Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Book Trailer
Assignment Calendar
About the Author: Walter Dean Myers
Read the following biography of Walter Dean Myers and fill in the missing words on your worksheet. Click here
aboutwaltedeanmyers_blanks.docx | |
File Size: | 185 kb |
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Exit Ticket:
1. Where did Walter Dean Myers get the idea for this story?
2. Why does he feel it's important to write stories like Monster?
3. Do you feel like his story is relevant to teenagers today? Why?
1. Where did Walter Dean Myers get the idea for this story?
2. Why does he feel it's important to write stories like Monster?
3. Do you feel like his story is relevant to teenagers today? Why?
Vocabulary
To better comprehend the story, we need to begin with some basic legality vocabulary. Define each word as it is used in the story, then write an original sentence for each word. Be sure to include context clues within your sentences to thoroughly demonstrate understanding of the terms.
Objection
Overruled
Sustained
Felony
Testimony
Suspect
Shackle
Allege
Prosecutor
Defendant
Defense
Evidence
Character
Conviction (n. & v.)
Objection
Overruled
Sustained
Felony
Testimony
Suspect
Shackle
Allege
Prosecutor
Defendant
Defense
Evidence
Character
Conviction (n. & v.)
vocabularylistmonster.docx | |
File Size: | 28 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Tier 2 Vocabulary Worksheet | |
File Size: | 42 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Tier 3 Vocabulary Worksheet | |
File Size: | 38 kb |
File Type: | docx |
All Tier Vocabulary List | |
File Size: | 96 kb |
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Anticipation Guide
Directions: Before you begin reading Monster by Walter Dean Myers, fill out this anticipation guide. These questions are designed to get you thinking about some of the themes, events, and ideas that are dealt with in the novel. After reading each statement, write whether you think that statement is true (T) or false (F) or unsure (?) on the line.
1. Racism and prejudice are not problems today in America. __________
2. Every decision we make has a consequence. _____________
3. When on trial, a person is always considered guilty until proven innocent. __________
4. Monsters are not real. They are imaginary creatures. ________________
5. Peer pressure is always a negative or bad thing. ____________________
6. People are sometimes discriminated against because of their age. ______________
7. Only guilty people go to jail. ___________
8. Novels can only be told in narrative form. _______________
9. People who commit crimes come from bad neighborhoods and bad families or they have some sort of mental illness. ________________
10. Writing in a journal is a good way to express feelings. ____________
Journal Response: Choose ONE to write an explanation for WHY you think it is true or false. (5-7 Sentences)
1. Racism and prejudice are not problems today in America. __________
2. Every decision we make has a consequence. _____________
3. When on trial, a person is always considered guilty until proven innocent. __________
4. Monsters are not real. They are imaginary creatures. ________________
5. Peer pressure is always a negative or bad thing. ____________________
6. People are sometimes discriminated against because of their age. ______________
7. Only guilty people go to jail. ___________
8. Novels can only be told in narrative form. _______________
9. People who commit crimes come from bad neighborhoods and bad families or they have some sort of mental illness. ________________
10. Writing in a journal is a good way to express feelings. ____________
Journal Response: Choose ONE to write an explanation for WHY you think it is true or false. (5-7 Sentences)
monsteranticipationguide.docx | |
File Size: | 24 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Characters
Use the student created storyboard to help you remember the various characters, as well as the Quizlet flashcards below for the characters not included in the picture.
Quizlet Character Flashcards, click here
Quizlet Character Flashcards, click here
Reading Guide
Reading Guide Questions: Answer on a separate piece of paper. Be sure to label each assignment, include the specific numbers of the questions answered, and write in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Assignment #1 pages 1-43
1. Why is it best to cry at night while someone is screaming? Page 1
2. Where is the narrator, at the beginning of the story? Page 7
3. What does the narrator feel he has walked into? Page 3
4. What does the narrator decide to write in the notebook he is given? Pages 4-5
5. What does the narrator name his future film? Why? Page 5
6. Who is the narrator? Page 7
7. How does Steve envision the opening of his film? Pages 8-9
8. Who is on trial for murder? Page 10
9. Who is Mr. Sawicki? Page 19
10. According to Mr. Sawicki, what is wrong with the film’s ending? Page 19
11. According to Sandra Petrocelli, who are the monsters in the community? Page 21
12. Identify Alguinaldo Nesbitt. Page 22
13. According to Kathy O’Brien, what is the wonder and beauty of the American system of justice? Page 26
14. Who discovers the body and the missing cigarettes? Page 29
15. Why does Sal Zinzi call Detective Gluck with a tip about the robbery? Pages 34-36
16. What happens to Tony in the park with Steve? Pages 42-43
Assignment #2 pages 45-88
1. According to Steve’s notes on July 7th, what do they talk about in jail? Page 45
2. From whom does Sal Zinzi get information about the robbery? Page 48
3. Who tells Wendell Bolden that he was involved in the robbery? Page 49
4. What do James King, Peaches, Johnny, and Steve talk about on the stoop? Pages 50-51
5. How does Bolden’s assault charge get dropped? Pages 54-55
6. Why does Jerry want Steve to be Batman? Page 58
7. Why do they take away your shoelaces and belt in jail? Page 59
8. How does Steve feel in the courtroom? Page 59
9. What does the man called Sunset say after reading Steve’s play? Page 61
10. What does Miss O’Brien say part of her job is? Page 62-63
11. What is Steve’s dream? Page 63
12. Does Detective Karyl want the death penalty in this case? Page 73
13. What is Steve’s answer when the older prisoner asks, “Why should you walk?” Page 76
14. According to O’Brien, are people innocent until proven guilty? Page 79
15. What reason does Osvaldo Cruz give for taking part in the robbery? Page 82
Assignment #3 pages 89-125
1. What does Acie say about his upcoming verdict? Page 89
2. Why does Miss O’Brien put the pictures of Mr. Nesbitt in front of Steve on the table? Page 91
3. Why does Steve say he wants to open his shirt when Miss O’Brien looks at him? Page 92
4. Why does Steve laugh when King gives him a threatening look? Page 97
5. What was Osvaldo’s job in the robbery? Page 100
6. What three of Osvaldo’s actions does O’Brien point out to show he is not a
fearful person? Page 109
7. What did Mr. Harmon used to dream about for his baby son? Page 111-112
8. What question does Steve ask himself after his father’s visit? Page 115
9. Steve says he thinks his dad thinks the same as Miss O’Brien does about him. What do they think? Page 116
10. What does Detective Williams tell Mrs. Harmon when she asks why they were handcuffing Steve? Page 125
Assignment #4 pages 127-159
1. What cheap trick does Petrocelli use on July 10th? Page 127
2. What is the guard’s reaction to Steve’s gagging when cleaning the floors? Page 129
3. Describe Steve’s reaction to Dr. Moody’s testimony about how Mr. Nesbitt actually died. What was James King’s reaction to it? Page 136
4. How does Steve feel when Miss O’Brien smiles at him? Page 137
5. What is Miss O’Brien’s response to Steve’s telling her he isn’t guilty? Page 138
6. Does Ernie think he is guilty? Why or why not? Page 143
7. What does Mama bring to Steve? Page 146
8. What does Steve think as he lies on his cot after Mama’s visit? Page 148
9. What phrase does King use when talking about the robbery? Page 149-151
10. What is Steve’s reaction to King’s asking him if he would be the lookout? Page 150
11. What happens at the church service in jail? Page 153-154
12. What reason does Steve give for so many fights in jail? Page 155
13. Why is it funny to Steve that they don’t allow kids in the visiting area? Page 156
Assignment #5 pages 161-200
1. What does Mrs. Henry say in her testimony? Page 163-164
2. Why does Mrs. Henry hesitate to testify against King? Page 169
3. Whose gun is used in the shooting? Page 179
4. What do Bobo and King do after the robbery? Page 180
5. What sign does Steve give Bobo and King that the store is all clear? Page 182
6. According to Bobo, was the shooting of Mr. Nesbitt accidental? Page 183
7. When Briggs questions Bobo, what point does he try to make? Page 188
8. What three points does O’Brien make when questioning Bobo?
Assignment #6 pages 201- 237
1. Why does King’s lawyer want to make sure the jury connects him to Steve? Page 201
2. Steve says, “Maybe we are here _____.” Page 203
3. What would Steve have told Jerry if he had been there? Page 205
4. What is the essence of Nipping’s testimony? Page 212
5. Why does O’Brien decide Steve should testify? Page 215
6. Why couldn’t King testify? Page 216
7. What game did O’Brien and Steve play? Why? Page 218
8. What does Steve say truth is? Page 221
9. What does Inmate 2 say about truth and survival? Pages 221-222
10. Does Steve tell the truth on the witness stand?
11. What is Mr. Sawicki’s testimony? Page 235-237
Assignment #7 pages 238-281
1. What main points does Briggs make in his closing arguments to the jury? Page 241-243
2. What main points does O’Brien make in her final arguments to the jury? Page 244-253
3. According to Petrocelli, what is this case about? Page 255
4. How does Petrocelli describe the crime?
5. What reason does Petrocelli give the jury to urge them to convict Steve Harmon? Page 262
6. What does Steve say the reason is that so many guys in jail talk about appeals? Page 269
7. What is the jury’s verdict for King? Page 276
8. What is the jury’s verdict for Steve Harmon? Page 276
9. What is O’Brien’s reaction to Steve’s open arms to give her a hug? Page 276
10. What is the last image of Steve in the film? Page 276-277
11. What is Steve doing with his camera? Why? Page 279-280
12. What did Steve’s father say to him after the trial? Page 280
13. What final question is Steve trying to answer? 281
Assignment #1 pages 1-43
1. Why is it best to cry at night while someone is screaming? Page 1
2. Where is the narrator, at the beginning of the story? Page 7
3. What does the narrator feel he has walked into? Page 3
4. What does the narrator decide to write in the notebook he is given? Pages 4-5
5. What does the narrator name his future film? Why? Page 5
6. Who is the narrator? Page 7
7. How does Steve envision the opening of his film? Pages 8-9
8. Who is on trial for murder? Page 10
9. Who is Mr. Sawicki? Page 19
10. According to Mr. Sawicki, what is wrong with the film’s ending? Page 19
11. According to Sandra Petrocelli, who are the monsters in the community? Page 21
12. Identify Alguinaldo Nesbitt. Page 22
13. According to Kathy O’Brien, what is the wonder and beauty of the American system of justice? Page 26
14. Who discovers the body and the missing cigarettes? Page 29
15. Why does Sal Zinzi call Detective Gluck with a tip about the robbery? Pages 34-36
16. What happens to Tony in the park with Steve? Pages 42-43
Assignment #2 pages 45-88
1. According to Steve’s notes on July 7th, what do they talk about in jail? Page 45
2. From whom does Sal Zinzi get information about the robbery? Page 48
3. Who tells Wendell Bolden that he was involved in the robbery? Page 49
4. What do James King, Peaches, Johnny, and Steve talk about on the stoop? Pages 50-51
5. How does Bolden’s assault charge get dropped? Pages 54-55
6. Why does Jerry want Steve to be Batman? Page 58
7. Why do they take away your shoelaces and belt in jail? Page 59
8. How does Steve feel in the courtroom? Page 59
9. What does the man called Sunset say after reading Steve’s play? Page 61
10. What does Miss O’Brien say part of her job is? Page 62-63
11. What is Steve’s dream? Page 63
12. Does Detective Karyl want the death penalty in this case? Page 73
13. What is Steve’s answer when the older prisoner asks, “Why should you walk?” Page 76
14. According to O’Brien, are people innocent until proven guilty? Page 79
15. What reason does Osvaldo Cruz give for taking part in the robbery? Page 82
Assignment #3 pages 89-125
1. What does Acie say about his upcoming verdict? Page 89
2. Why does Miss O’Brien put the pictures of Mr. Nesbitt in front of Steve on the table? Page 91
3. Why does Steve say he wants to open his shirt when Miss O’Brien looks at him? Page 92
4. Why does Steve laugh when King gives him a threatening look? Page 97
5. What was Osvaldo’s job in the robbery? Page 100
6. What three of Osvaldo’s actions does O’Brien point out to show he is not a
fearful person? Page 109
7. What did Mr. Harmon used to dream about for his baby son? Page 111-112
8. What question does Steve ask himself after his father’s visit? Page 115
9. Steve says he thinks his dad thinks the same as Miss O’Brien does about him. What do they think? Page 116
10. What does Detective Williams tell Mrs. Harmon when she asks why they were handcuffing Steve? Page 125
Assignment #4 pages 127-159
1. What cheap trick does Petrocelli use on July 10th? Page 127
2. What is the guard’s reaction to Steve’s gagging when cleaning the floors? Page 129
3. Describe Steve’s reaction to Dr. Moody’s testimony about how Mr. Nesbitt actually died. What was James King’s reaction to it? Page 136
4. How does Steve feel when Miss O’Brien smiles at him? Page 137
5. What is Miss O’Brien’s response to Steve’s telling her he isn’t guilty? Page 138
6. Does Ernie think he is guilty? Why or why not? Page 143
7. What does Mama bring to Steve? Page 146
8. What does Steve think as he lies on his cot after Mama’s visit? Page 148
9. What phrase does King use when talking about the robbery? Page 149-151
10. What is Steve’s reaction to King’s asking him if he would be the lookout? Page 150
11. What happens at the church service in jail? Page 153-154
12. What reason does Steve give for so many fights in jail? Page 155
13. Why is it funny to Steve that they don’t allow kids in the visiting area? Page 156
Assignment #5 pages 161-200
1. What does Mrs. Henry say in her testimony? Page 163-164
2. Why does Mrs. Henry hesitate to testify against King? Page 169
3. Whose gun is used in the shooting? Page 179
4. What do Bobo and King do after the robbery? Page 180
5. What sign does Steve give Bobo and King that the store is all clear? Page 182
6. According to Bobo, was the shooting of Mr. Nesbitt accidental? Page 183
7. When Briggs questions Bobo, what point does he try to make? Page 188
8. What three points does O’Brien make when questioning Bobo?
Assignment #6 pages 201- 237
1. Why does King’s lawyer want to make sure the jury connects him to Steve? Page 201
2. Steve says, “Maybe we are here _____.” Page 203
3. What would Steve have told Jerry if he had been there? Page 205
4. What is the essence of Nipping’s testimony? Page 212
5. Why does O’Brien decide Steve should testify? Page 215
6. Why couldn’t King testify? Page 216
7. What game did O’Brien and Steve play? Why? Page 218
8. What does Steve say truth is? Page 221
9. What does Inmate 2 say about truth and survival? Pages 221-222
10. Does Steve tell the truth on the witness stand?
11. What is Mr. Sawicki’s testimony? Page 235-237
Assignment #7 pages 238-281
1. What main points does Briggs make in his closing arguments to the jury? Page 241-243
2. What main points does O’Brien make in her final arguments to the jury? Page 244-253
3. According to Petrocelli, what is this case about? Page 255
4. How does Petrocelli describe the crime?
5. What reason does Petrocelli give the jury to urge them to convict Steve Harmon? Page 262
6. What does Steve say the reason is that so many guys in jail talk about appeals? Page 269
7. What is the jury’s verdict for King? Page 276
8. What is the jury’s verdict for Steve Harmon? Page 276
9. What is O’Brien’s reaction to Steve’s open arms to give her a hug? Page 276
10. What is the last image of Steve in the film? Page 276-277
11. What is Steve doing with his camera? Why? Page 279-280
12. What did Steve’s father say to him after the trial? Page 280
13. What final question is Steve trying to answer? 281
Themes |
Identify one specific example for each theme below from the story. Then chose one of the themes and explain the importance of the theme to young adult readers.
Introspective (self-discovery) Peer Pressure Racism The American Judicial System |
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Novel Poster Project
Monster Novel Poster
Create one poster with your group or individually. Include ALL of the following items on your poster based on Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Three or more pictures must be included as representation of the events in the novel.
Each project has a creative portion (15 points) and writing portion (30 points), be sure to complete BOTH. Total 45 points.
One Theme & explanation (5 points)
Character Descriptions (3+ characters) (6 points)
Summary (5-7 sentences) (5 points)
Conflict (Man vs. ________) & explanation (3 points)
Setting (details) (2 points)
Point of View & explanation (why does he use two different points of view?) (4 points)
Reading Reflection Response (1 paragraph minimum): Was Steve's alleged involvement what initiated the robbery? Would the robbery have happened if Steve was not there? If there was no robbery, would a man still be alive? If you were the judge in this court case, how would you have ruled in Steve's case? Explain. (5 points)
Writing Portion
A- Exceeds minimal expectations (as stated above), free of grammar & spelling errors
B- Meets all required parts stated above, few grammar & spelling errors
C-Missing 1 or 2 required elements stated above, multiple spelling & grammar errors
D-Does not follow guidelines above, does not correctly correlate to the story
F-Unrelated to the story, many errors
0- Missing
Writing Total: _________/ 30
Creative Portion
15- Strong effort, many details included from story
13- Good effort, some details included
11-Relates to story with one or two details
9-Minimal effort lacks specific details that tie it to the story
6-Lack of effort, poorly done, does not relate to story
0- Missing
Creative Total: _________/ 15
Total ______/45 points
Create one poster with your group or individually. Include ALL of the following items on your poster based on Monster by Walter Dean Myers. Three or more pictures must be included as representation of the events in the novel.
Each project has a creative portion (15 points) and writing portion (30 points), be sure to complete BOTH. Total 45 points.
One Theme & explanation (5 points)
Character Descriptions (3+ characters) (6 points)
Summary (5-7 sentences) (5 points)
Conflict (Man vs. ________) & explanation (3 points)
Setting (details) (2 points)
Point of View & explanation (why does he use two different points of view?) (4 points)
Reading Reflection Response (1 paragraph minimum): Was Steve's alleged involvement what initiated the robbery? Would the robbery have happened if Steve was not there? If there was no robbery, would a man still be alive? If you were the judge in this court case, how would you have ruled in Steve's case? Explain. (5 points)
Writing Portion
A- Exceeds minimal expectations (as stated above), free of grammar & spelling errors
B- Meets all required parts stated above, few grammar & spelling errors
C-Missing 1 or 2 required elements stated above, multiple spelling & grammar errors
D-Does not follow guidelines above, does not correctly correlate to the story
F-Unrelated to the story, many errors
0- Missing
Writing Total: _________/ 30
Creative Portion
15- Strong effort, many details included from story
13- Good effort, some details included
11-Relates to story with one or two details
9-Minimal effort lacks specific details that tie it to the story
6-Lack of effort, poorly done, does not relate to story
0- Missing
Creative Total: _________/ 15
Total ______/45 points
poster_guidelines_(1).docx | |
File Size: | 100 kb |
File Type: | docx |