Tuesday - Aug 7th

Recap:

Today we went over key points from chapters four and five, namely the stabbing of the Soc, Bob, and Johnny and Pony's hideout. We then discussed chapter six and how the drama of the fire put the view of the Greasers back in a positive context. Afterwards, we got into our expert roles from our literacy circle assignments and had our two best presenters. Later on, we played a fun 60's lingo vocabulary came. Finally, we became first person narrative reporters on a major event of our choice from chapter four or six.

Chapter Six Questions:

1. Do you think Dally's parents have influenced the way he is; his personality? Explain.

2. Why doesn't Dally want Johnny to turn himself in?
3. What “other side” of Dallas is revealed in this chapter?
4. What's your own definition of a hero? Do the three boys prove themselves to be heroes, according to your definition? Explain.
5. Why do you think Johnny wasn't scared, despite the obvious danger, on page 92?
6. What does Pony realize about Darry at the end of this chapter?

Homework:

• Continue working on group project
• Above Chapter Questions
• Read Chapter Seven
• Literacy Circle Jobs

Monday - August 6th

Recap:

Today we reflected in our journals on a pivotal moment (or moments) from our past that helped shape our identity, then shared it with our peers. Following that, we took up the weekend's chapter reflection questions, discussed the group project some more and rounded up our day with literacy circles and the two best presentations.

Homework:

• Work with your partner on your group project
• Literacy circle jobs (given out at the end of class)
• Respond to the chapter questions (below)
• Brush up on your 60's vocabulary for a game tomorrow
• Read chapter six

_______________________________________

Reflection Questions from the Weekend Reading

Chapter Four

1. How did the author foreshadow that Johnny would use his knife in chapter 2?

2. What would your advice be to Johnny and Ponyboy if they'd come to you for help instead of Dally? Explain.

3. How did the setting foreshadow the events in this chapter?

4. Do you think Bob's death was justice? Explain.

Chapter Five

1. Why does Pony have a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves?

2. What does Pony mean when he says, “I was supposed to be the deep one” [p.75]?

3. Do you think Dally is a hero based on what he did?

4. On page 78, Johnny compares Pony and his brothers to their parents. Which one of your parents are you most like? What similarities do you share?

5. What's a heater? Why does Dally have one?

6. Who's the spy for the greasers? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?

Week One in Review

We have now made a good start into our novel with our first three chapters read, have dove into some of the rich language of the text, and reflected critically via literacy circles.

Some reflective questions from Seo Yeon.

This week, we started off by looking at one of the main themes of our novel, identity. We reflected on this personally in our journals, and in groups by looking at things which can affect our identity.

Cliques

Gangs

Individuality

We then moved on to thinking about our setting of the novel (outskirts of New York during the 1960s) and talked about some key events that were pivotal during that era. We reflected on some teen interests during that time and how they'd be different if the book was written with teens from today.

Corvair

Greasers?

Lastly, we went into analysis of some of the main characters in our novel by detailing their physical appearance, personal attributes, relationships to other characters, and other relevant information.

Chapter Three Reflection Questions:

1. What does Cherry explain as the difference between the Socs and the Greasers?

2. Why don’t the Socs feel anything and the Greasers feel too violently?

3. What’s the conflict?

4. What does Ponyboy mean on p.39 when he says “Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything?” Have you ever had a relationship with someone who you understood, or who understood you, without having to say anything? Why is that important?

5. What does Pony discover about the Socs who were in the car?

6. When and how did Pony’s parents die?

7. What happens when Pony comes home after his curfew?

8. Why does Johnny like it better when his father is hitting him?

9. At the end of the chapter, how does the author foreshadow that bad things are to come? 

Weekend Homework:

• Finish above review questions
• Literacy circle reflections
• Start group project. Remember that you will present on Friday, August 10th!!
• Select a photo/photos to bring in on Monday that define your identity or from an event that has defined your identity.

I've been very impressed with the quality of effort from the majority in class. Keep  up the great effort!

Regards,

Mr. Ouellette

Tonight's Homework:

Chapter Two Reflection Questions:

1. Who is the Fuzz? [pg. 20]

2. Are the names Ponyboy and Sodapop nicknames? Explain.

3. Who are Cherry and Marcia?

4. What happens at the drive-in?

5. Why doesn't Ponyboy like referring to Sodapop as a dropout?

6. What is Ponyboy comparing Two-Bit to when he calls him a “chessy cat” on page 27? 

7. What happened to Johnny?

Journal Pt. 2 - Compare and contrast the 60's to our present decade. How would the novel change if it was written in this decade?

Read Chapter 3 and underline any points of interest that you would like discussed in class.

Great work today group!

Mr. Ouellette

Chapter One Reflection Questions:

1. Describe each of the three main characters briefly and their relationship with one another.
2. Who are the Socs?  Who are the Greasers?
3. How do Ponyboy's relationships with Darry and Sodapop differ?  Explain.
4. What does Ponyboy mean on pg. 18 when he says, “I lie to myself all the time?” Do you ever lie to yourself? Why?