1. “The Gift of the Magi”
O’Henry

2. Pre-reading Focus… Is it better to give or receive? Explain.
What makes a wise person different from a foolish person?
Is it worth it to sacrifice something important to you for someone else? Explain.
Tell about a time you wanted something that seemed out of reach.
What does the “spirit” of the holidays” mean to you?
Is it better to be poor and in love or rich and friendless? Explain.

3. Read “What is a Magi?” Predict:
Based on what we’ve discussed and read, what do you think that “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry will be about? Provide evidence from our discussion or reading to support your predictions.

4. Consider each of the following fictional couples
Consider each of the following fictional couples. If they had been the main characters in “The Gift of the Magi,” what would each have sold (sacrificed) for the other? Remember that each character must sell something that would have been needed to use the gift he or she receives. If you are not familiar with a couple, you may skip the item or get help from a friend.

5. Fictional Couple
Item SHE sold
Item SHE purchased
Item HE sold
Item HE purchased

6. Figurative Language Hyperbole Allusion Personification Simile
Alliteration

7. Socratic Seminar
An introduction 7

8. Socrates “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.”8
“Let him that would move the world, first move himself.”
Socrates
Born 470 BC
Greek philosopher
Student: Plato
Socratic method:
- a form of inquiry & discussion

9. “Dialogue is a conversation with a center, not sides.”
Socratic Seminar!
“Dialogue is a conversation with a center, not sides.”

10. Dialogue Vs. Debate

11. Dialogue vs. Debate Dialogue Debate11
Dialogue
Collaborative: shared understanding
One listens to understand, to make meaning, and to find common ground
Creates an open-minded atmosphere, an openness to being wrong, and a willingness to accept all viewpoints
Debate
Oppositional: Opposite sides trying to prove each other wrong
One listens to find flaws, to spot differences, and to find arguments
Creates a close-minded attitude, a determination to be right, and defends his/her belief that he/she is right

12. *Socratic Seminar Purpose:12
A collaborative, intellectual dialogue facilitated with open-ended questions about a text
Purpose:
To achieve a deeper understanding about the ideas and values in a text.
To examine key issues and principles from various points of view
To connect the deeper meanings to self and others

13. How it Works: Make sure you have your “ticket” questions with you13
Make sure you have your “ticket” questions with you
Enter the classroom with complete order and sophistication. Find your seat and be ready for seminar!
Fishbowl

14. Leader & Encourager . for each fishbowl…14
Leader & Encourager . for each fishbowl…
A “Leader” will begin the discussion by opening up with one of the prepared questions, add questions, move the discussion along, reroute people back on track, etc. The leader doesn’t give his or her opinions.
An “Encourager” will record who speaks, track the type of responses (Q, R, C), compliment speakers’ ideas, and refer to others’ ideas when speaking him/herself.
Encourager will prompt people to speak or encourage you with regard to a point made

15. The Seminar consists of three phases 1. Opening:15
The Seminar consists of three phases 1. Opening:
The “Leader” asks the first question and any panel member my begin by responding
Panel members listen and respond as they are inclined

16. 2. Discussion (Ticket Q’s)16
Ticket questions are the foundation:
TQs are posed by the “Leader”
Follow-up ideas, important points, and new questions evolve through the discussion
Refer to your text
Apply discussion to the real world, to your real world.
Do not let your discussion die!
This is the bulk of the conversation. Length of discussion per question will vary.

17. 3. Connection 17
Closing Question – this is were we will summarize our new knowledge, identify new ideas, and understand new perspectives related to the text or issues discussed in seminar

18. Time-Out 18
If the teacher calls a “time-out,” we step out of the seminar for a moment and function as a regular class with classroom rules. The purpose of a time-out is to reflect on how things are going, or to allow the facilitator to teach something or adjust the climate of the conversation.
The teacher will call “time-in” to return to seminar.

19. Fishbowl Norms (Inner Circle)19
Fishbowl Norms (Inner Circle)
Do not raise hands
Listen carefully
Ask a question
Address one another respectfully
Base any opinions on the text
Do not interrupt
Speak at least 3x but monitor “air time”
Refer to the text
Present your own thoughts, but be open and flexible to new ideas based on points made by others

20. Norms for the Outer Circle20
No side conversations (talking to peers sitting near you during seminar)
Be respectful: No rude comments or laughing at people
Take notes—write down meaningful comments, disagreeable comments, or “ah-ha” moments, epiphanies. These will help you with your reflection sheet.

21. Participants have 3 main tasks:21
Prepare
Participate
Listen, think, respond
Refer to text
Connect to other texts or world
Reflect

22. What you need to do to prepare...22
Prepare your Socratic Seminar “ticket”
Understand the story in order to support your opinions by referring to it when speaking

23. Completing your “ticket”23
Develop Responses to Core Questions
Respond DEEPLY—beyond the literal. Think about the bigger picture, the themes, the symbolism; use your own ideas or consult outside resources to support your idea.
Ticket must be complete and shown to me to enter the Socratic Seminar.

24. Lack of Preparation: No “ticket,” no admission24
No “ticket,” no admission
Loss of “ticket points” (late)
Alternative assignment:
Strong note-taking during Seminar
5-paragraph essay in response to the observed discussion
No higher than a B- on the assignment

25. Reflect: After your seminar, you will complete the reflection sheet.25
After your seminar, you will complete the reflection sheet.
Use your notes to recall points made by others or new ideas
Respond carefully and deeply
Turn in your notes and your reflection the day after seminar.

26. Schedule: 26
Begin working on your ticket questions.
Seminar will be

27. Yellow card, Red card 27
A yellow card is given as a warning to anyone who is not following seminar guidelines, especially regarding respect or side conversations
A second violation results in a red card, which means the student can no longer participate and must complete the outside assignment