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?

Oops! Technical difficulties!

Sorry, 8th graders!
I was setting up a new comment system on the blog, and it erased all the previous comments.
Let's postpone the blog assignment until next week. For the time being, just read the novel and work on your Writer's Circle assignment. Have a good weekend!

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?

A Girl Named Disaster: Week of August 9

Let's begin our online discussion of A Girl Named Disaster by examining the exposition of the novel. You may discuss any topic you like as long as it helps our understanding of the novel, the writer, or the writer's craft.
If you need help getting started, feel free to address one of the following topics:

• How does the author create sympathy for the protagonist?
• Nancy Farmer is an American writing about Africa. Does she show any bias for or against the culture she describes?

Remember to write at least one well-organized paragraph on the topic. Then respond to at least two other students' writing.