Schooled
Central, East, and Cummings 6th grade students are participating in a program developed by Josh Bernstein of Grandville Public Library. Once a month, a new book is introduced during our lunch time. Volunteer readers read the book as we eat. Below is a place where we can discuss the book and our reactions as well as connect with one another as we prepare to move on to 7th grade and become the class of the Class of 2016!
Schooled by Gordan Korman
About the Book: Capricorn (Cap) Anderson has never watched television. He’s never tasted a pizza. Never even heard of a wedgie. Since he was little, his only experience has been living on a farm commune and being homeschooled by his hippie grandmother, Rain. But when Rain falls out of a tree while picking plums one day and has to stay in the hospital, Cap is forced to move in with a guidance counselor and her cranky teen daughter and attend the local middle school. While Cap knows a lot about tie-dyeing and Zen Buddhism, no education could prepare him for the politics of public school. Right from the beginning Cap’s weirdness makes him a moving target at Claverage Middle School dubbed C Average by the students). He has long, ungroomed hair; wears hemp clothes; and practices tai chi out on the lawn.
Once Zach Powers, big man on campus, spots Cap, he can’t wait to introduce him to an age-old tradition at C Average: the biggest nerd is nominated for class president . . . and wins. Will Cap turn out to be the greatest president in
the history of C Average? Or the biggest punch line?
Up for Discussion: (Make comments below)
Chapter 1-3:
1. Do you know anything about the 1960’s and the hippie movement or communes? What do you think about some of the things that Cap seems to know nothing about that we deal with every day? What do you think about some of the things he thinks/or that his grandma, Rain, has taught Capricorn? How would it feel like being new to a whole new way of life?
Chapter 4-7:
1. Hugh realizes that if it weren’t for Cap he would be low man on the totem pole. “Better him than me.” (page 32) Do you think this is a theme of middle school? Do students put up with their peers being bullied because they’re afraid it might be them next?
2. Cap drives the bus to the hospital to save the bus driver’s life. This is turning-point event for Cap that changes how people perceive him at school? Why do you think so many kids all of a sudden like him, want to talk to him, seem to respect him? Was it because he did something heroic (good) or was it because he did something heroic (bad-arrested) or was it for another reason?
3. So, now that you’ve finished the book, what did you think of Cap’s funeral? Why did so many turn out to honor him? Why was it so significant, funny (I giggled), and amazing that Cap said good by to each and everyone of the students at Claverage Middle School?
4. Zach was a bully. Why? What was in it for him? Why did others allow it to happen? Why did one who had been bullied, Hugh, end up joining Zach in his bullying of Cap? Does this happen in our schools in Grandville?
THINGS To Do/Connect with the story:
1. Explore the music of the 60’s and 70’s. What artists were your parents or grandparents favorites? Which songs have lasted through the decades to become classics or anthems of the period? Explore Rain’s playlist of songs from the period below. What would you rate it 1-5 STARS? (Click on You Tube video link to listen/watch the music video. When done, arrow back to get back to blog and other music video links.)
- “Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones
Click on the link: Rolling Stones How would you rate it?
- “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum
Click on the link: Procol Harum What would you rate it?
- “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell
Click on the link: Joni Mitchell How would you rate it?
- “Ohio” by Neil Young
Click on the link: Neil Young How would you rate it?
- “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles
Click on the link: The Beatles How would you rate it?
2. How-to tye-dye: Easy directions and supply list Try a tye-dying project. Maybe even set up one for a Fun Friday activity-make sure to get it approved by your teacher first. Show off your tye-dye fashions to the class!
3. Save the earth and make your own sandals! Want to be someone who reduces, reuses, and recycles the way Capricorn and Rain did? Here’s a neat video that shows you how you can make your own sandals out of old tires. CLICK on this link: Making cool sandals out of old tires!
4. So what are the rules in Michigan for getting your driving license? How much does it cost? What do you have to do? How old do you have to be? How long does it take? If you’ve ever wondered about these things, find your answer here: Michigan Driver\’s Education
5. What is it that Cap is doing out on the lawn when Sophie pours the water on him? It’s called Tai Chi. Check it out to see what it looks like! Tai Chi for Beginners
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GORDON KORMAN is the author of more than sixty books for kids and young adults, including Born to Rock; Son of the Mob: Hollywood Hustle; No More Dead Dogs; Jake, Reinvented; The 6th Grade Nickname Game; and Maxx Comedy: The Funniest Kid in America. His writing career began at the age of twelve when his seventh grade English assignment became his first published novel. Now, more than thirty years later, he is a full-time writer and speaker, with over twelve million copies of his novels in print. His books have been translated into French, Swedish, Danish, Spanish, Norwegian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Greek, and Thai. Each year he travels extensively, visiting schools and libraries, bringing his trademark humor and adventure styles to readers everywhere. A native of Ontario, Canada, he lives with this family on Long Island, New York. You can visit his Web site at: Gordan Korman Web Site