1. Reading without the Teacher All of us are capable of thinking and making decisions. What’s the first decision you made when you woke up this morning? Think about all the decisions you’ve made since then. How many times have you asked questions and reasoned your way to an answer today?

2. Hi, honey…Oh, really?...No. I’ll be home soon, though. Is your dad there?...He’s where?...Is he still working on the car?...Get your dad for me…Honey, I need to talk to your dad. Hey there. I’m still at the mall…Well, I know, but I want to get a little something else for her birthday, maybe some earrings. How does my car look?...Oh, you were able to rub out that scratch?...Thank you! I won’t park next to him again at work. Did Ashley help you?...She’s needs to learn to take care of a car. Do you think she suspects anything?...I know it’s a used car, but it’s been a good car, and she can depend on it. Overheard at the mall…

3. The boy with fair hair lowered himself down the last few feet of rock and began to pick his way toward the lagoon. Though he had taken off his school sweater and trailed it now from one hand, his grey shirt stuck to him and his hair was plastered to his forehead. All round him the long scar smashed into the jungle was a bath of heat. He was clambering heavily among the creepers and broken trunks when a bird, a vision of red and yellow, flashed upwards with a witch-like cry; and this cry was echoed by another. Let’s Try It with a Book

4. What Words Seem Important?

5. As You Read Chapter 1 Key Passages You Notice “All round him the long scar smashed into the jungle was a bath of heat.” (page 1) “The fat boy waited to be asked his name in turn but this proffer of acquaintance was not made…” (page 2) Thoughts and Questions What is this scar? I’m not sure. Oh, is it where the plane went down? I’m not sure what “proffer” means, but maybe the same as “offer”? The fat boy seems to want the fair boy to like him, but the fair boy doesn’t really pay much attention to him.

6. With your group Have each person in your group share one quotation he/she chose and explain why. With your books open, discuss the chapter—what you found interesting, what you thought was significant. Choose one thing from your discussion to share with the whole class. Let’s Discuss Chapter 1

7. Preparing for Chapter 2: Remember This?

8. What Seems Important in Chapter 2?

9. Pass-the-Reflection “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” Frederick Douglass Think about how you’ve been noticing for yourself what’s important in this book. Write for two minutes about Frederick Douglass’ quotation. Pass your reflection to another student. Read the reflection passed to you and write your own thoughts. Repeat. Then discuss your thoughts with your partners and be ready to share one idea with the class. What Should You Notice as You Read?

10. With your group Discuss the question you’ve been assigned. Design a PowerPoint presentation that highlights the key points of your analysis. Present your analysis to the class and lead a discussion of your topic. Exploring the Novel as a Whole