BDA: Goodbye, Vietnam

Here are some Before, During, and After activities for Goodbye, Vietnam by Gloria Whelan:

Before You Begin Reading…
Complete one of the following activities.

1. What is a superstition? Give at least two examples of superstitions. Do you believe in superstitions? Why or why not? Write a minimum of half a page.


2. If you had to leave suddenly and could only four things with you, what would they be? Explain why you would choose each of the four things. Write a minimum of half a page.


3. What does "immigration" mean? What do you know about immigration laws? What else do you know about immigration? Write a minimum of half a page.


4. Do you feel like your parents or grandparents treat you and your brother or sister differently? Explain any differences in the way you are treated. Why do you think you are treated differently? Write at least half a page.

While You Are Reading…
Complete one of the following activities.

1. As you read, write down all the superstitions that are mentioned in a format like the one below. Answer all the following questions for each superstition.
   
   • Who mentions the superstition?
   
   
   • How does Mai feel about the superstition?
   
   
   • What do you think about the superstition?


2. As you read, fill in a chart like the one below, showing the differences between the way girls and boys are treated in the book. (see example below)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Type of Difference	Girls	Boys
   Clothing	Blouses	Shirts and Ties



3. As you read, make a list of characters and their physical and personality traits.


4. Draw two scenes for each section of the book. You should make a total of eight drawings. Write a minimum of two sentences to describe each picture you create.

When You Have Finished Reading…
Complete one of the following activities.

1. Research and make a poster on one of the following topics.
   
   • Growing rice
   
   
   • Vietnamese history
   
   
   • Sampans
   
   
   • Buddhism
   
   
   • Tet (the holiday)
   
   
   • The Vietnam War
   
   
   • Refugees in Hong Kong


2. What did you think about the way Mai’s family and other refugees were housed in Hong Kong? Write a letter to the Hong Kong government explaining the problems and suggesting solutions.


3. Research the holiday of Tet. Plan a Tet celebration for the class.


4. Try growing rice and write a short paper about the experience.