Read Aloud: We Are All the Same by Jim Wooten

After each read aloud session, choose one of the following and write at least three paragraphs:

 I wonder what this means …  I really don't understand this part because …  I really like or dislike this book because …  This character, ______, reminds me of somebody I know because …  This character, ______, reminds me of myself because …  This character, ______, is like ______in ______because  I think this setting is important because …  This scene reminds me of a similar scene in ______because …  This part is very realistic or unrealistic because …  I like or dislike this style of writing because…  This section makes me think about ______because …  This section is particularly effective because …  The ideas here remind me of the ideas in ______because …  I like or dislike the character, ______, because …  This situation reminds me of a similar situation in my own life when …  The character I most admire is ______because …  If I were ______at this point, I would …  I think…  I know…  I can’t believe…  Can you imagine…  I wish…  I feel that…  I hope….  I wonder…  Why…

At the End of the Book Do One of the Following:

□ Cut out magazine pictures to make a collage or a poster illustrating the idea of the book. Write a five paragraph essay to explain your selections.

□ Find a song and a poem that relates to the theme of your book. Explain the similarities in a five paragraph essay.

□ Write a letter to the main character of the book. Then write the letter he or she sends back. Each letter is required to be one page, single spaced, size 12 font.

□ Rewrite the story as a picture book. Use simple vocabulary and colourful pictures so that it may be enjoyed by younger students.

□ Write a song for the story. Write at least five verses. □ Research and write a five paragraph essay on the geographical setting of your story. Follow the five paragraph essay format. Include an explanation as to why this setting was important to the effect of the story.

□ Research and write a five paragraph essay on one of the issues raised in the book. Follow the five paragraph essay format. Include a bibliography.

□ Design an advertising campaign to promote the sale of the book. Include each of the following: a poster, a radio or TV commercial, a magazine or newspaper ad, a bumper sticker, and a button.

□ Create a board game based on events and characters in the book you read. Your game must include the following: a game board, a rule sheet and clear directions, events and characters from the story.

□ Make models of three objects which were important in the book. On a card attached to each model, tell why that object was important in the book.

□ Complete a series of five drawings that show five of the major events in the book. Write captions for each drawing so that the illustrations can be understood by someone who did not read the book.

□ Select one character from the book you read who has the qualities of a heroine or hero. Discuss the qualities as they pertain to the character. (Five paragraph essay format)

□ Plan a party for the characters in the book. In order to do this, complete each of the following tasks: (a) Design an invitation to the party which would appeal to all of the characters. (b) Imagine that you are five of the characters in the book and tell what each would wear to the party. (c) Tell what food you would serve and why. (d) Tell what games or entertainment you will provide and why your choices are appropriate. (e) Tell how three of the characters will act at the party. (f) What kind of a party is this? (Birthday, housewarming, un-birthday, anniversary, etc.)

□ You are a prosecuting attorney putting one of the characters from the book you read on trial for a crime or misdeed. Prepare your case on paper, giving all your arguments in a five paragraph essay.

□ Make a collage that represents major characters and events in the book. Use pictures and words cut from magazines in your collage. Write a five paragraph essay telling what the words and pictures represent.

□ Pick a national issue that relates to the content of the book. Compose a speech to be given on that topic. (Use the five paragraph essay format)

□ Gather a collection (at least five) of current event news articles that reflect incidents that closely parallel those in the book. Explain, in detail, how each relates to the book.

□ You offer to give Nkosi a ticket to any type of sporting event Nkosi would enjoy seeing. What type of sporting event would Nkosi choose? Why? Write a five paragraph essay to explain.

□ You drew Nkosi’s name for a traditional Christmas gift exchange. Your selected gift must be an abstract quality -- not a fast car, not a fancy stereo, not jewelry, not an exotic vacation -- only the intangible. What will you give Nkosi and why? Explain in a five paragraph essay. □ As an experienced garbage collector, you have learned that garbage is a good indication of someone's personality, their likes and dislikes. Describe the types of garbage you are likely to find at Nkosi’s house, and what that garbage reveals about Nkosi.