Guiding Questions
Chapter 1
How are the African-Americans students treated? Do you think this is fair? Explain.
What happened to the Berry family? What does this event tell you about racism in the South in the 1930s?
Would you like to be friends with the Logan children? Why or why not?
Chapter 2
Why has Mr. Morrison come to live with the Logans?
What danger did the African-American people in the community face because of their color?
What might it feel like to be the victim of hatred?
Chapter 3
Why does the driver of the white children’s school bus splash the Logan children with mud?
How do the children get their revenge on the white bus driver and his passengers? Do you think it was right?
What might it feel like to be the only person in town to have a big, fancy car?
Chapter 4
What is your first clue that T.J. is big trouble? Do you think it’s wise that Stacey is friends with him?
How do you think Stacey felt when he had to tell his parents about his fight with T.J.?
What does Cassie learn about her family from Big Ma?
Chapter 5
Why does Big Ma park the wagon far away from the entrance to the market in Strawberry?
Do you think Cassie should have demanded that Mr. Barnett wait on them at the store? Why or why not?
How do you think Cassie felt at the end of her day in Strawberry?
Chapter 6
Why does Big Ma try to stop Cassie from telling Uncle Hammer about their day in Strawberry?
Mama tells Cassie, “Baby, we have no choice of what color we’re born or who our parents are or whether we’re rich or poor. What we do have is some choice over what we make of our lives once we’re here.” What do you think she means by this?
Would you rather have Papa or Uncle Hammer as your father? Why?
Chapter 7
How do you think Uncle Hammer felt when he saw T.J. wearing Stacey’s new coat?
Why does Mr. Jamison agree to put up the credit for the black families to shop in Vicksburg?
How do you know that Mr. Morrison had a hard, painful life?
Chapter 8
Papa tells Cassie, “There are things you can’t back down on, things you gotta take a stand on. But it’s up to you to decide what them things are.” What things do you think Cassie must take a stand on? Why?
Do you think it was a good decision for Cassie to take revenge on Lillian Jean? Is it okay to do mean things if you feel you have been treated unfairly?
How do you think Mama felt when Kaleb Wallace fired her from her teaching job?
Chapter 9
Would you spend time with the Simms boys? Why or why not?
How was Papa injured? Why do you think this happened?
What do you think with happen at the end of the book?
Chapter 10
Why do you think the bank suddenly wants the Logans to pay their mortgage in full?
Do you think the Logans’ troubles with the Wallaces are over? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to T.J. in Strawberry?
Chapter 11
How did T.J. get so badly injured?
Would you have helped T.J. if you had been in Stacey’s place? Why or why not?
What do you think will happen to the Avery family, especially T.J.?
Chapter 12
What is your first clue that Papa set the fire?
Papa says, “This thing’s been coming a long time, baby…” What do you think he means by this?
How can you tell that the Logans are a close and loving family?
How would you feel if you were T.J.?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Final Push Towards Graduation
In reading there are only two grades left for the trimester. If you want to pull your reading grade up...please study for the vocabulary quiz tomorrow on the final word list from chapters 6-12. Our final exam on the entire book Roll of Thunder will be on Tuesday, May 26th. Please make sure you have finished reading the book ON YOUR OWN. We are still reading some in class, but the students are on THEIR OWN. Most students should be on chapter 10. I have moved the extra credit due date to May 26th...the same day as their final.
To reward those students who have kept all of their notes, questions, and vocabulary from Roll of Thunder, I will be bringing in homemade biscuits and jam on Friday, using a recipe from the book itself. Hopefully, all of the students will get to enjoy this treat.
In Grammar, we will have our final chapter test on Friday. It is on chapter 4, verbs. Students should have a great deal of notes on this chapter. We will also have a journal check on Friday which can easily pull up their writing grade.
Good Luck! I know it sounds like alot...but I have faith in these kids. I want to see them in their suits or dresses walking onto the gymnasium stage Tuesday, June 2nd. I want to shake their hands as they receive their diplomas. I am thankful for all of their effort and hard work this year. I knew they had it in them to be successful and look where they're at.
Vocabulary 6-12
apprehensive- uneasy or fearful about something that might happen
interminable- having no limits, unending
languid- lacking in spirit or interest, listless
boycott- to abstain from buying from
reassurance- to regain confidence
indignant- strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, or insulting
pneumonia- inflammation of the lungs with congestion
irritably- easily irritated or annoyed; readily excited to impatience or anger
scowl- to draw down or contract the brows in a sullen, displeased, or angry manner
scheme- a plan, design, or program of action to be followed
humdrum- lacking variety; boring; dull
desolate- barren or laid waste; deserted; uninhabited
persistent- Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately
despicable- Deserving of contempt or scorn; vile
acrid- Unpleasantly sharp, pungent, or bitter to the taste or smell
To reward those students who have kept all of their notes, questions, and vocabulary from Roll of Thunder, I will be bringing in homemade biscuits and jam on Friday, using a recipe from the book itself. Hopefully, all of the students will get to enjoy this treat.
In Grammar, we will have our final chapter test on Friday. It is on chapter 4, verbs. Students should have a great deal of notes on this chapter. We will also have a journal check on Friday which can easily pull up their writing grade.
Good Luck! I know it sounds like alot...but I have faith in these kids. I want to see them in their suits or dresses walking onto the gymnasium stage Tuesday, June 2nd. I want to shake their hands as they receive their diplomas. I am thankful for all of their effort and hard work this year. I knew they had it in them to be successful and look where they're at.
Vocabulary 6-12
apprehensive- uneasy or fearful about something that might happen
interminable- having no limits, unending
languid- lacking in spirit or interest, listless
boycott- to abstain from buying from
reassurance- to regain confidence
indignant- strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, or insulting
pneumonia- inflammation of the lungs with congestion
irritably- easily irritated or annoyed; readily excited to impatience or anger
scowl- to draw down or contract the brows in a sullen, displeased, or angry manner
scheme- a plan, design, or program of action to be followed
humdrum- lacking variety; boring; dull
desolate- barren or laid waste; deserted; uninhabited
persistent- Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately
despicable- Deserving of contempt or scorn; vile
acrid- Unpleasantly sharp, pungent, or bitter to the taste or smell
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Final Exam Extra Credit Due May 22
1. A Look Back How did the Depression look? Locate photos from the Depression
Era that would illustrate the mood or events of the story. You may
use the photos to create a photo essay or collage, or you may
simply display your chosen photos and talk about them. One source you may want to use is Brother, Can you spare a Dime: The Great Depression, 1929-1933, by Milton Meltzer.
2. Picture This Students can create an illustration of one of the important experiences that contributes to Cassie’s maturing during the course of the novel. Or you can illustrate one of the events that lead up to T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. (I don’t want to give it away.)
3. Free T.J. Draw and caption a political cartoon relating to a situation in the novel, such as the differences in schools for blacks and whites, the night men’s excursions, or T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. Don’t forget that political cartoons usually contain satire.
4. Mapping Create a map of the fictional Spokane County. Include the Logan’s farm, fields, forest, and house; Harlan Granger’s plantation and the Averys’, Simmses’, and Berrys’ house; the two schools and the Great Faith Church; the road and the bridge; the Wallace’s store; Smellings Creek; and any other locations in the novel.
5. Jim Crow Laws Write a one page paper explaining Jim Crow laws. Research these laws and write about how they affected the Logans in their day-to-day activities.
Era that would illustrate the mood or events of the story. You may
use the photos to create a photo essay or collage, or you may
simply display your chosen photos and talk about them. One source you may want to use is Brother, Can you spare a Dime: The Great Depression, 1929-1933, by Milton Meltzer.
2. Picture This Students can create an illustration of one of the important experiences that contributes to Cassie’s maturing during the course of the novel. Or you can illustrate one of the events that lead up to T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. (I don’t want to give it away.)
3. Free T.J. Draw and caption a political cartoon relating to a situation in the novel, such as the differences in schools for blacks and whites, the night men’s excursions, or T.J.’s situation at the end of the novel. Don’t forget that political cartoons usually contain satire.
4. Mapping Create a map of the fictional Spokane County. Include the Logan’s farm, fields, forest, and house; Harlan Granger’s plantation and the Averys’, Simmses’, and Berrys’ house; the two schools and the Great Faith Church; the road and the bridge; the Wallace’s store; Smellings Creek; and any other locations in the novel.
5. Jim Crow Laws Write a one page paper explaining Jim Crow laws. Research these laws and write about how they affected the Logans in their day-to-day activities.
SSP
The SSP or Student Success Plan is a state organized website that the 8th is using. The 8th graders are creating and setting goals for high school and beyond. It is mandatory for graduation that each student is at 100% completion. To reach the 100% parents need to find time in their busy schedules to meet and conference with an advisor. The technology lab is open every afternoon until about 6 each day for the convenience of the parents. Please schedule an appointment or just drop by after school to check up on your son/daughters SSP to help them prepare for graduation.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Roll of Thunder Update
Time just seems to run away this time of year. We have a lot to accomplish before the end of the year. Students need to be reading some of Roll of Thunder at home as well as in school. As of 5/6 students should be up to page 62. Students can read up to one chapter ahead of the class, but don't get to far ahead.
On Tuesday, 5/12, we will have a quiz on chapters 4 and 5 vocabulary and comprehension. Our final exam for Roll of Thunder will be on May 22nd. The students need to be finished the book by May 20th so that we can review prior to the final exam.
Our first quiz on Roll of Thunder went well with the story detail but many students failed the vocabulary portion. Please make sure your son/daughter is studying the vocabulary words at home. Many of the words are difficult and need to be memorized.
Vocabulary Chapters 1-3
Corduroy-a cotton-filling pile fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges
Exasperation- irritation; extreme annoyance
Admonished-To counsel (another) against something to be avoided; caution
Trudged -to walk laboriously or wearily along or over
Morosely- characterized by or expressing gloom
Ornate-elaborately or sumptuously adorned, often excessively or showily so
Dense-having the component parts closely compacted together; crowded or compact
Loitering-To proceed slowly or with many stops
Temerity-reckless boldness; rashness
Tantrum -violent demonstration of rage or frustration; a sudden burst of ill temper
Resiliency-ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like Flirting-To make playfully romantic overtures
Meticulously- Taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough:
Concession-the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument
Raucous-harsh; strident; grating
Pensively -expressing or revealing thoughtfulness, usually marked by some sadness
Outwit-To surpass in cleverness or cunning
Tormentor-a source of much trouble, worry, or annoyance
Knell-a stroke or sound of a bell, indication of the end of something
Venison-Deer meat
Imperiously-marked by arrogant assurance, domineering
Stealth-proceeding secretly or imperceptibly
Lynched-To execute without due process of law, especially to hang, as by a mob
Vocabulary for Chapter 4-5
1. aloof- stays at a distance, reserved
2. feigned- to fake or pretend
3. nauseous- to be sick in the stomach
4. glint- a flash or sparkle
5. malevolently- wishing harm to others, evil, spiteful
6. rivered- to betray
7. faltered- hesitation in movement, unsteady
8. emphatic- expressed with force, definite, with emphasis
9. envisioned- to imagine, or for see
10. discourse- a serious conversation or speech
11. engrossed-to occupy someone’s attention
12. vaguely- not seen, unclear
13. subdued- to over power by force
14. densely- tightly compact, close together
15. interjected- interrupt with a comment
16. subtle- hardly noticeable, not obvious
17. proprietors- legal owner of a store or land
18. mercantile- a shop where people can trade
On Tuesday, 5/12, we will have a quiz on chapters 4 and 5 vocabulary and comprehension. Our final exam for Roll of Thunder will be on May 22nd. The students need to be finished the book by May 20th so that we can review prior to the final exam.
Our first quiz on Roll of Thunder went well with the story detail but many students failed the vocabulary portion. Please make sure your son/daughter is studying the vocabulary words at home. Many of the words are difficult and need to be memorized.
Vocabulary Chapters 1-3
Corduroy-a cotton-filling pile fabric with lengthwise cords or ridges
Exasperation- irritation; extreme annoyance
Admonished-To counsel (another) against something to be avoided; caution
Trudged -to walk laboriously or wearily along or over
Morosely- characterized by or expressing gloom
Ornate-elaborately or sumptuously adorned, often excessively or showily so
Dense-having the component parts closely compacted together; crowded or compact
Loitering-To proceed slowly or with many stops
Temerity-reckless boldness; rashness
Tantrum -violent demonstration of rage or frustration; a sudden burst of ill temper
Resiliency-ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like Flirting-To make playfully romantic overtures
Meticulously- Taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough:
Concession-the act of conceding or yielding, as a right, a privilege, or a point or fact in an argument
Raucous-harsh; strident; grating
Pensively -expressing or revealing thoughtfulness, usually marked by some sadness
Outwit-To surpass in cleverness or cunning
Tormentor-a source of much trouble, worry, or annoyance
Knell-a stroke or sound of a bell, indication of the end of something
Venison-Deer meat
Imperiously-marked by arrogant assurance, domineering
Stealth-proceeding secretly or imperceptibly
Lynched-To execute without due process of law, especially to hang, as by a mob
Vocabulary for Chapter 4-5
1. aloof- stays at a distance, reserved
2. feigned- to fake or pretend
3. nauseous- to be sick in the stomach
4. glint- a flash or sparkle
5. malevolently- wishing harm to others, evil, spiteful
6. rivered- to betray
7. faltered- hesitation in movement, unsteady
8. emphatic- expressed with force, definite, with emphasis
9. envisioned- to imagine, or for see
10. discourse- a serious conversation or speech
11. engrossed-to occupy someone’s attention
12. vaguely- not seen, unclear
13. subdued- to over power by force
14. densely- tightly compact, close together
15. interjected- interrupt with a comment
16. subtle- hardly noticeable, not obvious
17. proprietors- legal owner of a store or land
18. mercantile- a shop where people can trade
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