BDA: Journey to Jo’Burg

These are some Before, During, and After activities for Journey to Jo’Burg: A South African Story by Beverley Naidoo:

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

1. Make a list of everything you know or have heard about South Africa.


2. Write a definition of “discrimination.” What does it mean? Give an example.


3. Have you ever witnessed inequality? Describe what happened. Write a minimum of half a page.


4. How do you feel about prejudice and discrimination? Write at least half a page.


5. Write a poem about discrimination.


6. Draw a picture or a make a poster depicting how you feel about prejudice and discrimination.

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

1. During the story, Naledi learns a lot about the South Africa that exists beyond her village. As you read, describe what happens to Naledi and what she learns from each experience. You may use a table answering the questions below or answer the questions in a paragraph.
   
   • Chapter #
   
   
   • What happens?
   
   
   • What does Naledi learn?


2. At the end of each chapter, write a letter to one of the characters discussing what happened in the chapter and how you feel about it.


3. As you read, create a map of the journey. Label your map with illustrations that represent each event in the book.

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

1. Research the history of South Africa. Write a report describing how apartheid began in South Africa and how it ended.


2. Make a tape or CD of songs that Naledi and Tiro might have enjoyed on her journey. Include a page listing the song titles and why you chose them for Naledi and Tiro.


3. Research the history of apartheid in South Africa and create a poster and pamphlets that describe this history.


4. Create and present a performance illustrating the journey to Jo’burg. Write half a page explaining how your performance shows the story events.


5. Is there another country that supports inequalities similar to apartheid in South Africa? Research the discrimination problem in that country. Create a report or a poster or a speech. Describe the problem clearly and provide possible solutions.


6. Talk to at least one other person about the events in Journey to Jo’burg. Record the discussion or write a paper describing the conversation(s) you had. How were your views the same or different?

BDA: Hoot

Here are some Before, During, and After activities for Hoot by Carl Hiaasen:

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

1. What do you know about endangered species? What are they? What are some reasons they become endangered? What are some things being done to protect endangered species? Write at least half a page.


2. Is there a cause that you think is worth fighting for? How far would you go for your cause? Some people commit crimes for something they believe in. How far is too far? Complete at least half a page.


3. Make a poster showing what you know about endangered species. You do not have to do any research for this project.

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

1. Some of the book characters change their opinion about the new Mother Paula’s All-American Pancake House. For each character who changes his or her mind, answer the following:
   
   • A. Character Name:
   
   
   • B. When character changed his or her mind about the pancake house:
   
   
   • C. Why the character changed his or her mind:


2. The author uses a lot of similes and metaphors in Hoot. Keep track of all of them in a table with the following information:
   
   • page #
   
   
   • This thing is compared to
   
   
   • this other thing.
   
   
   • Is it a metaphor or a simile?


3. Write a Trace Middle news story for each chapter, describing just the information that is common knowledge to the students.


4. Illustrate a scene for at least 12 of the book’s chapters. Write a caption for each drawing.

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

1. Write a report about burrowing owls in the United States.


2. Make a poster and/or a brochure explaining an environmental concern.


3. Make a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine articles about an endangered species. Write one page describing what you learned from the articles.


4. Write a minimum of five poems about animals that are in danger of becoming extinct.


5. Describe one of the scenes that took place at the construction site from the owl’s point of view.


6. What do you think happened to Mullet Fingers? Write at least two pages.


7. Predict where at least 7 of the following characters might be 10 years from now. Write at least one paragraph for each character.
   
   • Roy
   
   
   • Dana Matherson
   
   
   • David Delinko
   
   
   • Curly
   
   
   • Garrett
   
   
   • Miss Hennepin
   
   
   • Beatrice Leep
   
   
   • Mullet Fingers
   
   
   • Chuck Muckle
   
   
   • Mother Paula (Kimberly Lou Dixon)
   
   
   • Kalo
   
   
   • Lonna Leep

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.

BDA: Flush

Here are some Before, During, and After activities for Flush by Carl Hiaasen:

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

1. What do you know about pollution? What types of things pollute? Who is hurt by pollution? What are some things being done to decrease pollution? Write at least half a page.


2. Is there a cause that you think is worth fighting for? How far would you go for your cause? Some people commit crimes for something they believe in. How far is too far? Complete at least half a page.


3. Make a poster showing what you know about pollution. You do not have to do any research for this project. Just use what you know from your experience.


4. Have you ever had to help a family member who was in trouble? Is there someone in your family that you would do anything for. Describe the person you have helped or someone you would help. Describe why you would help this person. Write at least half a page.

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

1. Keep a chart of all the characters from the book that includes the following information:
   
   • Name:
   
   
   • Description of the person:
   
   
   • How this person is involved with The Coral Queen:
   
   
   • What you think about this character:


2. Write a news story for each chapter, describing just the information that is common knowledge to the public.


3. Illustrate a scene for at least 12 of the book’s chapters. Write a caption for each drawing.


4. Make a list of at least 20 words you are unfamiliar with as you read the story. Complete the following for each word:
   
   • Word
   
   
   • Definition
   
   
   • Page #

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

1. Write a report about one of the following:
   
   • Gambling laws
   
   
   • Pollution laws
   
   
   • Eco-terrorism


2. Make a poster and/or a brochure explaining an environmental concern.


3. Make a scrapbook of newspaper and magazine articles about pollution. Write one page describing what you learned from the articles.


4. Write a minimum of five poems about pollution.


5. Predict where at least 7 of the following characters might be 10 years from now. Write at least one paragraph for each character.
   
   • Dusty Muleman
   
   
   • Noah Underwood
   
   
   • Paine Underwood (Dad)
   
   
   • Donna Underwood (Mom)
   
   
   • Abbey Underwood
   
   
   • Mr. Shine
   
   
   • Jasper Jr.
   
   
   • Bull
   
   
   • Lice Peeking
   
   
   • Shelly
   
   
   • Grandpa Bobby
   
   
   • Luno

BDA: Down the Rabbit Hole

Here are some Before, During, and After activities for Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams:

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

1. What do you know about the book Alice in Wonderland? Who are the characters? What happens to Alice? Write at least half a page.


2. What sports do you play? Describe a great moment you had competing in a sport. Describe a disappointing moment. Complete at least half a page.


3. Describe any problems you have had getting along with your brothers or sisters. Why do you think you have trouble? Write a minimum of half a page.


4. Have you ever kept a secret? How did it feel to keep the secret? Were you tempted to share the secret? What was the secret about? Is keeping a secret always the best thing to do? Why or why not? Write at least half a page.

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

1. Ingrid likes to notice “the trifles” about people. Keep track of specific details about each character as you read the book. What do you think each trifle might mean?
   
   • Character Name
   
   
   • Trifles (details) about the character
   
   
   • What the trifles might mean


2. Fill out a chart with the following information as you read the story:
   
   • Vocabulary Word
   
   
   • How does the word relate to the story?


3. As you read the story, keep a Clue Journal. Make a list of all the clues. Then, at the end of each chapter, write at least a paragraph about what you think the clues might mean. Explain your reasoning.


4. Pretend you write for the school newspaper. Write stories for at least 7 important events/issues in the book. You can write about sporting events, local mysteries, school issues, local events, etc.


5. If you were in Ingrid’s position, would you choose to do the same things that she chooses? At the end of each chapter, describe the problem Ingrid is faced with. What would you have done if you were in the same situation?

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

1. Investigate one of the following topics and create a poster, give an oral report, or write a report.
   
   • Sports and Pressure to Perform
   
   
   • Why Art is Important to My Community
   
   
   • Sherlock Holmes
   
   
   • Commercial Development vs. Natural Environment: Pros and Cons to Development
   
   
   • Socioeconomic Issues in My Community


2. Write an alternate ending to the book. Write your own chapters 29 and 30.


3. Research the poems used in the book. Make a display that answers the following questions for each poem:
   
   • What is the name of the poem?
   
   
   • Who is the author?
   
   
   • When was the poem written?
   
   
   • What is the poem about?
   
   
   • Why do you think Peter Abrahams used this poem in the book?
   
   
   • Did you learn any other interesting facts about the poem?


4. Write a letter to one of the main characters discussing what you think about one of the following issues:
   
   • Commercial Development
   
   
   • Money Issues
   
   
   • Sports Pressures
   
   
   • Rules


5. Pretend you are the producer/director of the movie adaptation of this book. Choose actors to play each role. Choose locations for shooting the movie. Make at least 2 movie poster mock-ups. Write a short paper describing why you chose the actors and locations that you did.

BDA: Crusader

These are Before, During, and After activities for Crusader by Edward Bloor:

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

1. Think of a problem that you have had or you have in your life. Describe the problem. How did you feel about the problem? What did you do about the problem? How do you feel about what you did? Write at least half a page.


2. What is the best advice someone has given you? What was helpful about this advice? Did you listen? Write a minimum of half a page.


3. Describe a person in your life who is a role model to you. What are his or her best qualities? How does this person make you a better person? Write at least half a page.


4. What do you think about arcade games? How are they good and/or bad? Complete at least half a page.


5. What is prejudice? Give examples of prejudice. Write at least half a page.

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

1. Keep a chart of all the characters from the book that includes the following information:
   
   • Name
   
   
   • Job
   
   
   • Place where he or she works
   
   
   • First description of the person
   
   
   • New information about the person


2. Roberta tries to solve two mysteries in the book. Keep track of the clues in a chart including the following columns:
   
   • page #
   
   
   • Clue
   
   
   • What I think it means…


3. Roberta tells a lot of lies in the book. Keep track of the lies in a chartincluding the following columns:
   
   • page #
   
   
   • Lie
   
   
   • Why she told this lie…


4. There are several direct and indirect references to discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice in the book. Keep track of these references in a chart including the following information:
   
   • page #
   
   
   • Who made the reference?
   
   
   • What did he or she say?
   
   
   • Why?

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

1. Research one of the following topics. Then write a report or a make a poster with the information you learn:
   
   • Muckrakers
   
   
   • Talk shows and society
   
   
   • Videogames and violence: are they linked?
   
   
   • Suicide
   
   
   • The mall in American towns
   
   
   • Hate crimes, atrocities, prejudice (Holocaust, Serbia, KKK, skinheads, etc.)


2. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Roberta learns new information about some of the characters and has to completely change the way she looks at them. Write a paper showing the different facets of at least three of the characters.


3. Roberta quotes a lot of Dr. Seuss. Write a summary of Crusader in the style of Dr. Seuss.


4. Several of the characters contemplate suicide. Write a letter giving reasons for not giving up.


5. Roberta is told to be a “survivor” by Mrs. Weiss What qualities does a survivor have? Give examples of survivors from your own life and/or from history.


6. Write a minimum of 5 poems on the topic of surviving and survivors.


7. Design a proposal for a videogame that promotes good values and character traits. Your proposal should include a description of the game, screen shots, how it will be promoted, etc.


8. Sam and Roberta agree that history has more than one side and more than one description. Read about two sides of any controversial historical event. Prepare an oral presentation or a poster showing both sides.


9. Interview “a survivor.” Either write up a report of your interview or edit a videotape of your interview.

BDA: The Clay Marble

These are Before, During, and After activities for The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho:

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

1. Make a list of everything you already know about Cambodia.


2. Write a definition for the word family. Give examples of different kinds of families. Write at least half a page.


3. Is you family non-traditional? Maybe a grandparent lives with you or you live with just one parent. What is it like being part of a non-traditional family? Write a minimum of half a page.


4. Have you ever had to leave your home because of an emergency? Describe what happened. How did you feel? Write at least half a page.


5. Write a poem about your family.

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

1. During the story, Dara asks the clay marble to grant her wishes. Answer the following questions each time she makes a wish:
   
   • Describe the situation.
   
   
   • What does Dara wish?
   
   
   • What happens?


2. Create pictures or 3-D representations of Dara’s family and their temporary homes in different stages of change.


3. Dara learns about survival during her adventures. As you read, write a manual of survival skills including necessary supplies.

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

1. Make at least three toy artifacts such as the ones described in the book.


2. Create a poster describing current events and issues in Cambodia.


3. Research and write a report about an issue in Cambodia.


4. Write a two poems or songs about the clay marble or another topic from the story.


5. Make a scrapbook of Dara’s family members and their adventure. Write captions for pictures.

BDA: Born Confused

Here are some Before, During, and After activities for Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier:

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

1. Do you ever feel like you are playing a role or pretending to be someone you are not? Write at least half a page describing the roles you play, why you play them, and how pretending makes you feel.


2. Write a definition for the word culture. Give examples of your or another person’s culture. Write at least half a page.


3. Who are you? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? What do you like about yourself? What would you like to change? Write a minimum of half a page.


4. Who understands you? Who doesn’t? Write at least half a page describing these people and why you think they do or do not understand you.


5. Write a poem about your family.

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

1. Write a letter to Dimple (or another character) at the end of each chapter. Let the person know what you think of what they are thinking or doing?


2. Pretend you are Dimple or Gwyn and keep a diary from that person’s point of view.


3. As you read, make a scrapbook of Dimple’s experiences. Use your own photographs or drawings. You may use excerpts from the book as captions for the pictures.


4. Take your own photographs that you think represent events from the story. Write an explanation of why you chose each photograph and what it represents.

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

1. Research Indian-American and South Asian organizations and activities in your area. Make a brochure of the information you gather.


2. Listen to India music (bhangra, Goan trance music, Lata Mangeshkar, Bollywood film hits, etc.) Create three drawings or write a page saying what you think of the music.


3. Did the book make you think about your own identity and your relationships with others? Write a paper describing what you used to think and what you think now.


4. At the beginning of the book, some of Dimple’s relationships with others are strained. Think about your own relationships that could use improvement. Create a plan to strengthen each relationship.


5. Interview an American-born Indian, and write a paper describing what you learned.

BDA: So Far From the Bamboo Grove

These are Before, During, and After activities for So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kwashima:

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

1. Write down everything you know about Japan (history, location, culture, pop culture). Write a minimum of half a page.


2. What do you know about Japan’s role during World War II? Write a minimum of half a page.


3. Have you ever had to move to a new city or town? Describe what happened. Why did you move? Where did you move? How different was the new place? How did it feel to move? Write a minimum of half a page.


4. Think of a family member (or another person) who you know you can always count on. What makes you feel like you can count on this person? Write a minimum of half a page.


5. Have you ever had to be very brave? What were the circumstances? What happened? Write a minimum of half a page.

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

1. Write a journal entry from Ko’s point of view at the end of each chapter. Do you think Ko saw events differently than Yoko?


2. Draw a map of Japan and Korea. As you read, plot the story events where they occurred on the map.


3. Make a historical timeline of world events affecting Yoko’s family (Japan ruling Korea, World War II, etc.). Plot events from the book on the timeline.


4. Create a postcard at the end of each chapter that represents what happened or how the characters are feeling. You can draw a card or make a collage from pictures and words you cut out. Write a minimum of two sentences explaining each postcard.


5. Keep a Reading Reaction Journal. At the end of each chapter write at least half a page discussing what you think about what happened.

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

1. Research and write a report on one of the following. The report should be a minimum of two pages.
   
   • Japan’s colonization of Korea
   
   
   • The Korean War
   
   
   • Japanese traditional dance
   
   
   • Japan after World War II


2. Haiku are Japanese poetry. Usually they are written about nature. Write a minimum of 5 haikus about the events in the story.
   

   The form of haiku is:
   1st line – 5 syllables
   2nd line – 7 syllables
   3rd line – 5 syllables



3. Research and perform a traditional Japanese dance.


4. Write a possible next chapter for the story.


5. Write an obituary for each character that died in the story. (An obituary is a brief biography of the deceased.)

BDA: The Afterlife

Here are Before, During, and After activities for The Afterlife by Gary Soto:

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

1. How would you like to be remembered by people? What would you like to accomplish in your life? Write at least half a page.


2. What do you think about suicide? Write a letter to someone who is thinking about committing suicide.


3. Write at least half a page describing a person who means a lot to you. What is special about this person? What are his or her best qualities?


4. Has anyone close to you died? What happened? How do you feel now? Complete at least half a page.

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

1. Write at least a sentence that each character might say at Chuy’s funeral. You can use the following format.
   

   Character’s Name:
   Relationship to Chuy:
   What he or she might say at the funeral:



2. Create a map of Chuy’s travels.


3. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross believes that there are 5 stages that a person goes through when someone close to them dies:
   
   Denial – it didn’t happen
   Anger or resentment
   Bargaining
   Depression
   Acceptance
   
   Create a chart with character names written on the rows of the first column and with Kubler-Ross' 5 stages as column headings. Check off the stage box or boxes for each character showing what stages they go through after Chuy dies.


4. Make a list of all the lessons that Chuy learns in the story.

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

1. “Death makes a person appreciate life more.” Would the author agree or disagree with this statement? Write a paper, using at least 3 examples from the book, to support your argument.


2. Why do you think Chuy faded away slowly instead of disappearing all at once? Write a paper, at least 2 pages in length, explaining your thoughts.


3. What do you think of the author’s representation of death? If you had written the story, how would you have represented death? Explain why. Write at least 2 pages.


4. What clues in the book point to Chuy being killed? Write an epilogue chapter solving Chuy’s murder.


5. Write at least 5 poems about both Gary Soto’s and your ideas about the afterlife. Write a minimum of 2 sentences explaining each poem.


6. Create a poster or picture that represents the afterlife. Write at least a page explaining your poster or picture.


7. What do you think about what Crystal did? Do you think she regrets her decision? Write a paper about how you feel about Crystal’s suicide and her afterlife.


8. Research the topic of suicide. Then do one of the following with the information you learn:
   
   • Make a pamphlet or handout
   
   
   • Make a poster
   
   
   • Give an oral report

BDA: Tuck Everlasting

These are some Before, During, and After activities for Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt:

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

1. Write a poem or a song on the topic of life or death or about both life and death. Write a minimum of half a page.


2. Divide a poster into two sides. Use words and pictures to decorate one side, so it represents “life.” Decorate the other side, so it represents “death.”


3. What would you like on your tombstone? What would you like it to say? What do you want to be remembered for? Design your own stone.


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 (=).
   
   • A messy room
   
   
   • Eating fish
   
   
   • Making money
   
   
   • Killing people
   
   
   • Touching toads
   
   
   • Dying

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

1. Personification is giving human attributes to objects, animals, ideas, and other things. Create a log with the following column headings. Then, fill in the columns as you read.
   
   • Object
   
   
   • Human Characteristic
   
   
   • Chapter #


2. The characters in the book are compared to many objects, animals, etc. through the use of similes and metaphors. As you read, write down the names of the characters and the objects and animals each character is compared to.


3. As you read, pretend you are Winnie, and keep a journal of the important events that happen to her as well as the thoughts and ideas she has.


4. While you read, draw a map of Treegap and the surrounding area. Make sure you include Winnie’s cottage, the gate, the road, the toad, Tuck’s house, the jailhouse, the gallows, the pond, the tree, the hill, the spring.


5. The author uses foreshadowing in the book to give you a hint at what might happen next. At the end of each chapter, write a paragraph describing what you think will happen next.

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

1. Would you have made the same choices Winnie did? Why or why not? What would you have done? Write at least one page.


2. Imagine you were born at the same time as Winnie in 1870, and you drank the water. Create a scrapbook of the highpoints of your life. Be creative. Include important historical events.


3. Write a poem describing life from the point of view of Winnie’s friend the toad.


4. Compare Tuck’s and Jesse’s views on the water. Why do you think they each feel the way they do? Whom do you identify with more?


5. Winnie thinks a lot about the rightness and wrongness of things. What do you think about the rightness and wrongness of the following: keeping a messy room, eating fish, making money, killing people, touching toes, and dying?

BDA: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

Here are Before, During, and After activities for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi:

Before You Begin Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. You are the only passenger on a ship in 1832, sailing from Liverpool, England to Providence, Rhode Island. The captain has told you the crew is dangerous. The crew has told you the captain is dangerous. Whom do you believe? Why? Write a minimum of half a page.


2. Divide a page into two columns: Boys, Girls. Under the column headed “Boys,” list things you know about boys that are not true about girls. Under “Girls,” list traits specific to girls. Did you have many differences to list? Were these differences good or bad? What do you think about your list? Would others agree with what you have listed? Write a paragraph answering these questions.


3. Think of an activity that you thought you couldn’t do but for some reason tried and realized that you could do it. Describe what happened. Are there other things that you were unsure about that you might try now? Write a minimum of half a page.


4. Has anyone ever told you that you couldn’t do something because of your age? gender? race? class? How did it make you feel? Write a minimum of half a page.

While You Are Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Divide a page into 4 columns creating a table with the following labels. Fill in a row at the end of each chapter. If you or Charlotte are unsure, write “unsure” in the proper column and explain why.
   
   • Whom do I trust?
   
   
   • Why?
   
   
   • Whom does Charlotte trust?
   
   
   • Why?


2. Draw a picture of one of the book’s main characters as the voyage begins. Then draw a second picture of the same character at the end of the voyage. Use at least 3 details from the book. (Character examples: Captain Jaggery, Charlotte, Zachariah)


3. As you read, write down unfamiliar words. Make a crossword puzzle with at least 10 of these words using their definitions as clues.


4. Choose a character. Explain how this character’s race, gender, age, and class influence how the other characters react toward him or her. You may write a paper or use a chart format.

When You Have Finished Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. After returning home from Rhode Island, if you were Charlotte, would you have chosen to do something different? Rewrite the last chapter of the book.


2. Write a ballad recounting the events that took place on the voyage of the Seahawk from the point of view of any of the characters.


3. Write a letter from Charlotte’s mother, father, sister, or brother to Charlotte describing how she/he feels about how Charlotte has changed since she/he last saw her.


4. Do you think events described in the book are realistic? Why or why not? Write a minimum of one page. Be persuasive.

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

BDA: The Pigman & Me

Here are Before, During, and After activities for The Pigman & Me by Paul Zindel:

Before You Begin Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. What is a big change that you have gone through in your life? Moving? A new school? Parents’ divorce? Making new friends? Describe what happened. How did you feel? How did you deal with the big change in your life? Write at least half a page.


2. Is there a person in your life whom you like or admire? Why do you like or admire this person? Describe this person’s qualities, and give examples of things this person has done. Write at least half a page.


3. Draw a floor plan of your home and a map of your neighborhood. Label interesting places and where interesting people live. Create a key that explains why these places and people are interesting.


4. Make a list of at least 15 things you have learned in your life. These should be things that you would help another person if you shared your tips with them.

While You Are Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Paul Zindel uses the technique of “foreshadowing” a lot in this book. Foreshadowing is giving hints about what is going to happen later in the story. Create a table including the following columns and fill in examples of foreshadowing as you read:
   
   • Example of Foreshadowing
   
   
   • Page Number
   
   
   • What do you think this foreshadowing is hinting at? What will happen next?


2. Nonno Frankie uses puns a lot to make the people around him laugh. Puns are a play on words that sound alike but mean different things. Keep a log of Nonno Frankie’s jokes. Write an explanation of each pun including definitions of the words used.


3. Make a scrapbook of this year in Zindel’s life, including important events from the book. Create this scrapbook from any of the character’s point of view: Nonno Frankie, Jennifer, Mother, Betty, Connie.


4. Create a booklet of advice including the best information from the book. Write one page describing why you chose to include the advice you did.

When You Have Finished Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Think of an interesting event from your childhood. Write this event up as a chapter in the style of Paul Zindel.


2. Do as Nonno Frankie describes in the last chapter of the book. Describe what you learn at the top of the volcano. Write at least one page.


3. Now that you know what a pigman is, do you have one in your life? Describe your pigman and how you met him or her. What have you learned from your pigman? Write at least one page.


4. Write a poem based on your reading. Your poem could be a summary of the story, a description of one or many of the characters, a list of wise words or punny jokes, a retelling of one of the events in the book, or something else from The Pigman & Me.

BDA: Seedfolks

Before, During, and After Reading activities for the book Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman.

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

1. Do you know the people in your neighborhood? Why or why not? Do you do any activities with your neighbors? Describe the people who make up your neighborhood. Write at least half a page.


2. What does “community” mean to you? Create a poster illustrating what you think makes up a community. Use words, drawings, and/or cut-out pictures from magazines.


3. Have you ever grown a flower a plant, a tree? Describe what you had to do to take care of it. How often did you water it, fertilize it? Did you place it inside or outside? Was it in the sun or a shady space? How did it grow? Write at least half a page.


4. Write a poem about one of the following topics: community, neighborhood, gardens, farming.

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

1. Create a map of the community garden. Include who is gardening in each spot and what they are growing. Where are the gardeners from?


2. Make a chart and fill in the following information for each character:
   
   • Name
   
   
   • Describe his or her personality traits.
   
   
   • Where is he or she from? (history)
   
   
   • What is he or she growing?
   
   
   • Why is he or she growing that?
   
   
   • How does he or she feel about the other people?
   
   
   • How does the garden change this person?


3. The characters learn a lot about growing flowers and vegetables in the garden. Create a booklet of growing tips for Chicago. Include all the information from the book.


4. The gardeners have come to Chicago from many different places. On a map of the world, label each place with the person’s name and the approximate date they moved to Chicago. Include the people who moved from another state to Illinois.


5. Plant and grow a seed of your own in a paper cup or outside. Write a daily journal describing how you care for the plant and how it grows.

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

1. Create a poster promoting community gardens. Make it clear how they benefit neighborhoods. Give tips for starting a community garden.


2. Write at least one page describing how the garden changed the lives of at least 5 people. Can you see a community garden changing the lives of people in your community or your school’s community?


3. Gardens are a metaphor for community and connection to the planet and one another. Write at least one page explaining these metaphors. Give examples from the book.


4. Write a song or a poem about at least 5 characters in the book and how the community garden changed their lives.

BDA: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

BDA stands for Before, During, and After.

I've created some BDAs with activities students can complete before, during, and after reading books. I've tried to create activity options that appeal to different intelligences. (Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory)

The first BDA I'm posting is for Douglas Adam's The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:

Before You Begin Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Are we alone in the universe? Do you think there is life on other planets? If so, do you think there are aliens that are more intelligent than people on Earth? Write at least 1 page, discussing what you think. Give reasons for your positions.


2. If you met an alien from another planet at a party, and it asked you to describe your home planet, what would you say? Write at least one page, providing details about Earth.


3. Imagine your perfect planet. What would it look like? Draw pictures of at least 5 views of your planet. Write captions for each picture.


4. Pretend you are an alien. Describe Earth from the perspective of someone/something from another planet. Remember that it may not be familiar with things like cars, planes, sports, buildings. Write at least a page.

While You Are Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Write diary entries for one of the characters. Make sure you write an entry for each of the memorable moments.


2. Make a scrapbook of pictures, newspaper clippings, momentos for one of the characters.


3. Complete a chart of character traits for 8 characters in the book.


4. Choose at least 15 difficult vocabulary words from the book. Create a crossword puzzle using these words. Make sure you include an answer key.

When You Have Finished Reading…

Complete one of the following activities.

1. Write your own Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy based on your reading. Include at least 15 entries for important people, places, objects, and events.


2. What do you think Adams is trying to say about the meaning of life? Why do you think this? Give examples from the book. What do you think is the meaning of life? Write at least three pages.


3. There are many items advertised in the book. Create an advertisement for at least 5 items. Here are some examples you might choose from: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Encyclopedia Galactica, Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, the Heart of Gold, Vogon poetry, Infinite Improbability Drive, Sirius Cybernetics Corporation robot with the new GPP feature, Magrathea planets.


4. Write 5 stories for a galaxy newspaper using important events from the book.