Introduction
The purpose of this WebQuest is to increase your schema (background knowledge) before starting the novel next week. There are several parts to this WebQuest and I think you will find some of the things included very interesting.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
Process
1. If reading were a race, reading a short story would be more like a sprint, whereas reading a novel is a marathon. Devise a plan for keeping track of events, characters, themes, and all the other information you think is important when you are reading the novel "Miracle's Boys".
Keeping track of important information is another way to make sure you understand what you are reading. Everyone learns differently and brings his or her own experiences to reading a novel. Therefore, it is important that you find a way that works for you.
- Devise a plan. How are you going to read a novel and keep track of all the important information and still finish it? What is your plan to stay engaged with the novel and maintain a high level of comprehension?
2. Get to know the author Jacqueline Woodson by exploring her website. Explore tabs like her FAQ or list of other titles she has written. One of the reasons she states for becoming an author is that she wanted to write stories she would have wanted to read as a child about people like her.
Knowing a little bit about the author will help you make sense of the themes and motifs tied into novels. Every author reveals a little bit of himself or herself when writing. Understanding some of the experiences and beliefs of the author will help you pick out the tone as well.
- Visit http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/ and learn more about Jacqueline Woodson.
- List 3 additional books she has written.
- List 3 awards that she has won.
- List 5 fun facts about Ms. Woodson.
- List 4 of Ms. Woodson's favorite authors. (This is found in the FAQ under her favorite books.)
- What was Ms. Woodson's favorite subject in school?
- What languages does she speak?
3. Research 3 of the topics from the list below. Then write a small summary about 3 of the topics.
- The novel talks about some important topics that you may find interesting or want to know more about. Research the topics from the list below. There is a link in each to get you started but you are not limited to using only these sites. After you sufficiently research the topic, write a 1 paragraph summary of the topic. You only have to choose 3.
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Diabetes- What are the different kinds? What is living with it like? Treatments? Risks? |
Juvenile Rehabilitation – What programs are there for young people who break the law? What is daily life in a rehabilitation center like? http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/juvenile/bench/whatittakes.html |
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NYC/The Bronx/Central Park – What is it like to live in NYC? How is it different from other places you have lived? What is the cost? Why might it be difficult to live there? https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/the-bronx
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Coping with Death – What is it like to lose a parent or loved one? What happens if you lose both parents? What resources are available for children that are orphaned? http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/coping_with_death_and_grief.aspx |
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MIT – What is the school like? What college programs does it offer? What is its reputation? Is it somewhere you would recommend people apply? Why or why not? |
Breaking into the music Industry – Research your favorite musician or band and discover how they became a successful artist. What steps should you take in order to break into the music industry? |