We then distributed a reading schedule (syllabus) for the book. Click on the link below to see a copy:
A Girl Named Disaster Reading Schedule
Next, we did two different exercises designed to get you thinking about two areas: the setting of the book (Africa), and the life, circumstances, and qualities of Nhamo, the main character. Although the classes did them in different orders, here they are...
A) 3-2-1 (bridge). You received three sticky notes. On the first, you wrote three facts, or thoughts, that you had about life in Africa. On the second, you wrote two questions (genuine questions) that you had about life in Africa. On the third, you wrote one analogy for life in Africa, starting with "Life in Africa is like...because...." You then put all your sticky notes up on the board, and we discussed them briefly.
B) Similarities/Differences. You folded a piece of paper in half and made a list of similiarities between Nhamo's life, routines, and qualities and your own; on the bottom half, you made a similar list of differences. Next, you shared your lists with a partner, and wrote down any that you heard that also applied to you. Finally, you chose the most significant difference and most significant similarity, and wrote each one on a different sticky, which you then posted on the board. We grouped them and discussed them briefly.
The pictures below give a sense of what your thinking looked like:
Homework, due this coming Thursday, is to read chapters 4 & 5 of A Girl Named Disaster.
