HARRISON BERGERON BY KURT VONNEGUT JR Youll need
“HARRISON BERGERON” BY KURT VONNEGUT, JR. You’ll need: • An inquiry log (RWN / journal) • A writing implement • A copy of “Harrison Bergeron”
The story you’re about to read contains issues that may connect to your experiences. Sharing our thoughts about the issues will help everyone prepare to think about the story in-depth. Please write this pre-reading discussion question into your journal entry, as shown. • • • What can societies do to help people achieve equality? Think about your answer for a moment or two, then jot down your thoughts. We’ll share aloud in a moment…
First Reading: 1. 2. 3. Listen to the story and follow along carefully (14: 35). Hone in on these vocabulary words: vigilance, transmitter, abnormal, extraordinarily, luminous, hindrances, synchronizing. Mark up the story in the following way: q ? I have a question about this part– this means I am confused or curious…maybe it could have multiple meanings, or is something I’d like to explore further… q ! This is something really amazing q Me I can relate to this q T = Something seems tragic. q H = Something seems humorous. Next, YOU WILL USE YOUR MARKINGS TO COME UP WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STORY…think of it like dropping tiny breadcrumbs that will help you find your way later!
Second Reading w/ Your Annotations (Tape this sheet (below) into your journal. Set-up your entry, as shown, and write out questions in the following categories. These questions will aide our discussion. ) Factual questions have one correct answer that comes from the text (Who took Harrison away from George and Hazel Bergeron? ) Background questions have one answer that come from outside the text (What type of reading is Popular Mechanics? ) Evaluative questions are based on personal opinions (not evidence from text) and have more than one reasonable answer (What’s the best way to apologize to someone to whom you’ve been mean? ) Speculative questions ask info that’s based outside of story; readers guess at the answer or use their imagination. (How much do you think the ballerina’s handicaps weighed? ) Interpretive questions get to the story’s deeper meaning and themes; they have more than one good answer and can be supported with direct evidence from the text (Why does the author make Harrison so tall, handsome, intelligent, and strong? )
Which interpretive question that you wrote interests you the MOST? Which interpretive question that someone else wrote interests you the most? Let’s analyze and discuss a few of these.
Shared Inquiry When you speak, say something meaningful. Use evidence from the text in support. Share the spotlight. Actively listen. Be respectful and receptive. Remove ‘I Statements’ from the discussion. Validate. Go in-depth.
- Slides: 6