1. Warm Up & Announcements  Grab your nook  Kahoot redemption for our last quiz will be today during FIT. If you missed the quiz, it must be made up ASAP!  Make sure you’ve finished the chapters 16 & 17 handout. It’s due today.  In your writer’s notebook, write a sentence using an “interrupter” comma about your weekend.  Ex.) Ms. Rolfe, who usually likes to sleep in, woke up at 8:00 AM for a special screen of Selma to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King.

2. Chapter 18 Discussion Questions  Choose one question below to write about in your journals. Then we will share in our groups.  Describe Beah’s transition from child soldier back to child as he describes it. Discuss steps that Beah takes to recapture his humanity.  Beah finally writes on page 169, “I believe children have the resilience to outlive their sufferings, if given a chance.” Do you agree? Why or why not?  Beah meets his uncle in this chapter. Are you nervous for him or hopeful that Beah will finally move in with stable family members?

3. Chapter 19 Discussion Questions  Choose one question below to write about in your journals. Then we will share in our groups.  Why didn’t Beah date girls very long once he moved in with his uncle, aunt, and cousins?  Why didn’t Beah’s uncle believe he was going to the United States?

4. 11 Minute Essay Practice  “I believe children have the resilience to outlive their sufferings, if given a chance.” – Ishmael Beah  Some people believe that childhood trauma destroys a person’s future. While others believe that recovery is possible.  Write an essay stating your position on whether someone can overcome great suffering in their childhood.

5. 11 Minute Essay Practice  For one minute only, write your stance on this position and why you chose that stance.  For three minutes only, write about this topic using an example from your own life.  For three minutes only, write about this topic using an example in literature.  For three minutes only, write about this topic using an example in history or current events  For one minute only, write about the impact or importance of this topic in general.