Question and Idea's for Chapter Two--Four Perfect Pebbles

As I continue to read Four Perfect Pebbles I still believe that I would read this story with sixth grade students.  Although some might challenge this idea, saying the the complexity of the material is too demanding and sixth grade students would not be able to handle the material,  like Keene promotes we need to challenge our students.  How can we expect our students to think critically and truly understand if we do not have high expectation for them.  This book and bring out students intellectual side and get them thinking and discussing.  Below are some ideas and questions that I would use in reading chapter two--A Small Town in Germany.

Before Reading:

-Have students write a brief summary of what the title--Four Perfect Pebbles-- means (quiz).  Then discuss.
-Review student predictions for chapter two
Key Vocab: Gypsies, Poles, denounced, remedy, swastika, Aryan, emigrated, annexed.

While Reading:

-Find Hoya and Tilsit on a map and display it to students.



                         Hoya

-Discuss with children the war of 1914-1918.  If following the history standards students will have already learned this but it would be good to review what the conflice was about.

-Discuss the way in which the German Government is set-up.

-Describe what an Aryan looked like in the eyes of Hitler.

-If you were the Blumenthal's would you try to leave Germany?

-Should the US have let more people emigrate?

After Reading:

-Recap how Hitler came to power.

-Make predications about the next chapter