July 18, 2019

Chapter 4

 Group Three

1. An old man refers to Okonkwo saying, “Looking at a king’s mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother’s breast.” (p. 19) What does he mean?

2. How does Okonkwo demonstrate his fondness for Ikemefuna?

3. Why does Nwoye’s mother claim that Ojiugo has asked her to feed her children?

4. Why is Okonkwo’s first wife always called “Nwoye’s mother”?

5. What does the kola nut symbolize, and why does Ezeani refuse to accept it from Okonkwo during the Week of Peace?

 Group Two

1. An old man refers to Okonkwo saying, “Looking at a king’s mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother’s breast.” (p. 19) What does he mean?

2. How does Okonkwo demonstrate his fondness for Ikemefuna?

3. Why does Nwoye’s mother claim that Ojiugo has asked her to feed her children?

4. Why is Okonkwo’s first wife always called “Nwoye’s mother”?

Group One

1. An old man refers to Okonkwo saying, “Looking at a king’s mouth, one would think he never sucked at his mother’s breast.” (p. 19) What does he mean?

2. How does Okonkwo demonstrate his fondness for Ikemefuna?

3. Why does Nwoye’s mother claim that Ojiugo has asked her to feed her children?

Parent Signature: ____________________________________

July 17, 2019

Group Three

1.  What is the meaning of the proverb “The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did”? (p. 16)

2. Why is sharecropping a slow way to build up a barn?

3. Give two examples of how Okonkwo tries to save his yams during the drought.

4. Why is the poor harvest like a sad funeral for the Igbo people?

5. What does Okonkwo learn through the drought and poor harvest?

Group Two

1.  What is the meaning of the proverb “The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did”? (p. 16)

2. Why is sharecropping a slow way to build up a barn?

3. Give two examples of how Okonkwo tries to save his yams during the drought.

4. Why is the poor harvest like a sad funeral for the Igbo people?

Group One

1.  What is the meaning of the proverb “The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did”? (p. 16)

2. Why is sharecropping a slow way to build up a barn?

3. Give two examples of how Okonkwo tries to save his yams during the drought

Parent Signature: ________________________

July 16, 2019

Chapter 3

Group Three

1. Why is Unoka, who dies of swelling in the stomach, abandoned and left to die in the Evil Forest?

2. Why is Nwakibie considered a successful man in Igbo society?

3. Nwakibie says, “You will have what is good for you and I will have what is good for me. Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too. If one says no to the other, let his wing break.” (p. 14) 

What is the meaning of Nwakibie’s words?

4. What is the meaning of the proverb “A toad does not run in the daytime for nothing”? (p. 15)

5. Why does Okonkwo laugh uneasily at the story of Obiako and the oracle?

Group Two

1. Why is Unoka, who dies of swelling in the stomach, abandoned and left to die in the Evil Forest?

2. Why is Nwakibie considered a successful man in Igbo society?

3. Nwakibie says, “You will have what is good for you and I will have what is good for me. Let the kite perch and let the eagle perch too. If one says no to the other, let his wing break.” (p. 14) 

What is the meaning of Nwakibie’s words?

Group One

1. Why is Unoka, who dies of swelling in the stomach, abandoned and left to die in the Evil Forest?

2. Why is Nwakibie considered a successful man in Igbo society?

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 15, 2019

Using Prior knowledge and contextual Clues

Group One and Two

Using the following vocabulary words and write it in complete sentences. These words are the same words from yesterday's homework that you have to find the definition for.

1. perpertual

2.  Capricious

3.  incipient

4.  brusqueness

5.  kindred

6.  benevolent

Group Three

Below are the sentences in which the vocabulary words appear in the text. Read the sentence. Use any clues you can find in the sentence combined with your prior knowledge, and write what you think the underlined words mean in the space provided.


1.  His wives, especially the youngest, lived in perpetual fear of his fiery temper, and so did his little children.

2. It was deeper and more intimate than the fear of evil and capricious gods and of magic, the fear of the forest, and of the forces of nature, red in tooth and claw.

3. Okonkwo’s first son, Nwoye, was then twelve years old but was already causing his father great anxiety for his incipient laziness.

4. But he was struck, as most people were, by Okonkwo’s brusqueness in dealing with less successful men.

5. Only a week ago a man had contradicted him at a kindred meeting which they held to discuss the next ancestral feast.

6. But it was really not true that Okonkwo’s palm kernels had been cracked for him by a benevolent spirit.

Parent Signature: _______________________________________

July 12, 2019

Read Chapters 4-6, then do the following:

Part I: Using Prior Knowledge and Context Clues

Below are the sentences in which the vocabulary words appear in the text. Read the sentence.

Use any clues you can find in the sentence combined with your prior knowledge, and write what you think the underlined words mean in the space provided.

All Group

1. The new year must begin with tasty, fresh yams and not the shriveled and fibrous crop of the previous year.

2. All cooking pots, calabashes, and wooden bowls were thoroughly washed, especially the wooden mortar in which yam was pounded.

3. The drums rose to a frenzy.

4. Old men nodded to the beat of the drums and remembered the days when they wrestled to its intoxicating rhythm.

5. Within a short time the two bouts were over

Parent Signature:_________________________

July 11, 2019

Group Three

1. How does Okonkwo display his fierce and warlike nature at important occasions in the village?

2. Give examples illustrating the Igbo people’s vague terror of darkness.

3. Why would the people of Umuofia be beaten in the war with Mbaino if they disobeyed the Oracles of the Hills and Caves?

4. Why is Ikemefuna selected by the people of Mbaino to serve as the peace sacrifice for Umuofia?

5. Okonkwo is very strong and rarely feels tired. How would you describe Okonkwo’s three wives and children?

Group Two

1. How does Okonkwo display his fierce and warlike nature at important occasions in the village?

2. Give examples illustrating the Igbo people’s vague terror of darkness.

3. Why would the people of Umuofia be beaten in the war with Mbaino if they disobeyed the Oracles of the Hills and Caves?

Group One

1. How does Okonkwo display his fierce and warlike nature at important occasions in the village?

2. Give examples illustrating the Igbo people’s vague terror of darkness.


Parent Signature: _____________________________

July 10, 2019

Group Three

1. Okonkwo is very strong and rarely feels tired. How would you describe Okonkwo’s three wives and children?

2. Why is Nwoye developing into a sad-faced youth?

3. Which one of Okonkwo’s wives is the most afraid of him and why?

4. Why does Okonkwo rule his household with a heavy hand?

5. How is Unoka regarded by many members of the village?

6. Why is Okonkwo asked to become Ikemefuna’s guardian?

Group Two

1. Okonkwo is very strong and rarely feels tired. How would you describe Okonkwo’s three wives and children?

2. Why is Nwoye developing into a sad-faced youth?

3. Which one of Okonkwo’s wives is the most afraid of him and why?

4. Why does Okonkwo rule his household with a heavy hand?

Group One

1. Okonkwo is very strong and rarely feels tired. How would you describe Okonkwo’s three wives and children?

2. Why is Nwoye developing into a sad-faced youth?

3. Which one of Okonkwo’s wives is the most afraid of him and why?

Parent Signature:________________________

July 9, 2018

Group Three

1. What is the harmattan?

2. Why does Unoka sing to the kites?

3. Why does Unoka enjoy playing music for the egwugwu, or the masqueraders who impersonate the ancestral spirits of the village?

4. What is the meaning of the proverb “He who brings kola brings life”? (p. 5)

5. Why is Okonkwo ashamed of his father, Unoka?

6. Compare Okonkwo with his father.

Group Two

1. What is the harmattan?

2. Why does Unoka sing to the kites?

3. Why does Unoka enjoy playing music for the egwugwu, or the masqueraders who impersonate the ancestral spirits of the village?

4. Why is Okonkwo ashamed of his father, Unoka?

Group One

1. What is the harmattan?

2. Why does Unoka sing to the kites?

3. Why does Unoka enjoy playing music for the egwugwu, or the masqueraders who impersonate the ancestral spirits of the village?

July 8, 2019

After you read chapter 1 and 2 of "Things Fall Apart". Please answer the following questions:

Group Three

1. According to the last paragraph of Chapter 1, for what else is Okonkwo known?
2. For what is Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, known?
3. Why does Okonkwo’s father go to the Oracle? What does the Oracle tell him?
4. The story tells us that Okonkwo “ruled his household with a heavy hand.”   What does this mean?

5. According to the first paragraph of Chapter 1, for what is Okonkwo famous?

Group Two

1. According to the last paragraph of Chapter 1, for what else is Okonkwo known?
2. For what is Okonkwo’s father, Unoka, known?

Group One

1. According to the last paragraph of Chapter 1, for what else is Okonkwo known?

Parent Signature: ____________________________

July 26, 2018

All Groups

Malala’s passion and activism for women’s rights and education may lead the reader to forget that she is only 16 years old when writing her story.  

Are there moments in or recollections of her school and home life when you feel that the “teenager” in Malala becomes apparent?  

For example, Malala often describes her friendships and rivalries (“I fought nonstop with my brother Khushal, and he would go crying to our mother.  Never in history have Khushal and Malala been friends” 144-5), and she mentions her interest in the Twilight movies and other staples of Western popular culture.  

Do any of these statements surprise you?  If so, which ones, and why?  

How did they influence your perception of Malala and her story? 

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 25, 2018

Group Three

Malala’s relationship with her parents, particularly her father, is arguably one of the most important factors in Malala’s story.  Malala writes, “It was my grandmother’s faith in my father that gave him the courage to find his own proud path he could travel along.  This is the path that he would later show me” (36).  

1.  What are some of her father’s courageous acts that appear to inspire Malala most, and lead her on her own “path”?  

2.  How does Malala’s courage mirror that of her father’s?  

3.  How does Malala’s relationship with her mother compare with her relationship with her father?  

4.  What does she see as her mother’s virtues? 

Group Two

Malala’s relationship with her parents, particularly her father, is arguably one of the most important factors in Malala’s story.  Malala writes, “It was my grandmother’s faith in my father that gave him the courage to find his own proud path he could travel along.  This is the path that he would later show me” (36).  

1.  What are some of her father’s courageous acts that appear to inspire Malala most, and lead her on her own “path”?  

2.  How does Malala’s courage mirror that of her father’s?  

3.  How does Malala’s relationship with her mother compare with her relationship with her father?  

 Group One

Malala’s relationship with her parents, particularly her father, is arguably one of the most important factors in Malala’s story.  Malala writes, “It was my grandmother’s faith in my father that gave him the courage to find his own proud path he could travel along.  This is the path that he would later show me” (36).  

1.  What are some of her father’s courageous acts that appear to inspire Malala most, and lead her on her own “path”?  

2.  How does Malala’s courage mirror that of her father’s?  

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 24, 2018

Group Three

1. Have you come across an epilogue before? What is an epilogue? What is it for?

2.  On page 117 Malala writes, “My world has changed but I have not.” Is this true?

Group Two

1. Have you come across an epilogue before? What is an epilogue? What is it for?

2.  On page 117 Malala writes, “My world has changed but I have not.” Is this true?

Group One

1. Have you come across an epilogue before? What is an epilogue? What is it for?

2.  On page 117 Malala writes, “My world has changed but I have not.” Is this true?

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 23, 2018

Group Three

Part Five: A Second Life

1. Who is Rehanna and what did she do to help Malala? What did Yma do?

2.  Why was it so hard for Malala’s parents to come and see her in Birmingham? What did they have to do to get there?

3.  Imagine you are Malala.  You received a lot of messages and gifts when you were in hospital. Which is most important to you and why?

4.  On page 108, Malala notes ‘I don’t feel like it’s a story about me at all.’  What do you think she means by this?

Group Two

1. Who is Rehanna and what did she do to help Malala? What did Yma do?

2.  Why was it so hard for Malala’s parents to come and see her in Birmingham? What did they have to do to get there?

3.  Imagine you are Malala.  You received a lot of messages and gifts when you were in hospital. Which is most important to you and why?

Group One

1. Who is Rehanna and what did she do to help Malala? What did Yma do?

2. Imagine you are Malala.  You received a lot of messages and gifts when you were in hospital. Which is most important to you and why?

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 19. 2018

Group Three


Part Four: Between Life and Death

1.  As clearly as possible, explain what happened to Malala and what the doctors did to save her.

2.  When the Taliban issued a statement saying they were responsible (see page 80), they accuse Malala of “preaching anti-religious messages.” Why did they say this? 

3.  Was Malala preaching anti-religious messages? How could you describe Malala’s faith and views about religion?

4.  Why was Malala taken to Birmingham?

Group Two


1.  As clearly as possible, explain what happened to Malala and what the doctors did to save her.

2.  When the Taliban issued a statement saying they were responsible (see page 80), they accuse Malala of “preaching anti-religious messages.” Why did they say this? 

3.  Was Malala preaching anti-religious messages? How could you describe Malala’s faith and views about religion?


Group One


1.  As clearly as possible, explain what happened to Malala and what the doctors did to save her.

2.  When the Taliban issued a statement saying they were responsible (see page 80), they accuse Malala of “preaching anti-religious messages.” Why did they say this? 

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 18, 2018

Group Three


1.  In your culture, which age marks the beginning of adulthood?

2.  Do you remember what you did to mark this birthday?

3.  Answer this question: ‘Who is Malala?’

Group Two


1.  In your culture, which age marks the beginning of adulthood?

2.  Do you remember what you did to mark this birthday?

3.  Answer this question: ‘Who is Malala?’

Group One


1.  In your culture, which age marks the beginning of adulthood?

2.  Do you remember what you did to mark this birthday?

3.  Answer this question: ‘Who is Malala?’

Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 17, 2018

Group Three


1.  As she turns 12, Malala is living at her aunt’s place in Haripur. Write her a letter wishing her Happy Birthday.

2.  As Malala and her family arrive home at the beginning of chapter 10, what are they afraid of? Describe what they find.

3.  Why was Malala’s father nervous about the honour she receives on page 61? How would you feel, in his place?

4.  In 2012 Malala turned 15, and on page 66 we learn that in Islam the age 15 is important because it marks the beginning of adulthood. 



Group Two


1.  As she turns 12, Malala is living at her aunt’s place in Haripur. Write her a letter wishing her Happy Birthday.

2.  As Malala and her family arrive home at the beginning of chapter 10, what are they afraid of? Describe what they find.

3.  Why was Malala’s father nervous about the honour she receives on page 61? How would you feel, in his place?


Group One


1.  As she turns 12, Malala is living at her aunt’s place in Haripur. Write her a letter wishing her Happy Birthday.

2.  As Malala and her family arrive home at the beginning of chapter 10, what are they afraid of? Describe what they find.


Parent Signature: __________________________________

July 16, 2018

Group Three


1.  In chapter 7, what pseudonym is Malala given for her blog?  What does it mean and where does it come from?
2.  What is Malala afraid of, and what is she fighting for?
3.  On page 42 Malala writes “I began to see that the pen and the words that come from it can be much more powerful than machine guns, tanks or helicopters.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
3.  Can you think of any times in your life when words have been more powerful than weapons?


Group Two


1.  In chapter 7, what pseudonym is Malala given for her blog?  What does it mean and where does it come from?
2.  What is Malala afraid of, and what is she fighting for?
3.  On page 42 Malala writes “I began to see that the pen and the words that come from it can be much more powerful than machine guns, tanks or helicopters.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Group One


1.  What is Malala afraid of, and what is she fighting for?
2.  On page 42 Malala writes “I began to see that the pen and the words that come from it can be much more powerful than machine guns, tanks or helicopters.” Do you agree? Why or why not?


Parent Signature: _________________________________

July 12, 2018

Group Three

Part Two: The Valley of Death

1. What does Malala tell us about the Taliban in chapters 5 and 6? What sorts of things were the Taliban doing and why?
2. Why do you think lots of women gave gold to Fazlullah on page 32?
3. Why did people congratulate Malala’s father on page 34?

Bonus:
Who is Benazir Bhutto and why was she killed? Use a library, the internet and/or talk to others to find out more about Benazir Bhutto.  Take notes. Share what you have found with others.

Group Two

Part Two: The Valley of Death

1. What does Malala tell us about the Taliban in chapters 5 and 6? What sorts of things were the Taliban doing and why?
2. Why do you think lots of women gave gold to Fazlullah on page 32?
3. Why did people congratulate Malala’s father on page 34?

Group One

Part Two: The Valley of Death

1. What does Malala tell us about the Taliban in chapters 5 and 6? What sorts of things were the Taliban doing and why?
2. Why do you think lots of women gave gold to Fazlullah on page 32?

Parent Signature: _________________________________

July 11, 2018

Group Three

1.  Read chapter 4 closely. Note down one important event of 2002, one of 2004 and one of 2005. If you can, compare your notes with others.
2. Talk about how these events are linked.
3. Do you remember hearing or reading about these events as they happened? What do you remember?
4. What is going to happen next?

Group Two

1.  Read chapter 4 closely. Note down one important event of 2002, one of 2004 and one of 2005. If you can, compare your notes with others.
2. Talk about how these events are linked.
3. Do you remember hearing or reading about these events as they happened? What do you remember?

Group One

1.  Read chapter 4 closely. Note down one important event of 2002, one of 2004 and one of 2005. If you can, compare your notes with others.
2. Talk about how these events are linked.

Parent Signature: _______________________________

July 10, 2018

Group Three

Part One: Before the Taliban

1. On page 21, Hidayatullah says ‘Malala was a lucky girl.’  Why?
2. At the end of chapter 3, something happens far away that will “change our world.” What happened and how do you think it will affect Malala and her family?
3. Describe the visit to the school on pages 23 and 24. Who visited the school and what did they want? What do you think of Malala’s father’s solution?

Group Two

1. On page 21, Hidayatullah says ‘Malala was a lucky girl.’  Why?
2. At the end of chapter 3, something happens far away that will “change our world.” What happened and how do you think it will affect Malala and her family?
3. Describe the visit to the school on pages 23 and 24. Who visited the school and what did they want? 

Group One

1. On page 21, Hidayatullah says ‘Malala was a lucky girl.’  Why?
2. At the end of chapter 3, something happens far away that will “change our world.” What happened and how do you think it will affect Malala and her family?

Parent Signature: __________________________