The Kite Runner Bellringer #1 10/17/13 The novel begins with a flashback in chapter one. Why do you think the author chose to begin the novel this way? What was his purpose? What is one line that stands out as important in the first chapter? What information did you learn about the narrator? Today’s Target: I can use close reading strategies to improve my reading comprehension.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #2 10/18/13 “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.” Pope John XXIII Write a journal about this quote using these questions to help guide your thoughts: Describe the significance or importance of this statement. How important is the father/son or mother/daughter relationship in a child’s life? How do you think this quote might relate to The Kite Runner?   Today’s Target: I can use close reading strategies to improve my reading comprehension.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #3 9/10/13 Answer the questions below using this characterization of Baba: Baba is a man's man. Afghani culture defines "real men" as tough, unemotional, successful, powerful, independent, etc... 1. In Amir’s culture, how do you think this concept of a man creates conflict for Amir emotionally and/or mentally? 2. What do you think it takes to be a good man? What have we been taught in our own culture about what it takes to be a real man?  Today’s Target: I can make inferences about characters that demonstrate both direct and indirect characterization.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #4 9/11/13 Write a journal about the topic below. Use the questions as your guide. The strong underlying force of this novel is the relationship between Amir and Hassan. Discuss their friendship. Why is Amir afraid to be Hassan's true friend? Why does Amir constantly test Hassan's loyalty? Why does he resent Hassan?   Today’s Target: I can use close reading strategies to improve my reading comprehension.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #5 9/13/13 Why do boys in Afghanistan during the winter of 1975 have gashes on their fingers (50)? What special talent does Hassan have (55)? Reread the paragraph that starts with “Baba smoked his pipe and talked” (56). What does Amir mean when he refers to “[his] life as a ghost"? (56) Why does Amir feel like a phony around Hassan (58)? Today’s Target: I can use close reading strategies to improve my reading comprehension.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #6 9/16/13 What is the proudest moment of twelve-year-old Amir’s life as described in Chapter 7? What happens to Hassan when he runs the blue kite for Amir? What do you think of Amir's behavior at the end of this chapter? Today’s Target: I can comprehend challenging texts through use of questioning.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #7 9/17/13 Write a journal about the topic below. Use the questions as your guide. Should people keep secrets? Big secrets? Small secrets? Do secrets ultimately destroy you over time? Can we privately manage, inside of our own minds, the things we are not proud of? Why do we care so much about telling one another the truth, the whole truth? Today’s Target: I can use close reading strategies to improve my reading comprehension.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #8 9/18/13 1. Based off of the information you read in chapter eight, do you believe Hassan thinks Amir knows about the rape? Why or why not? 2. What does Amir ask of Baba that makes Baba angry? What does Baba say in response? 3. What happens at the pomegranate tree? What is your reaction to the pomegranate tree scene? 4. What do you think Amir remembers most about his thirteenth birthday party? Today’s Target: I can use close reading strategies to improve my reading comprehension.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #9 9/19/13 1. What is the only gift that Amir receives for his birthday that does not feel like “blood money”? Why do you think he feels this way? 2. Summarize why Amir puts his new watch and a handful of money under Hassan’s mattress. What happens as a result? Today’s Target: I can make inferences about characters and their motivations.

The Kite Runner Bellringer #10 9/20/13 How do you think the events in chapter nine could represent a turning point for each of the characters? Make a prediction for each number. 1. Baba 2. Amir 3. Ali and Hassan Today’s Target: I can make inferences about characters and their motivations.