Introduction to Flowers for Algernon The Power Point

Introduction to Flowers for Algernon The Power Point you are about to view has been created for you by Mrs. Geller, with love!

What is Flowers for Algernon, which I shall refer to as FFA? • FFA is about Charlie Gordon. • Charlie is a mentally retarded adult who is given the opportunity to become a genius. • This Power Point will introduce you to some of the concepts and vocabulary that appear in the story.

What is IQ? • IQ stands for intelligence quotient. There a lot of different IQ tests given to try to figure out how smart people are. • IQ tests have been criticized a lot because wealthy white people from educated families often perform better on the tests; this DOES NOT necessarily mean they are smarter!

What is mental retardation? • Mental retardation is a term used to describe lower than average mental abilities. • Some doctors define mental retardation as having an IQ below 70. • There a lot of terms that doctors once used to describe mental retardation like idiot, imbecile, moron, and feeble-minded. These terms are not really used anymore because they are insulting.

What is EI? • EI stands for Emotional Intelligence. • Emotional Intelligence measures how well we recognize our own feelings and emotions and how we deal with our emotions in relationships. • Emotional Intelligence measures abilities that may not be measured by IQ tests.

What is a Rorschach Test • The Rorschach test was invented by a guy named Herman Rorschach. • It’s a psychological test where you are given a bunch of weird ink blots to look at, and you are asked what they look like to you. • Psychologists disagree as to whether or not Rorschach testing is useful. • Mrs. Geller has the actual cards used in a Rorschach test.

What is TAT? • TAT stands for the Thematic Apperception Test. • This is also a psychological test where you’re shown several pictures and you’re asked to describe what is happening, what the characters are thinking and feeling, and what might happen next. • Psychologists look for patterns. If you see violence and death in every picture, it might mean something! • Mrs. Geller has TAT cards too.

What is phonetic spelling? • Phonetic spelling is spelling things the way that they sound. • For example the phonetic spelling of the word “photograph” would be “fotograf”. • The phonetic spelling of “great” would be “grate” or “gr 8”. • You’ll notice that in Flowers for Algernon, Charlie uses phonetic spelling. • Some of you use phonetic spelling too, but let’s not go there!

Will you like Flowers for Algernon? • Yes, you will! • You will like it because I’m telling you that you’ll like it! • I’m only kidding, but most 8 th graders do like this story.

The End • This means that this Power Point has ended. • Hopefully, you figured that out!