Thursday, January 24, 2013

Chapters 2-6

You made it through 4 chapters in one week, and hopefully you were able to learn a lot of new information about Katniss, the Capitol and the upcoming Hunger Games. I will highlight a few main ideas that will be important as we continue to read the book, and then I will ask you to comment on some detailed information that was presented in these chapters.

In Chapter 2, Katniss volunteers to take Prim's place at the Hunger Games. The boy from District 12 is also chosen: Peeta Mellark. Katniss has a special relationship to Peeta, but has never really spoken to him.

In Chapter 3, Katniss is placed in a room and given one hour to say goodbye to those she loves. Then, she is put on a train with Peeta, Haymitch and Effie and taken to the Capitol.

In Chapter 4, Katniss and Peeta have a confrontation with Haymitch, and at the end of the chapter, they arrive at the Capitol.

In Chapter 5, Katniss and Peeta are given makeovers by Cinna and Portia at the Capitol and prepared for the opening ceremonies. They ride in on their chariot holding hands.

In Chapter 6, Effie, Haymitch, Cinna, and Portia seem to be very happy with how many people noticed Katniss and Peeta from District 12 with their flaming capes. In this chapter, we also learn what an Avox is and the story behind how Katniss recognized the Avox that was serving them where they were staying.

These four chapters introduce many new things to us.  They explain many important differences between the Capitol and the Districts as well as give us an insight to the different characters we encounter.  Below are some questions.

DIRECTIONS: Choose two questions to answer this week, and write 5 sentences to answer each one. Your responses are due 1/27/13 by midnight!

1. What is the hand gesture that the people of District 12 give Katniss when she volunteers as tribute in place of her sister? Why do they do this hand gesture? Also, what effect does this gesture have on Katniss?

2. There are different times in these chapters when Katniss explains that is important she try not to cry. If the people saw her cry, what might they think? Would these thoughts be good or bad for her success in the Hunger Games? Why or why not?

3. Even though Katniss has never really spoken to Peeta, she has a special relationship with him.  Describe this relationship. Is this relationship helpful for a fight to the death or it is harmful? Why?

4. Before Katniss leaves for the Capitol, Madge gives her a pin.  What kind of animal in on the pin?  Explain the history of this animal and how the symbol of this animal makes fun of the Capitol.

5. Who is Haymitch? What is Haymitch's job in helping Katniss and Peeta? Explain the confrontation (fight) that Peeta and Katniss have with Haymitch. Also, explain how this fight encourages Haymitch to help them.

6. What is an Avox?  How does Katniss know the Avox that serves them cake at dinner in Chapter 6?

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Week 2 and Housekeeping

Welcome to week 2 of the Hunger Games. I hope Chapter 1 intrigued you and made you want to keep reading to find out what happens. I will post a discussion question later this week, but today I want to outline the reading schedule for the rest of the term. I have us scheduled to finish the book by February 24, 2013. That way, you will have time to study for your finals without worrying about the book. The rest of your responses on the blog will be due on Sunday nights by midnight. 

ATTENTION: We will NOT discuss the book very much in class, so please post your questions to the blog!

Here is our schedule. Please read the assigned chapters and respond to the blog discussion question by the posted due date.      

  • Chapters 2-6 due 1/27                      
  • Chapters 7-11 due 2/3
  • Chapters 12-17 due 2/10
  • Chapters 18-23 due 2/17
  • Chapters 24-27 due 2/24
Let me know if you have any questions and enjoy chapters 2-6 this week!


Thursday, January 17, 2013

WELCOME TO THE L4 HUNGER GAMES DISCUSSION BOARD!

Let's get started!



This term we will be reading The Hunger Games for our extensive reading text. We will use this blog to share our thoughts about each chapter that we are reading. This board is for your OPINIONS and QUESTIONS. We will talk to each other. You can ask your classmates or me questions that you have. I will set due dates for posts, and I will check your weekly participation. Ready? Here we go! 

This weekend you will read chapter 1, so here's your first assignment due MONDAY by midnight. Post your answer here to the following question:

What would your life be like if the Hunger Games were real?