by Walter Dean Myers.
Assignment Number 1:
As you read Monster by Walter Dean Myers I would like
you to keep a notebook or a stack of post-its.
On them I would like you to note each time Steve Harmon has the
opportunity to make a choice. Tell me the
choice he makes and explain to me your reaction to his choice. Please tell me as well what options he had
beside the choice he made. All students
will turn in their notes or post-its.
If you are turning in post-its, page numbers must be noted on the
post-it as you pull them from the book.
Interpersonal/abstract knowledge, comprehension, synthesis.
Assignment Number 1 may be expressed in one of three forms:
Now we have linguistic, spatial,
logical, interpersonal and kinesthetic.
knowledge, comprehension, synthesis, analysis.
After reading A Lesson Before Dying, by Earnest
Gaines and Monster, by Walter Dean Myers create a piece of writing
comparing the effect of the words monster
and hog. Investigate the different words, the
different speakers and their intent.
How similar and how different are they?
linguistic/ intrapersonal knowledge,
comprehension, analysis.
During the trial, attorneys consistently question the
“truth” of the testimony of witnesses.
At one point an attorney asks, ‘Do you know when you’re lying and
telling when you’re the truth?’ (p. 41) Consistently the witnesses attest to
their veracity, …’I don’t lie when I swear..’ ‘I am doing the right thing…’
etc. Later Steve and his cellmates are
talking about Truth- one prisoner says, “Truth is truth. It’s what I know to be
right.” (p 221) This philosopher is using some ambiguous words – What do you
think he means in this case to be ‘right’? What is the relationship between
truth and lying? What is the
relationship between true and truth?
What do they mean to swear?
Please define these terms, then go back to the text and look at how
these meaning apply to the situations and characters in the novel Monster
. How does Steve’s comment in his
journal, “Maybe we are here because we lie to ourselves.” (p. 203) relate
to abstract,
linguistic, knowledge, comprehension,
synthesis.
As a separate assignment please interview a district attorney and a defense attorney. Before calling upon these people look up what a DA ‘s position is in the court system, also look up the position a defense attorney occupies in our judicial system. Have at least ten questions that cannot be answered yes or no before you contact your chosen individuals. It is important when taking someone else’s time to be as prepared and informed as you possibly can be.
I would like your notes or transcription of the interview along with a brief synopsis of what you gathered about these people, their motives, and their role in our community.
Interpersonal and to some degree
kinesthetic , knowledge, comprehension,
synthesis, evaluation.