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.

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.

A Girl Named Disaster- Week of August 23rd

Now that you have gotten into the "meat" of the novel, write another paragraph about your thoughts and feelings as you read. Remember to also respond to two other students' posts.

If you need help on a topic, consider:

• How does the author use the plot to examine the unique culture of the Mozambique/Zimbabwe region?
• How does the author use symbolism in this novel?

A Girl Named Disaster: Week of August 16

Now that you have gotten into the "meat" of the novel, write another paragraph about your thoughts and feelings as you read. Remember to also respond to two other students' posts.

If you need help on a topic, consider:

• How does the author use the plot to examine the unique culture of the Mozambique/Zimbabwe region?
• How does the author use symbolism in this novel?

Character Discussion Board

Independent Novel Project
For this project, you will get into the mind of an interesting character from your independent novel and then write in his/her voice. Always speak in the voice of your character, and try to mimic the style and word choice of him/her.

Now think of a problem or challenge that this character faced in the novel. Imagine that he/she decides to join an online discussion group and ask other members for advice on how to deal with this problem. Then:

1. Write a post that explains the problem and any important background information. Then, ask for advice. (1 paragraph)
2. Read other members' posts. Then, write a response giving advice to at least 2 other members. (1 paragraph each)

Grading:

• Ideas/Content: 10 points
• Organization: 10 points
• Writing Style (Sentence Fluency, Word Choice, Voice): 10 points
• Conventions: 10 points

Tiger, Tiger

Post your comments on Tiger, Tiger here.

Week of October 19, 2009

This week, you should finish reading The Giver. Consider the following questions about the ending:

• What do you think happened to Jonas and Gabriel?
• Why did the author choose to use an ambiguous ending?
• Are you satisfied with an ending that does not answer all your questions? Why or why not?
• Would you recommend this novel to others? Why or why not?

As always, you may choose to write on any other topic as well. Let's wrap up our discussion on The Giver with your final thoughts!