1. Why is a bridge important in the story, Bridge to Terabithia? Consider the literal meaning of the actual bridge that is built, like the ones you’ve just made. Also consider how a bridge could be a metaphor - What can a bridge symbolize? BUILD A BRIDGE (25 MINUTES)

2. An old woman? A young girl? Both? Considering possibilities: What do you see?

3. A Polar Bear? A Seal? Considering possibilities: What do you see?

4. A Father? Or a Son?

5. How many examples of metaphorical bridges can you think of that might exist within the story? Rich and poor – Leslie’s family verses Jesse’s – (literal and metaphorical?) Boys and girls gender stereotypes – do L and J behave in ways “typically” associated with girls and boys? Loneliness – who is lonely? Is loneliness overcome in the novel Confidence – who is most/ least confident? Does this remain the same throughout the story? Imagination – what is the role of imagination in the novel? What sort of bridge does it build? Difference – What differences are there between J & L and from them and everyone else Religion and beliefs – how can you learn from people who have different beliefs from yours and your family’s? Change – Is Jess the same person at the end of the book to who he is at the end? Courage – Jess helps Janice, Jess becomes friends with Leslie initially

6. Diamond 9 Activity

7. Order the 9 bridges – ranking them for significance within the story Use your text to help you find examples As you are doing this, ask questions of each of the bridges or themes, add quotations, annotate ideas as they come to you around the boxes or makes notes in your exercise books.

8. Presenting your case Consider what you think is the most important bridge within the story – why is this? Provide as many arguments as you can. Make a visual representation with notes, questions, quotations to present back to the group

9. Review Which is the least important bridge within the story? On a post-it note, provide 3-5 reasons why this bridge is the least important