7/8/2017 0 Comments After ReadingNetflix has a great documentary available entitled 9/11: Stories in Fragments that I would recommend watching with them. It follows the story of people that were actually there and the items that were donated to the Smithsonian exhibit after the fact. This will be a great visual piece for your student to build background knowledge not only on 9/11, but on the Smithsonian and New York as well.
I hope you and your student have enjoyed following along this with me! It was an experiment for me as well-but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will continue to recommend it to my students of this age group. I think it does a great job of teaching compassion, heroism and true character through the eyes of someone they can relate to; as well as teaching them about this historic day in a non-graphic way. I will begin Holes ASAP! That should be much more fun and lighthearted, so keep checking back in!
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7/8/2017 0 Comments Chapters 33-40Chapter 33
1. Mac says, "Things happen...they don't always make sense". Has anything senseless like this ever happened in your life? 2. He then goes on to say, "There's always bad stuff and good stuff in the world. I guess it means keep searching for the good." Do you think that it's always easy to look for the good in the world when things seem bad? Explain a time in your life when you had to look hard for the good... Chapter 34 Chapter 35 1. This chapter provides a big moment for Alex with one of his bullies, Calvin. He says that Calvin wasn't trying to act tough or cool, that without Jordan around, he was just a regular kid. Calvin then goes on to agree that Jordan can often be a complete jerk. It's important to realize through this that people often think that if they are friends with the bully, they won't get bullied. But, Alex noticed a bruise on Calvin's cheek and realizes this just isn't true. Bullies are usually bullies to EVERYONE-friend or not. What do you take away from this fact about bullies? Chapter 36 Chapter 37 1. This chapter displays an important and often used literary device: personification. As Alex calls into this home to ask if anyone is home the book says, "Silence answered back." Personification is the literary device of giving human actions or qualities to something non-human. Can silence actually respond to a question? Using personification often gives a more powerful presence than simply saying, "it was quiet." Think of other examples of personification that you may have read, or think of some of your own. 2. As Alex is helping put Nunu to bed, he notices that her things are over on his side of the room. He thinks to himself that "it didn't seem like such a big deal anymore". Why do you think he has had such a sudden shift in his idea about the room division? It was that very same morning/night before that he was so angry at Nunu for having her things on his side of the room. Why do you think Alex changed his perspective? Chapter 38 1. This chapter helps to draw an interesting parallel between the characters of Mac and Alex and the girls they care for? Do you see the connection? A parallel is used to show to similarities in situations or characters that may have at first seemed completely different and unrelated. Think about Alex caring for his little sister all day-even lying to her at times about the horrible truth of what has happened in Manhattan. What has Mac just done for his wife in this chapter? Chapter 39 1. Chapter 39 marks a change in the way the reader is following the narration. Previously through the book, the chapters have been separated by the narrator. At first we followed just Alex, then we met the Man in the White Shirt, then Mac. Now, in this chapter, we are jumping quickly between all three characters. Their roles in the story finally converging together. Based on the last line of this chapter, did you realize who the Man in the White Shirt was? Chapter 40 1. The reader and Alex are both so elated to realize that the Man in the White Shirt is Alex's father. After all the deal making and hoping he did all day, it was amazing to know that this unsung hero was our protagonist's (main character's) daddy. But, then at the break of the paragraph, we read a horrible realization for Mac. "But Mac's son would never come home." This is called a euphemism. We use them in language and literature all the time. A euphemism is a way of saying something in an indirect way. What does the euphemism above actually mean? They are most often used in negative situations, probably because it sometimes hurts too much to say certain things out right. 2. Chapter 40 closes with another interesting parallel. All through the descriptions of what is happening at Ground Zero after the attacks, everything was on fire. Now, there are two flames of the birthday candles that are creating a warm, sweet glow. What do you think this parallel might symbolize for the characters as well as the overall events of 9/11? Closing thoughts: 1. This book is filled with pieces of stories and accounts that were actually told by people that were at Ground Zero the day of the attacks; a lot of them horrible and scary and almost unbelievable. But, there were also lots of stories of people helping strangers; kindness being shown to strangers by the most unlikely of heroes. Think about how you might become an everyday hero like these people and show compassion and love to others, even in the darkest of times. 6/29/2017 0 Comments Chapters 29-32Chapter 29 1. This chapter gives the readers a very heavy realization in what is called "subtext". Sometimes in literature (as in real life), things are better left unsaid--even though they are understood. Like when you see your sister crying; sometimes it's just better not to ask, right? Look at the following text: ...there were no gurneys rolling through to the ER, no sick and wounded in pain. There wasnt a patient in sight. And he knew then that none would be coming. What is the Man in the White Shirt actually realizing about what has happened to all the people that were there in the World Trade Center? Chapter 30 1. What do you infer about how Radar was treated at his "home" based on his behavior when Alex is trying to return him? Chapter 31 1. Alex goes into the old man's home before he knows him. Is this something you think you would ever do? 2. "Call me Mac," said the old man.... Recall that Mac is the old man that we have been following throughout the day as well--the one whose son works at the World Trade Center. It's always important in literature to note how characters that have been unconnected previously come together. Who was the link between Alex and Mac--who brought them together? 3. It is also in this chapter that we learn that there were two other planes that were hijacked and attempted to crash into other major monuments. One made it's mark-the Pentagon in Washington, DC. But, the other was taken back by the passengers and crashed in an empty field; it's believed that plane was heading towards to the White House. New York was not the only city in shambles and heartbreak on this day. The entire country was on edge, confused, and scared. Here are some photos of the other two flights that are being described in the chapter. Chapter 32
1. Now that we have discovered that these characters we have been following through the book will somehow be connected (as based on Mac and Alex's connection), who do you believe the Man in the White Shirt might be? 6/22/2017 0 Comments Chapters 22-28Chapter 22 1. This chapter takes us back to Mac, describing his own deal with the universe in hopes of hearing from his son, Bobby. Draw a picture of Bobby and his wife waiting for the phone to ring. Chapter 23 1. Alex tells Nunu that he HAS to take Radar to his old home. In your own words, describe why Alex feels like he absolutely must find Radar's home. Chapter 24 1. This chapter takes us back to the Man in the White Shirt; and we learn a little bit more about his character--what is this new information that he gives about his character that we didn't know before? 2. He talks about seeing his reflection in a window. We have learned about the massive dust storm that resulted from the buildings falling, covering the people and everything else around them. Here are some photos of people that were really there that day. Chapter 25
1. Alex describes seeing people walking up the hill as "ghostly figures". Seeing the photos above, do you better understand why Nunu and Alex might think these people were ghosts? Describe what you think if you saw these people covered in ash and dust walking towards you? 2. Alex then tells Nunu a silly story about why these people are covered in white stuff. Have you ever told a story to a younger sibling to help protect them from what's really happening? Chapter 26 1. The Man in the White Shirt is described helping a bird that is covered in the ash so heavily that it cannot even fly, and it is revealed after it's bath to be a snow white dove. Doves have a lot of significance in literature as a point of symbolism. Symbolism is using a particular image to represent something specific. Think of traffic signs on the highway. The sign doesn't say "HEY! WATCH OUT FOR CRAZY DEER RUNNING ACROSS THE ROAD!" There's just an image of a deer. The same thing happens in literature. An image is presented to the reader to indicate that something deeper is happening or coming, or something representative of the character. Doves have long been a symbol of innocence, peace, purity, or hope. Which of these symbols would you say that they dove is representing in this chapter? Can you think of any other symbols that are often shown in movies or literature? Chapter 27 1. Mac receives a phone call from an old friend. This is again, another instance of people coming together on this horrible day of tragedy. Think about a friend or family member that you haven't talked to or seen in a long time....would you want to wait until something bad happens to talk to them again? Chapter 28 1. This chapter is titled "Heroes", as Alex, Nunu, and Radar are eating their pizza, Alex sees a fireman on the street. He thinks that he wishes he was a fireman so that he could go be a hero and help others. But, think about all the other people that have helped someone else on this day that we have read. The Man in the White Shirt helped a police officer find and rescue injured. The vet helped Radar for no pay. The concession man gave the Man in the White Shirt water for free. And now, Mr. Patel has helped feed Alex and Nunu for nothing in return. It cannot be denied that law enforcement, military, fire rescue, and other emergency people were all heroes on this historic day; but would you say that other people were also heroes in their own way? What does it mean to be a hero to you? 6/16/2017 0 Comments Chapters 17-21![]() Chapter 17 1. This chapter picks up right where Alex left us, with Rex being injured by the bullies. This chapter describes how Alex stayed with his dog while the vet was working on him. Have you ever had an injured pet that you loved? What did it make you feel like to think that they may not always be around for you? Describe these feelings in your journal. 2. Alex then finds out that Rex isn't a stray dog after all- he has a home and belongs to someone. The vet asks Alex to take Radar home to his real family-and of course, Alex is extremely conflicted by that. Alex found him and has played with him all day. He was dirty and hungry and Alex was taking care of him. Do you think that Alex should have to take Radar back to his owners or not? Defend your argument. 3. This chapter closes with the audience finally being told what happened. We have been watching things unfold with the Man in the White Shirt, but it wasn't until hours later did the country fully understand what had happened. Using your own background knowledge of the current war, why do you think that terrorists would attack innocent people in America? Chapter 18 1. We have just followed Alex's train of thought about what has happened this day-and then the hardest question of all: "Would his dad be coming home?" Remember, Alex's dad drives the train that goes towards the World Trade Center, it's possible that he was underground when the buildings fell. Many people were trapped when the buildings were attacked, and now we know that Alex's dad was very likely there. What do you think happened to his father? Chapter 19 1. Chapter 19 introduces us to some new characters: Mac, Dottie, and their adult son Bobby. The reader is told that Mac's wife, Dottie, has Alzheimer's. Have you ever heard of this illness? Alzheimer's is a disease that attacks the brain and makes a person forget things. It starts off with little things, but then eventually, the person will often even forget their own name, where they live, or their own family. (Don't worry-you can't catch it!) Describe what it would feel like to forget everything you ever knew about your family or yourself. How do you think this might make you feel? 2. Mac closes this chapter with the same question that Alex had about his father. We learn that Mac's son, Bobby, also works in the World Trade Center. "Would his son be coming home?" Have you ever had to worry about this question with a family member? Maybe a bad car accident or illness, maybe they are in the military; what did it feel like to have this worry on your shoulders? Chapter 20 1. This chapter takes us back to Ground Zero with the Man in the White Shirt. He describes how he and the cop had somehow become partners in helping get injured people to safety, but once she was gone, he realized he didn't even know her name. They were bonded in humanity. Have you ever helped a stranger like this? If you haven't, think about how that may make you feel afterwards. Are you doing it to become a hero and get glory, or be on TV or YouTube? Or would you be doing it like the Man in the White Shirt-and do it because you are able and it's the right thing to do? A lot of people will only do the right thing if they know they will get recognition for it. But, what you do when no one is watching is what your true character is. Think about that next time your mom asks you to do chores while she is out; or the next time you see a stranger in need. What does your character look like? Chapter 21 **If you are having a hard time understanding what Alex is seeing across the bridge, here is a photo from that day after the towers fell.** 1. As Alex looks out to Manhattan, he sees that what the vet has told him is true: the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center are gone; then he remembers the last thing he said to his father was, "I hate you." Alex believes that after being so awful to his father that the universe is paying him back in some way. This idea that what you put out into the world, you eventually get back is called "karma". Do you believe in karma? Do you agree that if you do something awful or mean that something bad will happen to you too? 2. While Alex never calls it karma, he clearly believes in the idea. He has described making deals with the universe, and now he will make his biggest deal of all. He hopes that by putting the good into the world of taking Radar back to his owner, that his dad will be able to come home. Do you think this deal is going to work or not? Thank you for your patience--sorry it's been so long! We had a heck of a move! But, we are finally settled in for a few weeks until we close on our new home (& then get to do it all over again)! Come back soon. I'm hoping to speed through this last half of the book pretty quickly. The chapters really speed up past this point, and I think the kids could handle quite a good chunk. If you're already looking for the next thing to read, I'll be doing Holes by Louis Sachar as soon as we finish with Eleven! It's much more lighthearted material and should be a lot of fun (with a movie to watch at the end)! 6/6/2017 0 Comments Chapters 13-16Chapter 13:
1. This chapter continues where the Man in the White Shirt left off; after the south tower has collapsed and people on the streets are stuck in a cloud of heavy, grey dust. How do you imagine this felt like for the people on the street? You have seen the video that was taken from the street by the New York Fire Department, now describe what you think people felt when they were going through this. Chapter 14: 1. Alex is embarrassed to tell his mom that he loves her on the phone. Have you ever felt embarrassed by your parents? Tell about that time. 2. When Jordan McCreevey shows up, Alex's friends run for the hills. Why do you think they did this? Do you think was a very kind thing of them to do? Or do you believe they should have stayed together as a group to stand up to their bully? 3. This is the first time that we have seen Alex stand up to Jordan. What do you think made him suddenly feel so confident and brave that he could stand up to his bully? 4. After their epic chase, Alex finally gets caught by Jordan and his goons. But, it's Rex the dog that jumps in to help his friend. Have you ever wished that you could have a side-kick like this to back you up when you confront your bully? Chapter 15: 1. The majority of this chapter discusses Alex and Rex trying to find Alex's little sister, Nunu. Have you ever lost a sibling when you were supposed to be watching them? Or, have you ever gotten separated from your family in a new place? How did those moments feel? 2. We end the chapter seeing Jordan and his friends throw a glass bottle down on top of Rex, trying to hurt him on purpose. Now, remember, Rex had just chased Jordan off and tried to bite him, do you think that Jordan was justified in hurting the dog back? Or should he have just accepted that he got what was coming to him for being a bully? Chapter 16: 1. This chapter begins a new look of what was happening at Ground Zero with the Man in the White Shirt. Many of the greatest moments of September 11, 2001 were how people that were total strangers worked together to help others. The Man in the White Shirt, even though he is also lost, scared, and a little hurt, starts to help a policewoman carry those that are severely injured. Do you think that you were respond in the same way as the Man in the White Shirt did and try to help others? That might be it for this week, sorry! We are moving this week and I am going to be crazy busy. I'll try to post again this weekend. I hope your kiddos are enjoying the book and learning to take a new look on what happened this historic day. I believe this is a wonderful novel that helps to show empathy and love in the face of tragedy--and with all that's happening in the world these days, is not a bad lesson to teach them early on. I'll be back soon! 6/1/2017 0 Comments Chapters 6-12Chapter 6
1. This chapter is titled "The Man in the White Shirt". Looking back over the chapter, do we ever have any clues of who this man might be? Does it ever say his name? 2. Think about how the audience has now switched narrators from Alex's point of view to this new character, the man in the white shirt. How does this change how we, the audience, are seeing things? Chapter 7 1. When Alex is with his mother, it is very obvious that she is upset about something. Have you ever seen your parents upset and worried like this while trying to hide it from you? 2. At this point in the story, does Alex know what has happened the the World Trade Center? Chapter 8 1. The Man in the White Shirt allows the audience to witness what is happening at "Ground Zero" in NYC. Keep in mind as you read that this is all real; it all actually happened. Click the link to watch a short clip of film that someone took from the street that day. I imagine this is the same thing that the Man in the White Shirt saw as he escaped the North Tower. Chapter 9 1. Have you ever wanted to take a stray or wild animal home? Tell about that time in your journal and draw a picture of your "almost" pet! Chapter 10 1. A large part of this chapter is spent with Alex and Nunu trying to decide what to name their new dog. What name did you like best for Alex's dog? What would you name your dog if you got a new puppy? 2. Alex took the cupcakes from behind the counter of the bakery when no one would help him. Nunu said it was stealing, but Alex left money on the counter for them. Do you think this still counts as stealing or not? Chapter 11 1. The Man in the White Shirt has now managed to get out of the first tower that was hit and is on the street. But, when the southern tower falls, it creates a massive cloud of heavy dust. This dust was injuring and hurting people even from blocks away. Imagine a really bad sandstorm, then multiply it by 1000. Watch the following clip to get a better understanding of what the Man in the White Shirt is seeing. Chapter 12 1. Do you think it's strange that Alex and his friends do not know what is happening in another area of the city? Cities like NYC, Houston or Los Angeles are massive, and spread out over lots of miles-so it's not too crazy to think that the kids wouldn't have any idea of what's going on in Manhattan. Do you think it was right of Alex, Doug, and Kwan's parents to try and hide what was happening from them? Why or why not? 5/29/2017 1 Comment Chapters 1-5After reading Chapters 1-5, have your student turn back to each chapter and answer the following questions in their journal.
Chapter 1: 1. Who is A-Dawg? 2. From the context clues, what do you think he is doing in this chapter? Chapter 2: 1. What is A-Dawg's real name? 2. Like a lot of kids, Alex loves to play video games. Do you like to play video games? Do your parents have rules for when you are allowed to play? Do you think it's fair to have restrictions on when you can play? Why or why not? 3. Alex REALLY wants a dog for his eleventh birthday. Have you ever wanted something so badly for a present (Christmas, birthday, or something else)? What was it? Did you get it or not? 4. At the end of this chapter, Alex tells his dad that he hates him. Why do you think he did this? Have you ever told your parent that you hated them? How did it make them feel, and how did it make you feel? Chapter 3: 1. Alex wakes up super excited that it's finally his birthday, and is still convinced that his parents are going to surprise him with a dog. At the end of the chapter, he realizes that they have not gotten him one after all. How do you think this made Alex feel? Have you ever been sure that you were going to get something as a gift, only to be disappointed? Tell about that time. Chapter 4: 1. Let's recap the characters we have met so far. Write each characters' name and a little bit about what we know about them so far. Alex, Nanu, Mom, Dad, Doug, Kwan, Jordan McCreevey 2. So far, we have only been in Alex's apartment (house) with his family. Now, Alex is on his way to school, and gives the reader some hints about what city he lives in. Some of the context clues are: Manhattan skyline, Jersey City, tall buildings, and World Trade Center. Using these clues, what city do you think Alex lives in? 3. Jordan McCreevey and his friends are clearly not nice people. Would you say that they are bullies? Why or why not? Have you ever been physically bullied by someone like Alex is? Chapter 5: 1. In this chapter, we are finally given the date to complete the setting of our story: September 11, 2001 Do you know why this date is significant in history? Ask a parent how old they were on this date, and if they remember what they were doing that day. After your student has read chapters 1-5 and you have discussed the events of 9/11 with them, watch the following video. Many students have a hard time grasping that the what is being shown is real and that it happened within our lifetime, so it's good for them to see what actually happened and just how massive the destruction actually was. Come back next Monday for the next chapters and discussion questions. Good luck! |
Playday is over. Awards have been handed out. Tears have been shed. And the last bell has rung.
IT'S SUMMER TIME, YA'LL! Now, before all that wonderful, beautiful knowledge falls out their ears, let's get our kids hooked up with some amazing reading for the summer. Go ahead and order your copy! (Sorry, it doesn't look like it's available at the public library.) I will be beginning the work through it on Monday!
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