A book talk hosted by Miss Adrienne from Herrick District Library.

Jasmine Warga's Website

Better Understand the Refugee Crisis

The Refugee Project

VR Tour of a Refugee Camp

• Immigration: When people move from one country to another to live there permanently.

• Refugee: Someone who has been forced to flee their home country due to persecution, war, or violence. They seek safety and protection in another country.

• Revolution: A significant and often abrupt change that occurs within a society, system, or organization. It involves widespread and profound transformations in political, social, economic, or cultural structures, often resulting in the overthrow of existing authorities or norms and the establishment of new ones.

• Democracy: A system of government where the people have the power to make decisions.

• Oppressing: Oppression occurs when one group or individual uses power or authority to unfairly control, harm, or limit the rights, freedoms, or opportunities of another group or individual. 

• Artifact: Something made by humans, typically with a specific purpose or function. It can include objects like tools, artwork, buildings, or even documents, which provide insight into past civilizations, cultures, or historical periods.

• Betrayal: When someone breaks trust or loyalty by deliberately going against expectations or commitments, often causing harm or disappointment to another person or group.

• Defiant: Refusing to obey authority or follow rules, often showing open resistance or disobedience.

Before Reading:

A five-word prediction activity for reading comprehension involves selecting five key words from a text prior to reading aloud. These words are then presented to the students, who are prompted to reflect on what they already know or anticipate about each word. Through this exercise, students activate their prior knowledge and make connections to the upcoming text, fostering engagement and preparing them to better comprehend the material. By focusing on these key words, students develop expectations about the content and themes of the text, enhancing their ability to follow along and extract meaning during the reading session.

During Reading:

Character development plays a pivotal role in reading comprehension as it adds depth and complexity to the narrative. When readers engage with well-developed characters, they form connections and empathize with their experiences, motivations, and growth throughout the story. Understanding how characters change, evolve, and respond to challenges provides insight into the themes and messages of the text. It allows readers to analyze the reasons behind characters' actions, anticipate their decisions, and evaluate their relationships with others. Through this process, readers develop a deeper understanding of the plot dynamics and underlying emotions, enhancing their ability to comprehend and interpret the text as a whole.

After Reading: 

Magnet summaries are a creative and interactive way for students to summarize and comprehend a book or text. Teachers should instruct students to think about the book "Other Words For Home," and write down 3-5 words that resonates in their mind to the book. Once students have compiled their own list, instruct students to write a summary of the book using the words that had come to their minds. This can be on any blank or lined sheet of paper. Students can then share to a partner or to the class the summary that they wrote. 

Social Media Fun!

Engage, Create, Share!

This activity is all about stepping into the shoes of our favorite characters and bringing their stories to life through social media! Let your imagination run as you craft a social media post from your character's perspective.  Use the provided template to write a captivating caption or message, and don't forget to add some visuals – whether it's a drawing, a collage, or a photo – to make your post standout!