Summary: In the beginning of the book, there are many diaries about how the students in the school are bad. There are many fights, racial groups, and not many kids want to learn. Ms. Gruwell is a new teacher and can not relate to these students at all. At the end of freshman year, the students are starting to realize school is not that bad, and they are actually starting to like Ms. Gruwell.
Vocab: "I immediately decided to throw out my meticulously planned lessons and make tolerance the core of my curriculum," (3). Meticulously- precise, or taking extreme care about.
"Since 'Boys 'n the Hood' is a realistic portrayal of their enviornment, I thought making a movie would give them the opportunity to emulate John Singleton," (31). Emulate- excel.
Quotes: "I've lost many friends, friends who have died in an undeclared war. A war that has been here for years, but has never been reconized. A war between color and race. A war that will never end," (16). - This quote is very meaningful and is a tradgic issue in the world. Innocent people are dieing because of thier race or color. This should be considered a war.
"Since Ms. Gruwell cares about me, I started careing about myself. I even stopped ditching. I hate to admit it, but im actually starting to like school," (46). - This quote shows how some of the students are starting to enjoy learning and Ms. Gruwell's class. It is a big change from what they were like before.
Questions: In diary 10, What is the Proposition 187?
In the beginning of the story, you are introduced Ms. Gruwell and the everyday true life stories of her students. In Ms. Gruwell's entry, you can tell that she is very optimistic and passionate about teaching even though her new school in Long Beach, California. In her students diaries, you are carried deeper into their daily lives. They are literally faced with everyday violence like beig shot at, harassed physically and verbally, and racism.
Quotes: "For many, it's the start of a new day,but for me, it's the continuation of nightmare." (pg. 12) -This quote shows scared these teens are of the society that they live in, but also how accepting they are of it.
"I've lost many friends, friends who have died in an undeclard war. A war that has been here for years....A war between color and race...A war that will never end." (pg.16)
-This quote shows how serious the situation has become in their community. When something is noted as war, then you know not only that things are in choas, but also that something serious or mind blowing happened to cause it.
Vocab: They might think they're winning by jumping me now...(Pg.10)
Jump: To be beaten up usually by surprise.
"At school, My friends have been talking about a homie being strapped." (pg.12)
Strapped: To be armed with a gun.
Questions: Why don't the teenagers think that change will someday occur in their community?
Why doesn't anyone take a stand and try to make things better?
Discussion Question? Why does Ms. Gruwell believe that she is the one that will stand up and make the change?
Comment on the post: - I think the teenagers just gave up on their community and their life because they know and believe that nothing will get better.
- No one takes a stand because he/she is afraid that once they say something, the next day they will be killed. That is how their community works and no one will be brave enough to take a stand.
Summary: In sophomore year, the students learned a lot more about famous prejudice stories and scenarios. For example, they read the books The Wave, Night, Anne Frank, and Zlata's Diary. The students in the class were really interested in these books because they could relate to them. They even got famous survivors of the time to come and talk to them. This whole section was mainly about how these historical events, are so much alike to the live of the students now.
Vocab: “Grounded or not, they've all become voracious readers,” (80). Voracious: exceedingly eager
“We too knew what it felt like to live amid war,” (95). Amid: during, throughout the course of
Connections: - In this section, the students read Anne Frank's Diary and many other books like that. I also have read Anne Frank's Diary and really enjoyed it. All the students in Ms. Gruwell's class also said they loved it.
Quotes: “Tony wears the permanent scars of war on his face, just as I wear the scars on my soul,” (96). - This shows that this particular student has had to deal many war like issues, and how his life was very similar to war.
“These teachers can't break our chain, we are linked, not by our hands, but by our hearts and we will always be together,” (106). - This is a quote about Ms. Gruwell' class and how all the students love the class and get along really well. From this class, the students have learned many new things and have become better people.
Questions: - Do you think the students will keep these life lessons they leanred in their minds forever or go back to what they were like before the class? -What does Zlata mean when she says the students are her heroes?
http://www.cityofpuyallup.org/files/library/1b0373d853319afa.jpg -Zlata's diary cover http://jeffwerner.ca/images/journal/anne-frank-diary-open.jpg - Anne Frank's Diary
In this part of the story, Ms. Gruwell's students start to take more comfort in the lessons that they are being taught. They are surprised at how much they can relate to the stories told in literature. Because they are able to relate to the stories that they are reading, they begin to enjoy and take school more seriously.
Vocabulary: “Even though the teacher eventually apologized to me for his blatant discrimination… “(Pg. 60) Blatant- flagrant, unashamed
“According to them, I was too enthusiastic, too preppy, and teaching style was too unorthodox” (Pg. 47). Unorthodox- not holding correct or currently accepted opinions
Quotes: “Ms. Gruwell, my crazy English teacher from last year, is really the only person that made me think of hope for my future” (Pg. 53).
-This quote shows how much Ms. Gruwell was beginning to affect these kids’ lives. You can tell that they were beginning to feel more like themselves when they were in class with her because they were able to be themselves and have confidence that they wouldn’t be judged.
“She actually cares…It’s wonderful to feel like a real person and not just someone for my teachers to belittle” (Pg. 58).
-This shows how different of a teacher Ms. Gruwell was compared to other teachers that her students had been used to for so long. Her students are really starting to appreciate her not only as a teacher, but as a person.
Discussion Questions: 1. What kind of changes do the students realize about themselves through the lessons that they’ve learned in Ms. Gruwell’s class? 2. How do the kids think that they can change their community by the lessons they’ve learned?
Clarification Question: What new steps will Ms. Gruwell’s students take to better their own lives now that they’ve experienced new things?
Response to Classmates: I honestly think that the student s will keep the lessons that they’ve learned in their minds forever because they were so new and life changing for them. Sometimes when you learn new things that have an impact on your life they stay with you for a lifetime.
Response: I think they realized they have changed and learned a lot. They have began to understand that somethings they do everyday are not right and should be stopped. They believe once they have changed to become a better person, they can change and help their communtiy get better.
Summary: In junior year, Mrs. Gruwell's class started writing diaries about their life like Anne and Zlata had done. The class put all their diaries together in one book and had an idea to try and publish it. They wanted to get the world aware of the issues teenagers face everyday. They called themselves the Freedom Writers. Mrs. Gruwell's class decided it was best to give their book to the Department of Education themselves. The class took a plane to Washington D.C and toured the city as well. Everyone had a blast and learned so much.
Vocab: “He's adamant about changing education, and we're adament about revolutionizing it,” (157). Adamant: utterly unyielding in attitude
“There is still a lot of animosity and racial tension,” (110). Animosity: a feeling of strong dislike
Connection: During this section, the Freedom Writers took a trip to Washington D.C. to personally hand the Department of Education their book. I also have been to Washington D.C. and been to many of the museums they went to. It was also with my classmates and was so much fun!
Quotes: "She showed me that excuses will not bring about success and that adversity is not something you walk with, but something you leap over," (120). -This quote is very meaningful to anyone. It shows you need to take responsibility of your actions and learn from the hard times.
"Like him, I am willing to step foward, unafraid of who or what lies ahead. After all, history tells me that I am not alone," (156). -This student has willing changed throughout his years with Mrs. Gruwell. By this quote I believe all the students that have been with Mrs. Gruwell have changed to be a better person in some way.
Questions: What will Secretary Richard Riley do to help the Freedom Writers spread their message?
Will the cameras finally be on the successes of teenage everyday issues?
http://www2.ed.gov/offices/OS/riley.html -information on Richard Riley
In this section of the story, the students learned more about how people living in different countries experience similar situations that they have had to face. They learn about the war that was going on in Bosnia and a fifteen year old girl named Zlata Filipovic. She also saw her city being destroyed and innocent people getting killed. They get the opportunity to meet her and they realize how much they have in common with her.
Vocabulary: “Poignant looks follow” (Pg. 112). Poignant: Painfully sharp to the emotions or senses; deeply moving
“Grounded or not, they’ve all become voracious readers” (Pg. 80). Voracious: Very eager in some activity
Quotes: “I felt wanted, like I was a part of a family. I wasn’t just another face in the class, I had a chance to express myself and be a star! (Pg.103). I think that this quote shows how much their English class helped to raise the self esteems of her students. That must be amazing to feel that close and inspired by your teacher and your peers while in the classroom. “These teachers can’t break our chain, we are linked, not by our hands, but by our hearts and we will always be together” (Pg. 106). This quote shows how passionate the students are about being in the same English together. This class was literally the high point of their day and their escape from the bad things that were taking place in their lives. For them to completely lose the class would leave them heart broken.
Questions: Will the students treat each other better after learning about and meeting Zlata?
What other steps will Ms. Gruwell take in order to help her students change their lives even more?
Clarification Question: Is it possible for teenagers to kick bad habits?
Summary: In this final section, the students reflect on their lives so far and how far they have come since freshman year. All of the students have changed for the better, and have the right attitude to help change the world. They also talk about all the awards the Freedom Writers won and how they are starting to change their society. It ended on a very good note.
Vocab: “As I breathed, truly released from the grasp of all that inhibited me, I began to see how blessed I was,” (258). Inhibited: restrained/ prohibit “I wanted to eradicate the violence that is going on in my neighborhood and give back to my community the way John Tu has given back to me,” (261). Eradicate: to remove
Quotes: “And I refuse to be a bystander any longer. So I’ll kill the problem at the root. I'll save a life, and in the process, I'll save the world entire,” (249). This quote shows the mind set of the Freedom writers, they wanted to make a difference in the world.
Questions: Did the Freedom Writer story become known throughout the country at the time?
Is there still a Freedom Writer group continued on today?
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Summary:
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the book, there are many diaries about how the students in the school are bad. There are many fights, racial groups, and not many kids want to learn. Ms. Gruwell is a new teacher and can not relate to these students at all. At the end of freshman year, the students are starting to realize school is not that bad, and they are actually starting to like Ms. Gruwell.
Vocab:
"I immediately decided to throw out my meticulously planned lessons and make tolerance the core of my curriculum," (3). Meticulously- precise, or taking extreme care about.
"Since 'Boys 'n the Hood' is a realistic portrayal of their enviornment, I thought making a movie would give them the opportunity to emulate John Singleton," (31). Emulate- excel.
Quotes:
"I've lost many friends, friends who have died in an undeclared war. A war that has been here for years, but has never been reconized. A war between color and race. A war that will never end," (16).
- This quote is very meaningful and is a tradgic issue in the world. Innocent people are dieing because of thier race or color. This should be considered a war.
"Since Ms. Gruwell cares about me, I started careing about myself. I even stopped ditching. I hate to admit it, but im actually starting to like school," (46).
- This quote shows how some of the students are starting to enjoy learning and Ms. Gruwell's class. It is a big change from what they were like before.
Questions:
In diary 10, What is the Proposition 187?
-Julie Swanson
hi
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the story, you are introduced Ms. Gruwell and the everyday true life stories of her students. In Ms. Gruwell's entry, you can tell that she is very optimistic and passionate about teaching even though her new school in Long Beach, California. In her students diaries, you are carried deeper into their daily lives. They are literally faced with everyday violence like beig shot at, harassed physically and verbally, and racism.
ReplyDeleteQuotes:
"For many, it's the start of a new day,but for me, it's the continuation of nightmare." (pg. 12)
-This quote shows scared these teens are of the society that they live in, but also how accepting they are of it.
"I've lost many friends, friends who have died in an undeclard war. A war that has been here for years....A war between color and race...A war that will never end." (pg.16)
-This quote shows how serious the situation has become in their community. When something is noted as war, then you know not only that things are in choas, but also that something serious or mind blowing happened to cause it.
Vocab:
They might think they're winning by jumping me now...(Pg.10)
Jump: To be beaten up usually by surprise.
"At school, My friends have been talking about a homie being strapped." (pg.12)
Strapped: To be armed with a gun.
Questions:
Why don't the teenagers think that change will someday occur in their community?
Why doesn't anyone take a stand and try to make things better?
Discussion Question?
Why does Ms. Gruwell believe that she is the one that will stand up and make the change?
Comment on the post:
ReplyDelete- I think the teenagers just gave up on their community and their life because they know and believe that nothing will get better.
- No one takes a stand because he/she is afraid that once they say something, the next day they will be killed. That is how their community works and no one will be brave enough to take a stand.
Julie S.
Summary:
ReplyDeleteIn sophomore year, the students learned a lot more about famous prejudice stories and scenarios. For example, they read the books The Wave, Night, Anne Frank, and Zlata's Diary. The students in the class were really interested in these books because they could relate to them. They even got famous survivors of the time to come and talk to them. This whole section was mainly about how these historical events, are so much alike to the live of the students now.
Vocab:
“Grounded or not, they've all become voracious readers,” (80). Voracious: exceedingly eager
“We too knew what it felt like to live amid war,” (95). Amid: during, throughout the course of
Connections:
- In this section, the students read Anne Frank's Diary and many other books like that. I also have read Anne Frank's Diary and really enjoyed it. All the students in Ms. Gruwell's class also said they loved it.
Quotes:
“Tony wears the permanent scars of war on his face, just as I wear the scars on my soul,” (96). - This shows that this particular student has had to deal many war like issues, and how his life was very similar to war.
“These teachers can't break our chain, we are linked, not by our hands, but by our hearts and we will always be together,” (106). - This is a quote about Ms. Gruwell' class and how all the students love the class and get along really well. From this class, the students have learned many new things and have become better people.
Questions:
- Do you think the students will keep these life lessons they leanred in their minds forever or go back to what they were like before the class?
-What does Zlata mean when she says the students are her heroes?
http://www.cityofpuyallup.org/files/library/1b0373d853319afa.jpg -Zlata's diary cover
http://jeffwerner.ca/images/journal/anne-frank-diary-open.jpg - Anne Frank's Diary
-Julie Swanson
In this part of the story, Ms. Gruwell's students start to take more comfort in the lessons that they are being taught. They are surprised at how much they can relate to the stories told in literature. Because they are able to relate to the stories that they are reading, they begin to enjoy and take school more seriously.
ReplyDeleteVocabulary:
“Even though the teacher eventually apologized to me for his blatant discrimination… “(Pg. 60)
Blatant- flagrant, unashamed
“According to them, I was too enthusiastic, too preppy, and teaching style was too unorthodox” (Pg. 47).
Unorthodox- not holding correct or currently accepted opinions
Quotes:
“Ms. Gruwell, my crazy English teacher from last year, is really the only person that made me think of hope for my future” (Pg. 53).
-This quote shows how much Ms. Gruwell was beginning to affect these kids’ lives. You can tell that they were beginning to feel more like themselves when they were in class with her because they were able to be themselves and have confidence that they wouldn’t be judged.
“She actually cares…It’s wonderful to feel like a real person and not just someone for my teachers to belittle” (Pg. 58).
-This shows how different of a teacher Ms. Gruwell was compared to other teachers that her students had been used to for so long. Her students are really starting to appreciate her not only as a teacher, but as a person.
Discussion Questions:
1. What kind of changes do the students realize about themselves through the lessons that they’ve learned in Ms. Gruwell’s class?
2. How do the kids think that they can change their community by the lessons they’ve learned?
Clarification Question:
What new steps will Ms. Gruwell’s students take to better their own lives now that they’ve experienced new things?
Response to Classmates:
I honestly think that the student s will keep the lessons that they’ve learned in their minds forever because they were so new and life changing for them. Sometimes when you learn new things that have an impact on your life they stay with you for a lifetime.
Response: I think they realized they have changed and learned a lot. They have began to understand that somethings they do everyday are not right and should be stopped. They believe once they have changed to become a better person, they can change and help their communtiy get better.
ReplyDeleteSummary:
In junior year, Mrs. Gruwell's class started writing diaries about their life like Anne and Zlata had done. The class put all their diaries together in one book and had an idea to try and publish it. They wanted to get the world aware of the issues teenagers face everyday. They called themselves the Freedom Writers. Mrs. Gruwell's class decided it was best to give their book to the Department of Education themselves. The class took a plane to Washington D.C and toured the city as well. Everyone had a blast and learned so much.
Vocab:
“He's adamant about changing education, and we're adament about revolutionizing it,” (157).
Adamant: utterly unyielding in attitude
“There is still a lot of animosity and racial tension,” (110).
Animosity: a feeling of strong dislike
Connection:
During this section, the Freedom Writers took a trip to Washington D.C. to personally hand the Department of Education their book. I also have been to Washington D.C. and been to many of the museums they went to. It was also with my classmates and was so much fun!
Quotes:
"She showed me that excuses will not bring about success and that adversity is not something you walk with, but something you leap over," (120).
-This quote is very meaningful to anyone. It shows you need to take responsibility of your actions and learn from the hard times.
"Like him, I am willing to step foward, unafraid of who or what lies ahead. After all, history tells me that I am not alone," (156).
-This student has willing changed throughout his years with Mrs. Gruwell. By this quote I believe all the students that have been with Mrs. Gruwell have changed to be a better person in some way.
Questions:
What will Secretary Richard Riley do to help the Freedom Writers spread their message?
Will the cameras finally be on the successes of teenage everyday issues?
http://www2.ed.gov/offices/OS/riley.html -information on Richard Riley
-Julie S.
In this section of the story, the students learned more about how people living in different countries experience similar situations that they have had to face. They learn about the war that was going on in Bosnia and a fifteen year old girl named Zlata Filipovic. She also saw her city being destroyed and innocent people getting killed. They get the opportunity to meet her and they realize how much they have in common with her.
ReplyDeleteVocabulary:
“Poignant looks follow” (Pg. 112).
Poignant: Painfully sharp to the emotions or senses; deeply moving
“Grounded or not, they’ve all become voracious readers” (Pg. 80).
Voracious: Very eager in some activity
Quotes:
“I felt wanted, like I was a part of a family. I wasn’t just another face in the class, I had a chance to express myself and be a star! (Pg.103).
I think that this quote shows how much their English class helped to raise the self esteems of her students. That must be amazing to feel that close and inspired by your teacher and your peers while in the classroom.
“These teachers can’t break our chain, we are linked, not by our hands, but by our hearts and we will always be together” (Pg. 106).
This quote shows how passionate the students are about being in the same English together. This class was literally the high point of their day and their escape from the bad things that were taking place in their lives. For them to completely lose the class would leave them heart broken.
Questions:
Will the students treat each other better after learning about and meeting Zlata?
What other steps will Ms. Gruwell take in order to help her students change their lives even more?
Clarification Question:
Is it possible for teenagers to kick bad habits?
Summary: In this final section, the students reflect on their lives so far and how far they have come since freshman year. All of the students have changed for the better, and have the right attitude to help change the world. They also talk about all the awards the Freedom Writers won and how they are starting to change their society. It ended on a very good note.
ReplyDeleteVocab:
“As I breathed, truly released from the grasp of all that inhibited me, I began to see how blessed I was,” (258). Inhibited: restrained/ prohibit
“I wanted to eradicate the violence that is going on in my neighborhood and give back to my community the way John Tu has given back to me,” (261). Eradicate: to remove
Quotes:
“And I refuse to be a bystander any longer. So I’ll kill the problem at the root. I'll save a life, and in the process, I'll save the world entire,” (249).
This quote shows the mind set of the Freedom writers, they wanted to make a difference in the world.
Questions:
Did the Freedom Writer story become known throughout the country at the time?
Is there still a Freedom Writer group continued on today?
http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/site/c.kqIXL2PFJtH/b.5183373/k.DD8B/FWF_Home.htm
-Julie Swanson
hi
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