Name:______
Hour:____
“Learn what you are, and be such.” – Pindar, Greek Poet
Insights are the “ah-has” we realize about ourselves and others when we learn about what makes us/them who we/they are deep inside. These characters spend time self-reflecting and thinking about their relationships to each other and nature. Many of these characters have a place where they go to relax and think while other characters are hit with new insights when they are doing some particular thing. Take a minute to think about your own reflection time then answer the following questions using complete sentences.
Where is your thinking place? Or what is your thinking activity?
What do you think about when you are there?
Would you ever invite someone else to your place? Why or why not?
Throughout Unit One we will be learning about both real and fictional characters and what they learn about themselves and others through self-reflection and outside interactions. As we read each story listed below pay attention to the changes in characters. Answer all questions with complete sentences.
“Checkouts” by Cynthia Rylant – Hardcover, page 22
1. Where was the girl’s thinking place? What do you think of that?
2. What was it about that place which helped with her transition to happiness?
“Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara – Hardcover, page 32
1. What insight did Squeaky gain about herself?
2. What insight did Squeaky gain about Raymond?
3. What insight did Squeaky gain about Gretchen?
“Stop the Sun” by Gary Paulsen – Hardcover, page 48
1. What bothered Terry about his father?
2. What insight into his father’s life did Terry get?
From “Dear America” by George Robinson – Hardcover, page 55
1. What insights did the soldier share with his mother?
2. Why do you think he tells his mother not to ask him for details?
“The Ransom of Red Chief” by O. Henry – Hardcover, page 69
1. Red Chief’s captors think they are awfully bright with their kidnapping plan, what insights do you think they had by the end of the story?
2. What insights do you have on Red Chief’s behaviors toward Bill and Sam?
“Born Worker” by Gary Soto – Hardcover, page 84
1. What does Jose realize about his cousin Arnie?
2. How do you think Jose feels about that realization?
“The Great Rat Hunt” by Laurence Yep – Hardcover, page 106
1. How does Laurence feel about his relationship with his father in the beginning of the story?
2. How does he feel at the end of the story? What exactly changed that feeling?
“Flying” by Reeve Lindbergh – Hardcover, page 118
1. What realization did Reeve make about her father when they were landing after engine failure?
From “High Tide in Tucson” by Barbara Kingsolver – Hardcover, page 134
1. What insight has Kingsolver realized while watching her pond?
“The King of Mazy May” by Jack London – Hardcover, page 148
1. How does Walt feel about the claim jumpers?
2. What makes him the “King of Mazy May”?
Concluding Unit 1: Insights – Examining Insights of Our Own
Since we have read about insights others have had, I would like to hear about some insights you may have in your life. Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Write at least three complete sentences for each question.
1. What is an insight you have noticed about a friend or relative?
Example: I had a friend for years with whom I enjoyed spending time. We would talk for hours. As time went on, I realized I felt a bit down at the end of our conversations. I also felt like I did not get to say what I wanted to say. I began to examine our discussions and realized that she only called me to complain and did not want my input or to hear about me. I decided she was not the kind of person I wanted for a friend, and I ended the friendship.
2. What is an insight you have noticed about yourself?
3. What have the stories we read in Unit One: Insights taught you about yourself?