BDA: The Wave

Here are some Before, During, and After Reading Activities for the book The Wave by Todd Strasser:

Before You Begin Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. What do you think about cliques and groups in school? Is there a group you would like to be in? If so, why?


2. Do you know any kids who get picked on? Why do you think they get picked on? What do you think could be changed, so they wouldn’t get picked on?


3. Do you think everyone should be treated exactly the same no matter what? Why or why not? What would be the benefits of this? What would be the drawbacks?


4. Fill out this Anticipation Guide. Write "+" or "-" or "=" next to each item listed below, based on if you believe it is a positive thing (+), a negative thing (-), or it could it be both (=).
   
   • Belonging to a Group
   
   
   • Getting Picked On
   
   
   • Everyone Getting Treated Exactly the Same
   
   
   • Making Difficult Decisions
   
   
   • Following a Leader
   
   
   • Nazism

While You Are Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Keep a chart on the following information about the book characters:
   
   • Character Name
   
   
   • Character Traits
   
   
   • Initial Feelings About The Wave
   
   
   • Do His/Her Feelings About The Wave Change? If so, why?


2. Keep a personal journal as you read the book. At the end of each chapter, answer the following questions:
   
   • What are the benefits, if any, of The Wave?
   
   
   • What are the drawbacks, if any, of The Wave?
   
   
   • How do you feel about The Wave? Why?


3. As you read, write newspaper-style editorials on the topic of The Wave for The Gordon Grapevine, the school paper. Write one at least every 4 chapters.

When You Have Finished Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Research for more information about the experiment the book is based on. Write a paper or create a presentation based on the facts you discover.


2. Create a poster or another piece of artwork showing both the positive things groups of people have accomplished and the negative things.


3. Investigate cults and/or gangs and why people join them. Create a poster and a presentation.


4. Create a brochure or another type of handout that educates people about cults, gangs, hate groups, etc. and how to protect themselves from getting involved in these types of organizations. You may include a list of “danger signs” that a group isn’t good to join or stay in.


5. Read more about Adolph Hitler and how he became a leader. Create a paper or presentation describing his rise to power.


6. Write an editorial or essay on one of the following topics:
   
   • The Power of Belonging to a Group
   
   
   • Why People Get Picked On and How They Can Stop Being Targets
   
   
   • The Injustice of Everyone Getting Treated Exactly the Same
   
   
   • Making Difficult Decisions Versus Following a Leader
   
   
   • How to Decide if You Should Join a Group or Not