, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.
   Due Sunday.

8th Grade: Religion Group for A Girl Named Disaster

The Religion Group for A Girl Named Disaster should respond to the following question: How does your religion support and affect your life?

Discussion Assignment:

1. Choose a character from the novel who would have an interesting opinion about this question. Possible characters might include Nhamo, Dr. Masuku, Baba Joseph, the muvuki, Joao, among others.
2. Write a one-paragraph response to the question in the voice of your character. Be sure to identify your character at the top of the comment.
3. Respond to at least two other students' comments. Be sure to stay "in character" at all times.

Due Sunday.

7th Grade: Greek Myths Response- Sept. 3rd

Reflect on the Greek myths that we have read so far in class. Then choose one of your favorite myths, and:

1. Write one well-organized paragraph explaining an important theme in the myth. Be sure to support your ideas with specific examples from the story.
2. Read other students' paragraphs. Then respond to at least two students' ideas by replying to their comments.

This is due by Friday, September 10th.