Mr. Holbrook’s Hillcrest Blog

It seems that I had a bit of a brain cramp last week and forgot to update my blog.  Sorry about that.  It’s a bit late, but here’s what happened:

1. Songs in the Key of Crispin

In preparation for our final task on the novel, I brought in 4 songs that relate to the big ideas in Crispin.  Those songs were:

“I’m Free” by the Soup Dragons

 
“Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths

“40″ by U2

“I Will Not Go Quietly” by Don Henley

After listening to each song, we considered how the lyrics fit with some of the big ideas in the novel.  Those big ideas include:

• freedom
• survival
• death
• change
• isolation
• friendship
• learning who you are
• courage
• good vs. evil
• life and death
• sacrifice
• responsibility
• oppression
• fate
• taking charge
• fear
• listening
• grief
• family
• faith
• understanding
• decision making
• hope

The homework for Friday, 22 May is to find 2 or 3 songs that fit with the big idea of the book and bring the lyrics of those songs to class.  Please make sure the lyrics are all appropriate for school.

2. Say Something

Next, we sat in a circle and each student “said something” about the characters, events, or themes in the novel using a sticky note they had placed somewhere in the book as a prompt.  It was a very interesting discussion that led nicely to a whole-class discussion and debate on the subject of…

3. Freedom

After considering the ways in which Crispin is free at the end of the story, we debated who was most responsible for Crispin’s freedom – Crispin himself or Bear, his teacher and mentor.  It was a thoughtful and engaging sharing of ideas.

That was it for the lesson.  Please remember to bring your lyrics to class for Friday, 22 May.

- Mr. Holbrook