Term 4 Bellringers:
Bellringer 1:
• How would you feel if you could never leave Orem, and why would you feel that way?
• How would you feel if you DID have a chance to leave Orem, but ONLY if you were a college-level athlete? Would you be out of luck? How would you react to this reality?
• How would you feel if — when you grow up — you were forced to have the same job as your dad?
• What makes a person strong?
• What keeps people from giving up in tough situations?
Bellringer 2:
• Everyone in a story & real life has motivations, or things that make them behave a certain way. What are Sonny’s motivations in this story? What are some of the things motivating his dad, his mom, his friends, Dorothy, and other people of Coalwood?
• What things motivate you in your life? How do your motivations create action in your life? If they aren’t creating action, why not?
Bellringer 3:
• Why do humans choose to do things that are hard? MUST we do hard things? If yes, why? What happens to us — and all of humanity — if we stop doing hard things? Do humans require challenges in order to truly function? Explain. For Sonny, his “hard thing” was math. What are some of the hard things you’ve encountered?
Bellringer 4:
• When everything goes wrong — when life seems darkest — what do you cling to? What are your certainties and how do they shape your reactions to challenges and turmoil? Where do you find hope, even in the face of hopelessness? How do you personally face challenges and what are some ways you can hopefully overcome them? What advice could you give Sonny to help him deal with the aftermath of Mr. Bykovski’s death?
Bellringer 5:
• What are some of the big choices you are faced with daily? Monthly? Yearly? Explore a major choice you’ve made recently. What were some of the different ways you could react to that choice? Why did you choose to react the way you did? What prevents us from making choices? What is Sonny’s choice following Mr. Bykovski’s death? Did he make the right decision?
Bellringer 6:
• Rocket Boys is all about the many steps it takes to achieve a goal. For Sonny and the others, each rocket is a step toward a better rocket, and each better rocket is a step toward the science fairs. Discuss the importance of incremental steps in your life. Do you believe an incremental approach is important in all walks of life, academic and otherwise? Explain. What are you doing to make your (hopefully expanding) “body of knowledge” play into your incremental improvement or future goals?
Bellringer 7:
• What is a big goal that you’ve set for yourself and achieved? How did that feel? Sonny and the Rocket Boys want to win the science fair, and John F. Kennedy wanted the U.S. to land on the moon. Both events happened. So what’s next? What do you do after you achieve a big goal? Is that all there is? Why?
• How would you feel if you could never leave Orem, and why would you feel that way?
• How would you feel if you DID have a chance to leave Orem, but ONLY if you were a college-level athlete? Would you be out of luck? How would you react to this reality?
• How would you feel if — when you grow up — you were forced to have the same job as your dad?
• What makes a person strong?
• What keeps people from giving up in tough situations?
Bellringer 2:
• Everyone in a story & real life has motivations, or things that make them behave a certain way. What are Sonny’s motivations in this story? What are some of the things motivating his dad, his mom, his friends, Dorothy, and other people of Coalwood?
• What things motivate you in your life? How do your motivations create action in your life? If they aren’t creating action, why not?
Bellringer 3:
• Why do humans choose to do things that are hard? MUST we do hard things? If yes, why? What happens to us — and all of humanity — if we stop doing hard things? Do humans require challenges in order to truly function? Explain. For Sonny, his “hard thing” was math. What are some of the hard things you’ve encountered?
Bellringer 4:
• When everything goes wrong — when life seems darkest — what do you cling to? What are your certainties and how do they shape your reactions to challenges and turmoil? Where do you find hope, even in the face of hopelessness? How do you personally face challenges and what are some ways you can hopefully overcome them? What advice could you give Sonny to help him deal with the aftermath of Mr. Bykovski’s death?
Bellringer 5:
• What are some of the big choices you are faced with daily? Monthly? Yearly? Explore a major choice you’ve made recently. What were some of the different ways you could react to that choice? Why did you choose to react the way you did? What prevents us from making choices? What is Sonny’s choice following Mr. Bykovski’s death? Did he make the right decision?
Bellringer 6:
• Rocket Boys is all about the many steps it takes to achieve a goal. For Sonny and the others, each rocket is a step toward a better rocket, and each better rocket is a step toward the science fairs. Discuss the importance of incremental steps in your life. Do you believe an incremental approach is important in all walks of life, academic and otherwise? Explain. What are you doing to make your (hopefully expanding) “body of knowledge” play into your incremental improvement or future goals?
Bellringer 7:
• What is a big goal that you’ve set for yourself and achieved? How did that feel? Sonny and the Rocket Boys want to win the science fair, and John F. Kennedy wanted the U.S. to land on the moon. Both events happened. So what’s next? What do you do after you achieve a big goal? Is that all there is? Why?
Term 3 Bellringers:
Bellringer 1: 1/11
How does a birdcage represent Jane Eyre? Explain!
Bellringer 2: 1/13
In the literal sense, Helen Burns is Jane's friend, but symbolically, what could she perhaps be considered? Hints: Think about what Helen does for Jane during their friendship and maybe look up the word that is carved on Helen's tombstone...
Bellringer 3: 1/18
Throughout Jane Eyre, windows are frequently mentioned prior to big, life-changing events. Why might this happen? What is the author saying? What major events or people tie back to mentions of windows? How do descriptions of windows reflect Jane’s feelings, thoughts, emotions, and/or circumstances? What could windows possibly symbolize, both in the story and your own life?
Bellringer 4: 1/20
In Chps. 10-11, there are references to many things: Action/passivity, freedom vs. imprisonment, windows, fairies, paintings, gardens, carrion birds, plainness/beauty, poverty/wealth, ignorance/education, and bildungsroman. Choose one and write about it — how was it referenced and how might it be significant?
Bellringer 5: 1/24
What qualities does a person who is “fiery” have? What qualities does a person who is “icy” have? Out of the characters you’ve met in Jane Eyre, do any of them fall into either of those categories? Who could be considered fire and who could be considered ice? Defend your answer using examples from the book.
Bellringer 6: 1/26:
Out of all of the short stories you read over the past few weeks, which was your favorite and why? Which was your least favorite and why? What must a story have, in your opinion, to be a good, interesting, or worthwhile read?
Bellringer 7: 2/1
Is it more important for a story to have great characters or an amazing setting? Do settings shape the characters, or do characters shape the setting? If you were to change one or the other on your favorite story, which would you change? Which would have more of an impact on the story overall? Explain.
Bellringer 8: 2/3
Bellringer 9: 2/22
Claim --> Jane = St. John
Task --> Prove or disprove
How are Jane and St. John alike? How are they different? What is/are the cause(s) of the similarities or differences? Explain and give evidence
Bellringer 10: 3/13
What do you know about product pitches? If you want important folks to listen to your ideas, how do you make that happen? What things would an investor be interested in when it comes to choosing a product to support?
How does a birdcage represent Jane Eyre? Explain!
Bellringer 2: 1/13
In the literal sense, Helen Burns is Jane's friend, but symbolically, what could she perhaps be considered? Hints: Think about what Helen does for Jane during their friendship and maybe look up the word that is carved on Helen's tombstone...
Bellringer 3: 1/18
Throughout Jane Eyre, windows are frequently mentioned prior to big, life-changing events. Why might this happen? What is the author saying? What major events or people tie back to mentions of windows? How do descriptions of windows reflect Jane’s feelings, thoughts, emotions, and/or circumstances? What could windows possibly symbolize, both in the story and your own life?
Bellringer 4: 1/20
In Chps. 10-11, there are references to many things: Action/passivity, freedom vs. imprisonment, windows, fairies, paintings, gardens, carrion birds, plainness/beauty, poverty/wealth, ignorance/education, and bildungsroman. Choose one and write about it — how was it referenced and how might it be significant?
Bellringer 5: 1/24
What qualities does a person who is “fiery” have? What qualities does a person who is “icy” have? Out of the characters you’ve met in Jane Eyre, do any of them fall into either of those categories? Who could be considered fire and who could be considered ice? Defend your answer using examples from the book.
Bellringer 6: 1/26:
Out of all of the short stories you read over the past few weeks, which was your favorite and why? Which was your least favorite and why? What must a story have, in your opinion, to be a good, interesting, or worthwhile read?
Bellringer 7: 2/1
Is it more important for a story to have great characters or an amazing setting? Do settings shape the characters, or do characters shape the setting? If you were to change one or the other on your favorite story, which would you change? Which would have more of an impact on the story overall? Explain.
Bellringer 8: 2/3
- If you were passionate about something (sports, movies, art, music, theater, etc.), would you be willing to marry someone who was not? Why or why not?
- If you graduated from college and/or thought education was critically important, would you marry someone who did not agree on its importance? Why or why not?
- If you believed in strict standards or morals (either religious or personal), would you marry someone who did not hold those same standards? Why or why not?
Bellringer 9: 2/22
Claim --> Jane = St. John
Task --> Prove or disprove
How are Jane and St. John alike? How are they different? What is/are the cause(s) of the similarities or differences? Explain and give evidence
Bellringer 10: 3/13
What do you know about product pitches? If you want important folks to listen to your ideas, how do you make that happen? What things would an investor be interested in when it comes to choosing a product to support?
Term 2 Bellringers:
Bellringer 1: 10/27
Tell me about your name. Why was it chosen? What does it mean? Is there a story behind any part of it? How important is a name? Does a name shape a person, or does a person shape a name? When it comes to your family name (your last name), do you ever think about how your actions shape it? Will you defend it?
Bellringer 2: 10/31
What does it mean to fear something? What are some things that you are afraid of, and why? How does fear control your actions? Can fear be used to control others? How is fear "weaponized" today, or how has it been "weaponized" in the past? Would you willingly give up some freedoms in exchange for removing fear? Why or why not? How do you fight fear?
Bellringer 3: 11/2
What do you think about the idea of following the crowd? Is it always a good thing or a bad thing? Explain and give examples. Pi is definitely not one to follow a crowd, but the Puritans are. Which side do you fall on, usually? What motivates a person to follow the crowd, and how can people (you, maybe) harness that power for good or bad?
Bellringer 4: 11/4
Both Pi and the Puritans believe in God, but have extremely different approaches to their worship and belief in Him. Using both texts, compare and contrast their beliefs and religious practices. Which do you prefer, and why?
Bellringer 5: 11/14
Pi clearly survives his ordeal, but how do you think that is possible? Faith? Miracles? Luck? Faith? Intelligence? Hope? What allows survivors — Pi and real-life survivors — to carry on? Are miracles real things? When we see (or don't see) miracles, is that because we're looking for them (or not)?
Bellringer 6: 11/17
What is "grit"? If you don't know, look it up! (Not dirt.) To survive his situation, Pi will need grit. To challenge the village, John Proctor will need grit too. Studies suggest that the rising generations (that's you guys!) lack grit. Do you agree? Why or why not? If they do, what can we/you do about it? If they don't, how can we change perceptions? How can one develop the ability to cope with hard things, to empathize, and to build?
Bellringer 7: 11/19
Of the 7 options Pi comes up with for dealing with Richard Parker, which, in reality, do you think you'd choose? According to Pi, what is life's only true opponent, and how can you defend yourself against it? (Chp. 56.) Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Share your thoughts about that passage.
Bellringer 8: 12/5:
How would you define the word "honor"? Is it a concept you believe in, and why or why not? How far would you be willing to go for honor?
Bellringer 9: Some questions about chapters 90-91:
Tell me about your name. Why was it chosen? What does it mean? Is there a story behind any part of it? How important is a name? Does a name shape a person, or does a person shape a name? When it comes to your family name (your last name), do you ever think about how your actions shape it? Will you defend it?
Bellringer 2: 10/31
What does it mean to fear something? What are some things that you are afraid of, and why? How does fear control your actions? Can fear be used to control others? How is fear "weaponized" today, or how has it been "weaponized" in the past? Would you willingly give up some freedoms in exchange for removing fear? Why or why not? How do you fight fear?
Bellringer 3: 11/2
What do you think about the idea of following the crowd? Is it always a good thing or a bad thing? Explain and give examples. Pi is definitely not one to follow a crowd, but the Puritans are. Which side do you fall on, usually? What motivates a person to follow the crowd, and how can people (you, maybe) harness that power for good or bad?
Bellringer 4: 11/4
Both Pi and the Puritans believe in God, but have extremely different approaches to their worship and belief in Him. Using both texts, compare and contrast their beliefs and religious practices. Which do you prefer, and why?
Bellringer 5: 11/14
Pi clearly survives his ordeal, but how do you think that is possible? Faith? Miracles? Luck? Faith? Intelligence? Hope? What allows survivors — Pi and real-life survivors — to carry on? Are miracles real things? When we see (or don't see) miracles, is that because we're looking for them (or not)?
Bellringer 6: 11/17
What is "grit"? If you don't know, look it up! (Not dirt.) To survive his situation, Pi will need grit. To challenge the village, John Proctor will need grit too. Studies suggest that the rising generations (that's you guys!) lack grit. Do you agree? Why or why not? If they do, what can we/you do about it? If they don't, how can we change perceptions? How can one develop the ability to cope with hard things, to empathize, and to build?
Bellringer 7: 11/19
Of the 7 options Pi comes up with for dealing with Richard Parker, which, in reality, do you think you'd choose? According to Pi, what is life's only true opponent, and how can you defend yourself against it? (Chp. 56.) Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Share your thoughts about that passage.
Bellringer 8: 12/5:
How would you define the word "honor"? Is it a concept you believe in, and why or why not? How far would you be willing to go for honor?
- "Better to die 10,000 deaths than wound my honor" - Joseph Addison
- "He who has lost honor can lose nothing more" - Publilius Syrus
- "One-hundred years cannot repair a moment's loss of honor" - Proverb
Bellringer 9: Some questions about chapters 90-91:
- Has Pi lost his mind? Give evidence
- Is Pi actually talking to someone? If so, who is it? Is it Richard Parker? Is it a new character? Is that someone himself?
- Why could the blindness be significant to the entire exchange?
- What did you think of these crazy chapters? Did any of it really happen?
Term 1 Bellringers:
Bellringer 1: 8/24
How would you define the phrase, "The American Dream"? What do you think it means? What do you think it entails? Why do you think people believe(d) in it? Do you think it exists today? What does your "American Dream" look like? Explain!
How would you define the phrase, "The American Dream"? What do you think it means? What do you think it entails? Why do you think people believe(d) in it? Do you think it exists today? What does your "American Dream" look like? Explain!
Bellringer 2: 8/26
How would you define happiness? Does happiness require specific physical things to exist? Why or why not? What are the best ways to achieve happiness? Can you experience happiness without sadness? Do people who experience struggles in life feel more happiness than those who don't? Why? What makes a person capable of feeling happiness?
How would you define happiness? Does happiness require specific physical things to exist? Why or why not? What are the best ways to achieve happiness? Can you experience happiness without sadness? Do people who experience struggles in life feel more happiness than those who don't? Why? What makes a person capable of feeling happiness?
Bellringer 3: 8/30
Having read the first 2 chapters of the book now, what do you know about the tree in the title of the book? Do you think it's just a tree, or is it something more? Explain. How does Francie feel about the tree? What does she believe about it? Can you see any connection between the tree and Francie's life or family? Explain. What could the tree symbolize?
Having read the first 2 chapters of the book now, what do you know about the tree in the title of the book? Do you think it's just a tree, or is it something more? Explain. How does Francie feel about the tree? What does she believe about it? Can you see any connection between the tree and Francie's life or family? Explain. What could the tree symbolize?
Bellringer 4: 9/1
The Nolan family "can't get enough of life." What do you think that means, and why do yo think that is? Francie also knows there's a big world outside of Williamsburg and sets goals to reach it. Where do you fall in these ways of thinking? Do you dream of a bigger or different world? What are you doing to make dreams into reality? What can you be doing now? The Nolan family celebrates life — how can you do the same, here in high school, and/or out in the real world?
The Nolan family "can't get enough of life." What do you think that means, and why do yo think that is? Francie also knows there's a big world outside of Williamsburg and sets goals to reach it. Where do you fall in these ways of thinking? Do you dream of a bigger or different world? What are you doing to make dreams into reality? What can you be doing now? The Nolan family celebrates life — how can you do the same, here in high school, and/or out in the real world?
Bellringer 5: 9/6
What do you think about graphic novels? Why?
What do you think about graphic novels? Why?
Bellringer 6: 9/14
The title for the book Of Mice and Men comes from a Robert Burns poem titled, "To a Mouse." Read the poem and explore its meaning — the poem tells a story; what is it talking about? Using what you know about The Great Depression, harvest gypsies, and the poem, make some predictions for what could happen in Steinbeck's novella. What do you think the story will be about?
The title for the book Of Mice and Men comes from a Robert Burns poem titled, "To a Mouse." Read the poem and explore its meaning — the poem tells a story; what is it talking about? Using what you know about The Great Depression, harvest gypsies, and the poem, make some predictions for what could happen in Steinbeck's novella. What do you think the story will be about?
Bellringer 7: 9/16
What does the word "hope" mean to you? Is it important to have hope? Why? Are there characters in "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" who have hope or don't have hope? How does it affect them? During bad times, like The Great Depression, or in your own life, what types of things can, or could, keep people going?
What does the word "hope" mean to you? Is it important to have hope? Why? Are there characters in "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" who have hope or don't have hope? How does it affect them? During bad times, like The Great Depression, or in your own life, what types of things can, or could, keep people going?
Bellringer 8: 9/20
Think of the statement, "Sometimes you have to hurt the people that you love in order to do the right thing." Do you think this is true? Can you think of examples from your own life or literature that proves or disproves this statement? Explain.
Think of the statement, "Sometimes you have to hurt the people that you love in order to do the right thing." Do you think this is true? Can you think of examples from your own life or literature that proves or disproves this statement? Explain.
Bellringer 9: 9/22
What kind of friend are you? Explain. If 10 is the best and 1 is the worst, rank yourself as a friend in the areas of honesty, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Why did you pick those numbers? How would your friends rank you, and why? How would you rank Lennie and George as friends, and why?
What kind of friend are you? Explain. If 10 is the best and 1 is the worst, rank yourself as a friend in the areas of honesty, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Why did you pick those numbers? How would your friends rank you, and why? How would you rank Lennie and George as friends, and why?
Bellringer 10: 9/26
William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is classified as a tragedy; Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" could possibly fall in the same category. What makes a story a tragedy? Are stories tragic because of character choices (etc.) or does the fault lie "in our stars"? How would you define the word "tragedy"?
William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is classified as a tragedy; Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" could possibly fall in the same category. What makes a story a tragedy? Are stories tragic because of character choices (etc.) or does the fault lie "in our stars"? How would you define the word "tragedy"?