31 Talking With Word (Cards)

Please reflect on your experience with your word cards. 

Discussion Points:

a. What was it like to be unable to speak?

b. Was any part of the simulation particularly frustrating? If so, which?

c. Was the simulation easier than you thought it would be? If so, how?

d. Do you have a better understanding of what it might be like to have a disability like Jason's? If so, talk about your new understanding?

e. What else would you like to say about using word cards?

Let's Write!

30 RULES: Jason and David

Welcome back! I'm excited to begin blogging with you again. I can't wait to read your thoughts and ideas. Let's get started.

In Rules, Catherine has two people in her life who live with unique challenges. Her brother, David, is autistic. And her friend, Jason, has a condition which has not yet been named. But we know that no matter what it is called, Jason can't talk, walk or use his hands well.

What I'd like you to do is contrast and compare David and Jason. Let's also talk about how Catherine deals with each character.

Before you begin writing, read all the comments that others have written and read the discussion points. Use both to guide your answers. You don't have to answer every discussion point. Pick one or two. However, I want each of you to write something unique. Please do you very best NOT to write a comment like any you have read.

And don't forget to comment on others' comments. That is the most fun part!

Discussion Points:
a. What are their similarities?
b. What are their differences?
c. Do David's and Jason's disabilities make them similar? How?
d. Do they make them different? In what ways?
e. How does Catherine deal with each character?
f. How does Catherine feel towards each character?
g. How does each character feel towards Catherine?
h. Do they share similar feelings?
i. Or are their feelings towards her very different? How?

Let's write!

29 Let's Talk: What A Character! II

Last week we found new words to describe Harris, the larger than life second cousin to 'Jeremy'. Here is the list y'all made:

confident
different
dissimilar
original
creative
mischievous
rascal
bold
unbalanced
unpredictable
forward
unafraid
optimistic
persistent
jaunty
fearless
venturesome
fidgety
undaunted
carefree
juvenile
hyperactive
unnerved
rambunctious
boisterous
rowdy
brave
courageous
forthright
undisciplined
imaginative
curious
impetuous
inventive
interesting

This is a very comprehensive list! The words on this list describe Harris's many traits. Someone who hasn't read Harris and Me and who does not know Harris would get a very, very clear picture of Harris.

Or would they?

This long list includes 36 excellent examples of what are known as Inner Character Traits. Inner Traits are those characteristics of characters (and real people) that are part of their personality. They are part of who the person is on the inside.

The opposite of Inner Character Traits are...you guessed it! Outer Character Traits. Outer Traits are those features that are part of a character's (or person's) physical appearance. Examples of Outer Traits include: hair color, eye color, height, weight, cleanliness, odor, facial features like freckles, zits or wrinkles, nose shape and posture.


Discussion Points:
a. Choose one other character from a book we've read together this year: Bridge, Charlotte's Web, Schooled or Harris and Me.
b. Describe that character using three (3) Inner Traits and three (3) Outer Traits.
c. As before, when describing this character's Inner Traits, use only new words that others would never think to use.
d. And when describing this character's Outer Traits, make an effort to choose features other might not remember or have thought out. Be unique! Be creative!

Let's Write!