Lesson 42

Students read their personal novels for a stretch, before we talked about their "Where I Am From" poems.

    Many did an excellent job - too many were unprepared for class, and still have yet to do the work.

We continued our work with the novel - we read through to the break at the bottom of page 16 (19:15 in the audio book).

We discussed a variety of settings, and the allusions in the chapter - we also discussed the significance of Michael's description of slush hitting the window in his room and other, perhaps unexpected, metaphor choices.

Students added what they could to a new character tracking sheet, and are keeping the following questions in mind:

1. What images or moments are described so vividly that you can envision them?
2. What words are new - or what allusions or references require more investigating?
3. Of the moments between brothers Francis and Michael, which have the greatest impact on their relationship?
4. What are some examples of "careless prejudices" and "low expectations" in these boys' lives?
5. What connections can you make between the experiences of these kids and your own childhood?