Day 67!

“An understanding of racism as a system of advantage presents a serous challenge to the notion of the United States as  just society where rewards are based solely on one’s merits.” Beverly Daniel Tatum, Harvard Educational Review, (1992, p.6)

What does this statement mean to you? What is your reaction to this thought? Does meritocracy exist in the United States; is the “American Dream” an attainable goal for everyone? Reflect on this in a brief journal entry. 

Day 64!

Happy Monday!

Today we will view any projects that we did not see on Friday.

Then, we will begin work with our Civil Rights unit!

We will be watching A Class Divided which is a documentary about an experiment performed in an Iowa classroom in 1968; the year of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination.

A Class Divided

Day 61!

Today is your final work day on your Fahrenheit 451 projects! Make sure you're using your time wisely!

Day 60!

Happy day 60!!! Congratulations and good work on making it 1/3 of the way through the school year!

Today will be another work day on your Fahrenheit 451 projects. Please let me know if you have any questions!

I'd like to thank all of you for your helpful comments on the teacher report card yesterday. I saw several comments more than once, and I will do my best to improve in as many areas as possible!

Day 59!

Today will be a project work day! But FIRST, I would like for all of you to take a few minutes to give me some feedback on how I am doing. Please fill out the "Report Card" below, then you have the rest of the hour to work on your projects!

Day 58!

1. How is the campfire different from the burning fire with which Montag is familiar?

2. What is so remarkable to Montag about the voices around the campfire he hears as he hides in the trees?

 3.How is Montag like the men he encounters gathered around the campfire?

 4. How do the old men hope to use the books they have memorized, and what do they think will happen?

5. What makes the war and its end so unreal to Montag and his companions?

6. What do Montag’s imaginings about Mildred’s fate when the bombs fall indicate about him?

7. What, according to Granger, makes humans different from the Phoenix? How will this help humankind finally?

8. Why do you think that the old men fall in behind Montag on their journey back to the city. Why has he become the

leader?

9. What is the significance of the quote that Montag will save for noon when they reach the city?

10. What is the theme of this book, in your opinion?

Day 57!

1.  What is fitting about Montag’s planting books in Fireman Black’s home?

2. What insight about himself does Montag gain as he reflects on his violent actions?

3.. Even though war has been declared, the news media focuses on the Mechanical Hound’s tracking of Montag. What does this say about the function of the media in society?

4.. If Montag were caught and dying, what single word or phrase do you think he could say to the TV cameras that would wake the people up to the enforced triviality of their lives?

5.. What insight about time and the sun and his actions as a fireman does Montag get during his leisurely float on the river? What does Montag understand humans must do to counter the effects of the time-burning sun?

Reading assignment: FINISH the book! Add 2 vocabulary words to finish up your list! 

Day 56! Discussion Questions

1. What do you think caused Mildred to bring about the destruction of her own house by reporting that her husband had hidden books?

2. Why does Beatty want Montag to wield the flame thrower to destroy his own house and why does Montag do it?

3. Almost without knowing it, Montag’s hands switch off the safety on the flame thrower aimed at Beatty. What does this show about Montag’s state of awareness or consciousness?

4. Why do you think Beatty mockingly tells Montag to “pull the trigger” (p. 113) on the flame thrower Montag has aimed at him?

5. Is Montag justified in killing Beatty? Why or why not?

6. Why do the teenagers in the car try to kill Montag as he crosses the avenue? How do their actions reflect what is happening in society?

Reading assignment: 123-138 & 2 vocabulary words

Day 55!

Today we will begin by sharing the 6 Word Memoirs that you created on Friday!

After that, you will have time to read pages 107-123 in Part 3: Burning Bright.

As you read, please pick 2 more vocabulary words.

If you finish early, please use that time to make sure your vocabulary list is up to date!

Day 54!

1.Why is Faber so discouraged about changing society for the better even if a war wipes out the current culture in their country?

2. Why does Montag not heed Faber’s warnings and instead confronts the women in his house with a reading of “Dover Beach”?

3. When Montag returns to the firehouse for work, he is divided. What are the divisions within himself that he experiences?

4. The Captain recounts his dream in which he defeats Montag’s argument for the importance of books. Choose one of the Captain’s quotes that directly argues against the power of books and explain what the quote means.

5. How does Montag feel about himself as he rides the fire truck with the other men to burn more books?

6. How do you think the book is going to end?

Throughout the second half of "The Sieve and the Sand" we see everything that Montag is doing, but we never really get to see what he is feeling in his head. Review the second part of this chapter and think about what Montag is probably feeling and thinking. Then, create a 6 word memoir that you feel expresses everything that Montag is feeling, be sure to also include graphics and pictures that portray his point of view and emotions. 

Below you will find some examples of 6 Word Memoirs. Be sure that you include graphics or pictures with yours; be creative!