Crime & Punishment - Discussion Questions

 Discuss the following questions during today´s lesson: 

1. Should prison be about helping criminals change, rather than just punishing them? Why or why not?
2. Should people who commit serious crimes receive very long prison sentences? Why or why not?
3. Does everyone deserve a second chance after making a serious mistake? Why or why not?
4. Do most people who commit crimes know that what they are doing is wrong? Why or why not?
5. What do you think life in prison is really like?
6. Should prisoners have access to education and training? Why or why not?
7. Should young people who commit crimes be given a second chance instead of being sent to prison? Why or why not?
8. Should the death penalty be used for the most serious crimes? Why or why not?
9. Should the police be allowed to use more surveillance to prevent crime? Why or why not?
10. Are people more likely to commit crimes when they grow up in poverty? Why or why not?
11. If someone has served their sentence, should society forgive them? Why or why not?
12. Should prisoners have the same basic rights as everyone else? Why or why not?
13. Is a prison sentence always the best punishment? Why or why not?
14. Are people sometimes more afraid of crime than they need to be? Why or why not?
15. Can social media make young people more likely to get involved in crime? Why or why not?
16. Is treating everyone equally more important than considering their individual situation? Why or why not?

Follow-up questions

• Why do you think so?
• Can you give an example?
• What could be another point of view?
• Would you change your opinion? Why or why not?

Prepare for the Freedom Writers Exam

  Film + The Freedom Writers Diary, pages 1–29

Part 1 – Understanding the story

1. Who is Erin Gruwell, and why does she become a teacher?
2. What is the school environment like when Erin first starts teaching?
3. Why do many of the students have problems trusting teachers?
4. What different groups or conflicts exist among the students?
5. How does Erin react when she realizes how difficult the situation is?
6. Why is the students' writing important in the diary?
7. What do the students write about in the first pages of the diary?
8. How does writing help some of the students express their feelings?

Part 2 – Characters

• How would you describe Erin Gruwell as a teacher? Give three adjectives and explain your choices.
• How do the students initially see Erin?
• How does Erin's attitude towards her students differ from the attitude of some other teachers?
• Choose one student from the film. What problems does this student face?
• How do the students change when they begin to trust Erin?
• Why is trust important between a teacher and students?

Part 3 – Film and Diary

• Which gives you a better understanding of the students' feelings: the film or the diary? Why?
• In the film, we can see the students' lives. In the diary, we can read their thoughts. Which is more powerful? Why?

Part 4 – Agree or disagree?

Discuss with a partner. Give reasons for your answer.

Agree or Disagree?

• A teacher can change a student's life.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Students should be allowed to write about their personal experiences at school.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• It is difficult to learn when you do not feel safe.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• People often judge others before they really know them.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Your background does not have to decide your future.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Writing can be a way of dealing with difficult experiences.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Erin Gruwell does too much for her students.
  Agree or disagree? Why?

Part 5 – Think deeper

• Why do you think the students are divided into different groups?
• What does freedom mean to the students?
• Why can telling your own story be powerful?
• Why might it be easier to write something than to say it aloud?
• What do the students have in common, even though they come from different backgrounds?
• Do you think Erin understands her students at the beginning of the story? Why or why not?
• What do you think is the most important message in pages 1–29?
• If you were one of the students, what would you think about Erin's teaching methods?

Prepare for the Freedom Writers Exam

 Film + The Freedom Writers Diary, pages 1–29

Part 1 – Understanding the story

1. Who is Erin Gruwell, and why does she become a teacher?
2. What is the school environment like when Erin first starts teaching?
3. Why do many of the students have problems trusting teachers?
4. What different groups or conflicts exist among the students?
5. How does Erin react when she realizes how difficult the situation is?
6. Why is the students' writing important in the diary?
7. What do the students write about in the first pages of the diary?
8. How does writing help some of the students express their feelings?

Part 2 – Characters

• How would you describe Erin Gruwell as a teacher? Give three adjectives and explain your choices.
• How do the students initially see Erin?
• How does Erin's attitude towards her students differ from the attitude of some other teachers?
• Choose one student from the film. What problems does this student face?
• How do the students change when they begin to trust Erin?
• Why is trust important between a teacher and students?

Part 3 – Film and Diary

• Which gives you a better understanding of the students' feelings: the film or the diary? Why?
• In the film, we can see the students' lives. In the diary, we can read their thoughts. Which is more powerful? Why?

Part 4 – Agree or disagree?

Discuss with a partner. Give reasons for your answer.

Agree or Disagree?

• A teacher can change a student's life.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Students should be allowed to write about their personal experiences at school.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• It is difficult to learn when you do not feel safe.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• People often judge others before they really know them.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Your background does not have to decide your future.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Writing can be a way of dealing with difficult experiences.
  Agree or disagree? Why?
• Erin Gruwell does too much for her students.
  Agree or disagree? Why?

Part 5 – Think deeper

• Why do you think the students are divided into different groups?
• What does freedom mean to the students?
• Why can telling your own story be powerful?
• Why might it be easier to write something than to say it aloud?
• What do the students have in common, even though they come from different backgrounds?
• Do you think Erin understands her students at the beginning of the story? Why or why not?
• What do you think is the most important message in pages 1–29?
• If you were one of the students, what would you think about Erin's teaching methods?

The Freedom Writers Diary: 4

Start with working with these words (approximately 10 min):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 9-12 and entries 13-14 in the book

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Reading Group Freedom Writers Diaries 9 - 12 - YouTube

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writers Diary 13 - 14 - YouTube

Discuss last weeks questions and start to prepare for the Freedom Writers test you´ll have:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

The Freedom Writers Diary 3

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 4-7 in the book:

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 4 - 8 - YouTube

But first I want you to work with words here:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 2) Flashcards | Quizlet

When you´re done reading the diary entries of today´s lesson, I want you to discuss the following things:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

If (only if) you have time left, you can work with these words (next week´s diary entries):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Freedom Writers: Part 2

Work with words here: Freedom Writers: words Flashcards | Quizlet

Answer the following questions (in your notebook):

 - Why did Erin Gruwell (Mrs G) decide to become a teacher instead of a lawyer? 

 - Name some problems that Mrs Gruwell faces in the beginning! 

 - How do the students in room 203 treat each other in the beginning? 

 - In what way do you think Wilson High School (the school in Freedom Writers) is different from your school?

 - Are your school and the school from the movie the same in any way?

Holly´s Heroes 2

Holly has created her own basketball team, but they must win their first game to join the same league as The Rams. They need another player, but Nick, the only good choice, refuses to join. With no jerseys, no substitute, and only 24 hours until the game, they have a big challenge ahead.

Before we watch episode 2, work with words here: Holly's Heroes 2 Flashcards | Quizlet

The Freedom Writers Diary: Read part 3

Start with working with these words (approximately 10 min):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 9-12 and entries 13-14 in the book

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Reading Group Freedom Writers Diaries 9 - 12 - YouTube

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writers Diary 13 - 14 - YouTube

Discuss last weeks questions and start to prepare for the Freedom Writers test you´ll have:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

The Freedom Writers Diary: Read part 3

Start with working with these words (approximately 10 min):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 9-12 and entries 13-14 in the book

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Reading Group Freedom Writers Diaries 9 - 12 - YouTube

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writers Diary 13 - 14 - YouTube

Discuss last weeks questions and start to prepare for the Freedom Writers test you´ll have:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

The Freedom Writers Diary: Read, Part 2

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 4-7 in the book:

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 4 - 8 - YouTube

But first I want you to work with words here:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 2) Flashcards | Quizlet

When you´re done reading the diary entries of today´s lesson, I want you to discuss the following things:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

If (only if) you have time left, you can work with these words (next week´s diary entries):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

The Freedom Writers Diary: Read, Part 2

Last week, you discussed racism. Then you read and listened to diary entries 1-3.

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 4-7 in the book:
Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 4 - 8 - YouTube

But first I want you to work with words here:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 2) Flashcards | Quizlet

When you´re done reading the diary entries of today´s lesson, I want you to discuss the following things:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

If (only if) you have time left, you can work with these words (next week´s diary entries):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

The Freedom Writers Diary; Read, Part 1

Now that we`ve seen the movie Freedom Writers, we are going to read parts of the book. 

I want you to work with the following words first:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 1) Flashcards | Quizlet

During today´s lesson we will read and listen to Ms. Gruwell´s diary entry and also read and listen to diary entries 1-4 in the book: Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 1 - 4 - YouTube

Today you are going to discuss racism, based on the scene with the drawing of Jamal.

- Where does racism come from?

Go to this page: http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/freedomwriters.php and read about the real Freedom Writers.

The Freedom Writers Diary; Read, Part 1

Now that we`ve seen the movie Freedom Writers, we are going to read parts of the book. 

I want you to work with the following words first:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 1) Flashcards | Quizlet

During today´s lesson we will read and listen to Ms. Gruwell´s diary entry and also read and listen to diary entries 1-4 in the book: Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 1 - 4 - YouTube

Today you are going to discuss racism, based on the scene with the drawing of Jamal.

- Where does racism come from?

Go to this page: http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/freedomwriters.php and read about the real Freedom Writers.

Crime and Punishment: Lesson 2

We are going to watch two episodes of  The World´s Toughest Prisons. The first episode will be about prison in Norway. Before we do that I want you to work with the booklet named "The World´s Toughest Prisons". 

I want you to work with the following things during this lesson (you write your answers in your booklet):

1. Answer the question "What is the main purpose of prison?"

2. Work with "Agree or Disagree?".

3. Continue with "Important Vocabulary" where you translate words (use your computer to look up words). 

4. Move on to "Make Predictions".

Crime and Punishment: Lesson 2

We are going to watch two episodes of  The World´s Toughest Prisons. Before we do that I want you to work with the booklet named "The World´s Toughest Prisons". We will watch the first episode on Thursday and it will be about prison in Norway.

I want you to work with the following things during this lesson (you write your answers in your booklet):

1. Answer the question "What is the main purpose of prison?"

2. Work with "Agree or Disagree?".

3. Continue with "Important Vocabulary" where you translate words (use your computer to look up words). 

4. Move on to "Make Predictions".

Theatre and the English lesson 8th of September

 Hi 12C!

Since you are going to the theatre on Tuesday, September 8th, and will be getting back quite late, we have decided to cancel the English lesson that day.

Instead, you will have a homework assignment to complete. Please answer the questions below by next Friday, September 11th.

You can either:

• write your answers in a Word document and share it with me, or
• bring your note book and write your answers there.

The questions are:

1. Why did Erin Gruwell (Mrs. G) decide to become a teacher instead of a lawyer?
2. What are some of the problems that Mrs. Gruwell faces in the beginning?
3. How do the students in Room 203 treat each other in the beginning?
4. In what ways do you think Wilson High School, the school in Freedom Writers, is different from your school?
5. Are your school and the school in the movie similar in any ways? Give examples.

Try to answer the questions in full sentences and explain your thoughts as clearly as you can.

Good luck, and enjoy the theatre! 😊

Crime & Punishment: Lesson 1

During the following weeks, we are going to work with Crime and Punishment.

For today´s I want you to work with the following words: Shaka Senghor: Why your worst deeds don't define you Flashcards | Quizlet

When you feel that you know the words, I want you to write down your answers to theese questions in your notebook: 

• Are there problems with crime where you live? Does your hometown feel like a safe place? 
• Have you ever been the victim of a crime or do you know someone who has been the victim of a crime? If so, what happened? 
• What do you think are the reasons why people commit crimes?
• How do you think that prisoners should spend their time in prison? What activities do you think may help them come back to a non-criminal life after having served their sentences? 

Watch Shaka Senghor´s TED talk here: Shaka Senghor: Why your worst deeds don't define you | TED

Crime and Punishment: Lesson 1

During the following weeks, we are going to work with Crime and Punishment.

For today´s (short lesson) I want you to work with the following words: Shaka Senghor: Why your worst deeds don't define you Flashcards | Quizlet

During the Wednesday lesson, you will watch a ted talk, so make sure you practice the words enough so you understand their meaning.

When you feel that you know the words, I want you to write down your answers to theese questions in your notebook: 

• Are there problems with crime where you live? Does your hometown feel like a safe place? 
• Have you ever been the victim of a crime or do you know someone who has been the victim of a crime? If so, what happened? 
• What do you think are the reasons why people commit crimes?
• How do you think that prisoners should spend their time in prison? What activities do you think may help them come back to a non-criminal life after having served their sentences? 

Freedom Writers: Part 2

Work with words here: Freedom Writers: words Flashcards | Quizlet

Answer the following questions (in your notebook):

 - Why did Erin Gruwell (Mrs G) decide to become a teacher instead of a lawyer? 

 - Name some problems that Mrs Gruwell faces in the beginning! 

 - How do the students in room 203 treat each other in the beginning? 

 - In what way do you think Wilson High School (the school in Freedom Writers) is different from your school?

 - Are your school and the school from the movie the same in any way?

Homework for week 36

Here are the words you must know for next week´s homework test: 

Freedom Writers: words Flashcards | Quizlet

The Butterfly Circus

 Work with words here: The Butterfly Circus Flashcards | Quizlet

Watch The Butterfly Circus: The Butterfly Circus Short Film HD - YouTube

- What was the film about?
- Why do you think this film is called “The Butterfly Circus”?
- Who is your favorite character? Why?
- Which part of the film is your favorite?

- How do you think Will felt when he was part of the sideshow in the first circus?
- What did Will think about himself at the end of the film?
- Why do you think Will spat on Mr. Mendez?
- In what way did Will change after he joined the Butterfly Circus?
- The film took place some decades ago. Do you think people would treat Will differently today?
- Have you experienced something that changed how you look at yourself, for better or for worse? If so, what was it?
- What was Mr. Mendez greatest strength?
- Mr. Mendez said, “I think you’ll manage” to Will when he was floundering. Why did he do that?
- Which part of the film can help you become a better student?
- What was good about the film?
- Was there something that you did not like? Why?

Work experience (PRAO)

Questions About Your Second Work Experience (PRAO)

1. Where did you do your second work experience?
2. What kind of workplace was it?
3. What were your working hours?
4. What tasks did you do?
5. What was your most common task?
6. Did you learn any new skills?
7. What was the most interesting thing you did?
8. What was the most difficult task?
9. Did you work alone or with other people?
10. How did the staff treat you?
11. What did you like most about your work experience?
12. What did you like least?
13. Was this workplace different from your first work experience? How?
14. Did this work experience make you interested in this type of job?
15. Would you like to work there in the future? Why or why not?
16. What surprised you about the workplace?
17. What is one thing you learned about working life?
18. Would you recommend this workplace to other students?

Short Reflection Questions

19. What was your overall impression of your second work experience?
20. What are you most proud of from your PRAO?

Food

Today you will work with food vocabulary. Follow the links and work with the different exercises.

1. Kitchen ware Flashcards | Quizlet

2. Food and restaurants | LearnEnglish Teens

-  Do the preparation exercise first. Then do the other exercises.


Wich food do you need?
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/activities-for-learners/a1v008-which-food-do-you-need


Food game
http://englishflashgames.blogspot.se/2008/09/food-game.html

The Butterfly Circus

Work with words here: The Butterfly Circus Flashcards | Quizlet

Watch The Butterfly Circus: The Butterfly Circus Short Film HD - YouTube

- What was the film about?
- Why do you think this film is called “The Butterfly Circus”?
- Who is your favorite character? Why?
- Which part of the film is your favorite?

- How do you think Will felt when he was part of the sideshow in the first circus?
- What did Will think about himself at the end of the film?
- Why do you think Will spat on Mr. Mendez?
- In what way did Will change after he joined the Butterfly Circus?
- The film took place some decades ago. Do you think people would treat Will differently today?
- Have you experienced something that changed how you look at yourself, for better or for worse? If so, what was it?
- What was Mr. Mendez greatest strength?
- Mr. Mendez said, “I think you’ll manage” to Will when he was floundering. Why did he do that?
- Which part of the film can help you become a better student?
- What was good about the film?
- Was there something that you did not like? Why?
- What happened the next day?

Love - Pay It Forward

We have watched the move Pay it forward and now it is time for us to work with the movie. 

The main message of the movie is to try to do your best in helping other people. Do good and good will come back at you!

Your task is to write about a good deed that you have done. I want you to write in a Word document and share your text with me. 

Your good deed can be anything. Have you helped your parents with the dishes? Or maybe you helped your best friend with something? Maybe you helped a stranger?

• Who did you help?
• Why did you help that person?
• Did the person ask for your help?
• How did you feel afterwards?
• Did the person you helped get happy?
• Did you get a thank you?
• Would you like to hlp out more than you do?
• Do you get much help from family/friends?

I want you to have these questions in mind when you write about your good deed, You can also include other things that I have not mentioned here. I want you to develop your answers as much as possible. Write between 200-300 words. 

Cook and tell

 Work with words here: Kitchen ware Flashcards | Quizlet

These words are also homework for next Wednesday (29/4)

 

Find a recipe!!

You are now going to prepare to write your recipe. Here are some tings you are NOT supposed to do: 

• - Do NOT use google translate for the whole text – write it yourself. 

• - Do NOT just take one recipe and use it as it is – you have to add something yourself. 

• 
  

Now – decide what kind of recipe you want. Find a basic one that you can use. Write it down yourself – and CHANGE it to your liking. As an example: pancakes recipe but you add chocolate or carrot into the batter.  

Don’t copy/paste, write it yourself, only refer to the base recipe for help. 

 

You write it by yourself – remember that I want you to film you making it. 

 

Good luck and take it easy – think about respecting the work space (arbetsro!!!)