FPP chpt. - 7, 8, 9

In chapter seven i would discuss the following with students:
Why did some people die from overeating? Do you think Marion's story would have turned out differently had her leg been amputated? Explain. How would you feel knowing the war was over, but you were still in quarantine for two months? How do you think the family felt going through all of this, then papa dieing after they were free?

In chapter eight I would discuss the following with the students:
How would you feel being labeled a "displaced person"? Why was a new dress and some gum so great with the war being over? Why did the Blumenthals want to go to Palestine instead of the U.S. now? What caused Marion to flee the hospital she was to have her surgery in?

In chapter nine I would discuss the following with the students:
Why do you think Marion is so Intrigued by bubble gum? How would you feel and what would you do moving to a new place, having no home or job, and everyone spoke a different language? How would you feel being 13 in 4th grade, not knowing much English, and having to work after school? Why do you feel the Blumenthals did well for themselves once they were settled?

Keene chpt. - 6

After reading chapter six I can recall numerous times talking about age appropriate books in the classroom. I feel that a teacher should know what a students reading level, however, allow the students to read books that are beyond their level. If a child is interested in the topic of the book, and it is beyond their level I feel that they will push themselves to figure out what words, concepts, and ideas are just to understand what they are interested in. I like the classroom ideas that she established about being able to read a more complex book. If I ever have my own classroom I feel that I will establish these rules. Why should we tell students not to read something that is above their level, are we not limiting their learning. Maybe they will spark something in their little minds, have a breakthrough, and learn much better.

FPP chpt. - 6

While sitting at the rail station for what seemed like eternity, what would have been going through your mind? If the SS guards were no longer performing routine roll calls on the train, what would you have done? Knowing that the U.S. Air Force was bombing the Nazis, and the Russians were approaching from the east, why were they still fearful for their lives? Why were the Russian soldiers wearing wristwatches? Where did they get them? If from the Jewish, why would they want their belongings, and be saving them at the same time?

FPP chpt. - 5

When directing in depth thinking about chapter five I would ask the following questions. How would you feel while sitting on the train and waiting for it take off, and the conditions are no better than that of a cattle car? How could the story have ended differently if Walter did not approach, and push his luck with the guard? What would you do differently than Marion living in her conditions? What would you think would be happening to you if the train you were on was going in the opposite direction than the other trains?
At this point I would also go into the history of the war. I feel that this book could used while studying the war.

Keene chpt. - 5

After finishing chapter five I can see what a lot of schools do. I now see how they primarily focus on certain aspects, like phonics, as oppose to the whole picture. While reading the chapter I constantly thought of different ways that all of the aspects could be taught, over a longer period of time, and in more depth. I hope that Keene delves deeper into her views on a curricula and explains more how to do this.
It is funny that states all have different standards. If we want our children to all learn the same then how come we, as a country, do not come together to develop a more national curricula. It is funny how in some states students learn different things in different grades, and in very different ways. I do feel that they will always learn in different ways, but why not a national standards curriculum.

FPP chpt. - 4

After reading chapter four i would ask the students how they would feel if what they thought was a refugee camp actually was turned into a transit camp and why? How would they feel if any hope of emigrating to America was almost now lost and why? If they were in the Blumenthal's position, what would they have done differently? I would also ask them why only two countries were currently fighting against the Nazi's?

FPP chpt. - 3

After reading chapter three i would talk to the children to see if they knew of any other country or time that has done this? (the U.S. with Japanese Americans in WWII) I would ask them if they were in the same situation as the Blumenthal family if they would do anything differently? Why do they feel that other countries would not step into help the targeted groups of people by the Germans? How do you think the story would have been different if they did not hide the gun?