Why does the story tell us that Elizabeth wore “expensive princess clothes?” Does being a princess depend on wearing certain clothes or looking a certain way? Why does Elizabeth chase the dragon? Is Elizabeth brave? How does Elizabeth save Ronald? Why doesn’t Ronald thank Elizabeth? Should he? Does Ronald expect certain things of Elizabeth because … Paperbag Princess
Why did the fence stretch through the town? Why wasn’t it safe for Clover to climb over to the other side of the fence? Why was it safe for Annie to climb over to Clover’s side of the fence? Why did Annie want to sit on the fence? Were Clover and Annie friends? Does race … Other Side
Chapters 1-3 Discussion Questions: How do the king and queen feel about Prince Hal? Why? Is a baby who’s not beautiful as valuable and important as one who is? Does that baby need to be smart or good at something to be as valuable as a beautiful baby? Why do the king and queen say … My Friend the Monster
Can our weaknesses be our strengths? Does the appearance of something capture what it really is? Is there a hierarchy in nature – if so, on what is it based? Do we assume some creatures are more important than others based on external features (appearance, size, etc.), and, if so, is this assumption morally justifiable? … Inch by Inch
Why is the book called Freedom Summer? Who is free in the story? Who is not? Are Joe and John Henry friends? Why does John Henry eat in the kitchen at Joe’s house, while Joe and his family eat in the dining room? Why isn’t John Henry allowed in the store? Who decides? Who controls … Freedom Summer
Does Frederick do his part for the family community? Does being a member of a community mean that you are obligated to contribute to it? What are the responsibilities of family members to each other? Is Frederick meeting his responsibilities? Is Frederick’s work of gathering ideas and words and images as important as gathering food? … Frederick
Why do people become refugees? Are countries that can provide safety obligated to allow in people escaping their homelands? Do countries have different obligations to their citizens than to other people around the world? Why do the girls decide to share the shoes? What makes Lina and Feroza friends? Can friendship help people to feel … Four Feet, Two Sandals
Discussion about this book can be coupled with the following exercise, which is adapted from a game created by Center Education Director David Shapiro. In session 1 of this lesson plan, first explain what a right is. Can the students give some examples? Then distribute index cards, each of which has a right written on … For Every Child
Why was internment seen as a solution to the “problem” of Japanese in America? Were the neighbors doing the right thing? The patriotic thing? What is patriotism? How did Japanese Americans display or not display patriotism? Did the neighbors violated Mariko’s family’s trust by not taking care of their car as promised? Was this a … Flowers from Mariko
Why were the students upset after taking the test? Was the teacher a good teacher? What makes someone a good teacher? Is a supportive teacher the same thing as a good teacher? Where do affirmation and encouragement factor in to a teacher’s success? Does a test measure the teaching ability of a teacher? What are … First Grade Takes a Test
PLATO is part of a global UNESCO network that encourages children to participate in philosophical inquiry. As a partner in the UNESCO Chair on the Practice of Philosophy with Children, based at the Université de Nantes in France, PLATO is connected to other educational leaders around the world.
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