Casting Call Select a book for silent reading by the time the timer goes off, or I get to pick for you.

Discussion Group Roles! ...Why? Helps direct and enrich discussion. Lets you try out different approaches to understanding and interpreting a text. Today’s role is…

Nya ha ha! I disagree!

What is it? Arguing for a perspective you don’t actually agree with in order to explore it. Disagreeing with or challenging a more popular perspective for the sake of argument.

...But why would you ever do that? Generate discussion. See things from a new, previously ignored angle. Find flaws in a perspective or argument by forcing others to defend them.

Why is it even called that? These guys! (Roman Catholic Church)

So you want to be a saint? Canonization Had to pass a “trial.” The Devil’s Advocate was assigned to look skeptically at the evidence and argue against making someone a saint. Latin name: advocatus diaboli Official title: Promoter of the Faith

Was it useful? Well... When they got rid of it, it became a lot easier to pass the trial.

So what?

What’s the problem here?

Be skeptical!

Silent Reading As you read, make note of places in the text where you could take an alternative perspective. Notice their assumptions about life, people, the world, etc. Try to challenge them, especially if you agree with them.

Book talk time As you discuss, try playing devil’s advocate by: Offering different perspectives on character motivations and actions. “I know he says that he doesn’t care, but he doesn’t act that way when…” “Sure, he deserved it, but that could come back to haunt her later.” Challenging classmates to support their interpretation with evidence. “What makes you think that...?” “Where do you see that idea in the book?” “I see what you’re saying, but couldn’t that also be because…?”