Discussion Director

Section 1 p. 1-33

 

The job of discussion director is to ask the students in the group meaningful thinking questions.  The students need to write down the questions (between 4-10), the answers to the questions, and if possible, the page and paragraph number where the answers can be found. 

 

  1. On p. 8-9 Donald is on his way to his first day of school as a first grader.  He was very excited and did not seem to be nervous at all. How did you feel on your first day of school this year?  Were as excited as Donald or were you scared of what the day was going to be like? (opinion)  I was nervous about school on my first day of school.  I wasn’t sure if I would know anyone and if my teachers were going to be nice.  I was kind of excited, excited because I am about to leave college but also nervous about all the work I was going to have to do.

 

  1. Donald brings his hat to school on the first day on p. 20-21.  Some older students take his hat off his head and throw it on the ground and stomp all over it.  Donald does not seemed to be to bothered by this whole thing, but the author sets up a mood here.  How do you think Donald is really feeling?  How would you feel if that was your hat? (mood)  I think Donald has to be a little upset because I would have been upset but he actually really seems to be okay. I don’t think he realizes what is happening-that the older kids are trying to be mean.  I would have been really upset if older kids had taken my hat because I wouldn’t want them to see my get upset or cry.

 

  1. What do you think the stars symbolize for Donald on p. 27?  He loves them so much and tells the stars about his day.  (symbolism)  I think the stars show how special a student Donald is. He loves school so much and wants to learn more than anything in the world.  The stars show how bright he is and how well he is going to do in school in the future.

 

  1. When Donald goes to school on a Saturday that says a lot about his character on p. 32-33.  Explain a specific character trait you think that Donald can possibly have. (characterization)

Donald has a great character trait of determination.  He will go to school no matter what happens and is determined to be the best student that he can be. 

 

  1. All of the following describe Donald Zinkoff except which one? (multiple choice)
    1. happy
    2. creative
    3. depressed
    4. compassionate

c. depressed is the answer

 

 

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