Student Activities for Because of Mr. Terupt
Essential Questions for Because of Mr. Terupt
- How does Mr. Terupt change the lives of each of the seven students in the novel?
- What is the theme of this book?
- How does Mr. Terupt teach the students about personal responsibility?
Because of Mr. Terupt Summary
It is the first day of fifth grade and there is a brand new teacher named Mr. Terupt. He is young, funny, and clearly not like any other teacher these kids have had before. The story is told from the views of seven very different students in his class. Peter is the class clown. He is always pulling pranks and seeing what he can get away with. Luke is the brain; he thinks in numbers and appears very serious. His peers sometimes think he comes across as thinking he’s better than everyone else. Anna is quiet and shy. Her mom had her when she was 16, and often feels ostracized because of it. Alexia is the “mean girl”. She thinks that making friends means being mean to others, so she constantly puts others down. Danielle is overweight and Alexia doesn’t let her forget it. She lives on a farm with her family and is very religious. Jeffrey is known as the slacker. He wonders why even bother having relationships with other people because they always go away; he is often angry and keeps to himself. Finally, there is Jessica. She is the new girl in town, who moved from California with her mom. Jessica is strong willed and doesn’t let Alexia scare her.
As the reader learns more about the characters and how their lives are intertwined, Mr. Terupt works his magic to transform their relationships with one another in a positive way. After the class earns a reward for good behavior, they choose to have an outdoor snow day. Things go terribly wrong when one of the students accidentally throws an icy snowball and hits Mr. Terupt, leaving him in a coma.
Because of Mr. Terupt is an incredible story about friendship, forgiveness, willingness to change, and learning how to take responsibility for one’s own actions. It is about the true magic of a dedicated teacher, and how one person can change the lives of so many.
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How to Teach Critical Thinking with 'Because of Mr. Terupt'
Pre-Reading Preparation
Begin by introducing the concept of critical thinking, highlighting its importance in analyzing facts to form a judgment. Use relatable everyday examples to make the concept clear and encourage students to share their own examples. This initial step sets the foundation for critical thinking and prepares students for the analytical reading of the book.
Reading with a Critical Eye
As students delve into "Because of Mr. Terupt," guide them to read with an analytical mindset. Encourage them to note down instances where characters in the book make significant decisions or face dilemmas. The focus should be on understanding the motivations behind these decisions and the potential consequences they carry. This step is key in helping students recognize critical moments in the narrative that require deeper analysis.
Character Decision Analysis
This stage involves analyzing the decisions made by the characters in the book. Facilitate a class discussion or group activity where students can present and evaluate the decisions they observed. Guide them to question and critique these decisions, considering what alternative choices could have been made and why. This analysis not only enhances understanding of the characters but also promotes critical thinking about decision-making processes.
Role-Playing and Debates
Incorporate role-playing and debates to deepen students’ understanding. Students can re-enact scenarios from the book, presenting alternative outcomes based on different decision-making. Organizing debates where groups defend or oppose a character’s decision fosters an environment where students can explore multiple perspectives and develop a well-rounded understanding of each situation.
Reflective Writing
Assign a reflective writing exercise where students choose a particular decision from the book and discuss how they would have handled the situation differently. Encourage them to connect these scenarios to personal experiences or current events, personalizing their learning and fostering deeper connections with the material.
Culminating Project
Conclude with a project that allows students to synthesize their learning and apply their critical thinking skills. They can create presentations, essays, or creative pieces like short stories or comic strips, demonstrating their understanding of critical thinking through the narrative of "Because of Mr. Terupt." This project encourages creative expression and consolidates their analytical and critical thinking skills developed throughout the lesson.
Frequently Asked Questions about Because of Mr. Terupt
How did Mr. Terupt get hurt?
Mr. Terupt got hurt when Peter accidentally hit him in the head with a snowball that was really hard and icy.
What is the main theme of Because of Mr. Terupt?
There are many important themes in this book, but the main theme is accepting personal responsibility. Mr. Terupt teaches in a way that requires the students to take responsibility for their own actions in the classroom and in life.
What is Because of Mr. Terupt about?
Because of Mr. Terupt is about an exceptional teacher and the students in his class whose lives he changes in many ways.
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