-NiE ,
ADVANCED Novel
NiE Activity 1 Critical thinking ● Identify
● Reason
Creative thinking ● Imagine ● Brainstorm
● Invent
Problem solving ● Present
● Written
Collaborating ● Listen
Connecting through words RICHARD Knight is unlike his older brother Gus and most boys his age who enjoy sports and outdoor activities. He prefers to read and write poetry during his free time. His love for nature and belief in the sanctity of life make him a reluctant participant in the hunting activities that Gus and their father often take part in. Richard is mesmerised by the poetry of Joyce Kilmer when his teacher Mrs. Hansen introduces it in class. He becomes even more interested in the poet when he finds out that like himself, Kilmer has a deep reverence for nature and life. When Richard discovers that Kilmer has volunteered for service in the army to fight for his country in the ongoing war, he is both curious and impressed. He writes a letter
to Kilmer and is thrilled when the poet replies. Thus begins the correspondence between the famous poet and the 15-year-old boy. With the exchange of letters, their friendship deepens. Set in the background of World War I, the events that follow revolve around sacrifice, patriotism and discrimination. Richard learns about responsibility and true courage especially when he has to stand up for Hannah Schermer, his German schoolmate. When Kilmer is killed in the war, Richard is devastated. In his grief, he writes a poem as a tribute to the great poet. It is eventually published in the local newspaper. – Dear Mr. Kilmer by Anne Schraff
● Recreate
Communicating ● Oral ● Aural
11
17 MAY 2017
● Contribute respectfully
A grandmother lighting a fire in her home. – Reuters
In the last letter that Richard writes to Mr. Kilmer just before he is killed in the war, Richard asks him about an issue that has been constantly on his mind. The following is an excerpt from Richard’s last letter to Mr. Kilmer. Dear Mr. Kilmer, Thanks for your wonderful letter… I want to ask you something. At the end of your letter, you said that poets are important. I very much feel that this is so – but I can’t explain to myself just why. What do poets and poetry do to make the world better? Could you help me understand that?
Unfortunately, this letter never reaches Mr. Kilmer. It raises a very important question: “What do poets and poetry do to make the world better?” In groups of four, discuss. Write down your three main supporting points on a sheet of A4 paper. Then, scan The Star for a situation (picture or news report) that interests you or arouses an emotional response. Cut it out and paste it on the same paper. In not less than five lines, create a short poem that is relevant to the situation in some way. Present your discussion and poem as creatively as you can in class.
le Examp
NiE Activity 2 Critical thinking
Creative thinking
● Identify ● Reason
● Brainstorm ● Connect
Problem solving
● Question ● Present
Communicating ● Oral ● Written
Collaborating ● Contribute respectfully
● Compromise
NiE Activity 3
When Richard turns down a major role in a school show because of the unfair way his friend Hannah is being treated, his father is not pleased. Hannah’s parents are German immigrants who are now patriotic towards their new country, America. Richard’s father, however, feels that by standing up for Hannah against the discrimination she faces, Richard is rooting for the Germans to win the war. The following is an extract from the conversation between Richard and his father. I have nothing against the Schermers, son,” Richard’s father said. “They strike me as good people, and I’m sorry folks have made things rough on them. But you’ve got to remember, they’re not our people.” “What do you mean, not our people?” Richard asked. “They live here. They’re Americans. They pay taxes just like anyone else.” Who do you consider as our people in Malaysia? In groups of four, look in The Star for pictures of four people whom you consider our people. Cut them out and paste them on a sheet of A4 paper. Discuss reasons for your choices and write them down next to the pictures. Display your work around the classroom to form a wall of Our People.
le Examp Our Fire and Rescue Department are our people. They have faithfully served the people of our country by helping them during many kinds of emergencies.
At dawn she rises again Low she bends With her breath the fire comes alive And with it the hopes of those who sleep The lighter of fires Herself lit by another fire that burns Brightly still, despite the years
Critical thinking
Creative thinking
● Identify ● Reason
● Brainstorm ● Connect
Communicating
Collaborating ● Contribute
● Oral ● Written
Problem solving
● Question ● Present
respectfully
● Compromise
Dear Mr. Kilmer is set in the background of World War I (1914 –1918) where The Allies (principally Britain, France, Russia, Italy and the United States) were fighting the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and Ottoman Empire) on the Western Front in Europe. In groups of four, look for an article in The Star depicting a dispute, or situation of war, unrest or enmity. Cut it out and paste it on a sheet of A4 paper. Read the article thoroughly and then, answer the following questions. (You may do extra research using the Internet or other sources of information if you like.) Who are the parties involved? What has caused the situation? ● How long has it been going on? ● Your suggestions for resolution ● Any other significant or related information ● ●
When you are done, take turns to present your work in class and ask other groups to provide suggestions, as well.