I Know Why...Black Boy Discussion (middle)/Blogging

Again, today we will gather in groups of 2-3 and chat about your experience so far reading the memoirs.

Each member of the group please choose a passage from your reading that you liked or found effective. Share the page # and read the passage with your group. Discuss how the writing is effective. What is the author doing to make the passage effective? How does it compel you as a reader to keep reading?

After your small group discussion, please complete any of these blog entry ideas (taken from both books):

1. Describe a time that you were made fun of by your peer group. Why were you being teased, what was your reaction, how did this teasing affect you?

2. Write about a time when you noticed subtle discrimination either in what you read, what someone said, or perhaps in a television show/movie or while listening to music.

3. Write about your first job. What did you learn from this experience?

4. Write about an experience you’ve had with organized religion. This may be a church, temple, or synagogue – or perhaps your own family’s beliefs. What sort of feeling do you get when entering a religious organization? What sort of people do you observe there? What do you think of them? Have you learned anything from this experience? etc.

5. Write about an animal attack you or a family member has suffered. The attack does not have to be too serious, but what were the circumstances leading up to the attack, who did it involve, what was the result, etc.?

6. Write about the first story or poem you remember writing. What was the story or poem about? Who read it? How was it received by an audience, etc.

7. Write about a time that you talked back to an adult in authority. Explain what the conflict was and what you said. What was the result of your insubordination?

8. Hopefully, you haven’t suffered an altercation based on a “hate” crime (being of a certain race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) But write about yourself or a person that you know who has suffered some sort of injustice, physical or mental abuse because of this discrimination. If you are uncomfortable with this topic, you may change names to protect the innocent.

9. OPTIONAL: If you can and wish to do so, write about a time you were physically abused (either by an adult or peer).

10. OPTIONAL: Girls (if you wish to do so - completely your choice): write about your first period; boys (again, if you wish to do so) write about your first ejaculation. OR write about learning about sex or sex education in school.

11. Write about something you feel guilty about.

12. Write about a sports event.

13. Write about cooking your first meal (perhaps for yourself or your family).

14. Write about a friend of the family. Try to characterize this person through a good description.

15. Write about listening to or hearing a ghost story from your childhood. You may either write about listening to and reacting to the story or include dialogue that tells the story, if you recall it.

16. Write about the day you graduated from 8th grade or elementary school.

17. Write about visiting a dentist or doctor.

18. Write about your neighborhood or community.

HOMEWORK: Please plan to complete your book by this Friday. There will be a test next week on each book.