Personal Symbol

After you have written about a symbol that you think would work well for Melinda, I want you to think about a symbol that you would use to represent yourself.

Remember, this symbol can be any object, part of nature, ANYTHING!

Post a picture of the symbol if you would like, but make sure you have at least a paragraph explaining how your symbol connects to your life.

Symbolism in Speak

Choose a symbol that you think represents Melinda. You may find a picture of the symbol if you wish, but it is not required.

Your assignment is to write at least one paragraph about how you think your symbol is a good representation of Melinda. Make sure you use details from the story when you are explaining your connection.

Second Marking Period - Question #9

Is being a child better than being a teenager? In what ways? Why is it hard to be in between childhood and adulthood? (Page 99)

Second Marking Period - Question #8

What should we value in other people? What qualities are important in a person? What do you usually notice first about someone? Does that matter or not? (Page 83)

Second Marking Period - Question #7

Why is it that people sometimes "like us" more when they can get something out of us? Are the Marthas good friends to Heather? Why or why not? (Page 82)

Second Marking Period - Question #6

Are we sometimes different people on the outside than we are on the inside? Which characters from the novel fit this description? Why do you think this is true about people?

Second Marking Period - Question #5

Why do we sometimes not like people who are really good at things, like sports, music, art, or school? Is this fair? Are adults like this?

Second Marking Period - Question #4

Melinda demonstrates many of the symptoms of clinical depression. What behaviors does she manifest that would cause you concern if you were her friend? What would you do to help her?

Second Marking Period - Question #3

In what ways does Melinda conform to what is expected of her? In what ways does she rebel against what is expected of her?

In what ways do you conform to what is expected of you? In what ways do you rebel against what is expected of you?

Second Marking Period - Question #2

In what ways is Merryweather High School similar to Vantage Point High School? In what ways is it different?

Second Marking Period - Question #1

How would you describe Mr. Freeman? What qualities does he possess that make him a good teacher? Have you ever known any teacher similar to Mr. Freeman?

Essential Question #3

1. Do we find or create our true selves and how do we determine where we belong?

2. Make a connection to this. Who are you? And did you find this person or did you create this person?

Essential Question #2

1. What is voice and how can we use it?

2. Make a connection to this. Think of a time when it was really important for someone to hear what you had to say. How did you make them hear you?

Essential Question #1

1. In hard times, what causes some individuals to fail while others prevail?

2. Make a connection to this. Think of a time when you have either succeeded in a task or failed a task and explain why you think that happened.

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #8

1. What did Melinda do that has caused everyone in school to hate her?

2. What can you connect this to?

3. Do you think that she deserves to be treated this way? Why?

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #7

1. Describe Melinda's new hiding place at school.

2. How is this closet a perfect sanctuary (a place of refuge or safety) for Melinda?

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #6

1. How does Melinda's family communicate?

2. How does this reflect the way that Melinda acts at school?

3. Do you think Melinda is getting the proper support from her parents?

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #5

1. Describe how the students at Merryweather High School treat Melinda. Give at least two examples from the text to support your answer.

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #4

1. Describe the globe Mr. Freeman uses in his class, and explain how he uses it.

2. What word does Melinda pick and what do you think that symbolizes? (Notice there is a representation of the word she picks on the cover of the book. That's a hint to its importance.)

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #3

1. How is Melinda's attitude in her art class different from her attitude towards her other classes?

2. Why do you think this is her reaction? What's different about art from other classes?

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #2

1. What happens in the cafeteria that makes Melinda run out of the lunchroom?

2. What does this tell us about Melinda's personality?

Reading Response Pages 3-36 Question #1

From Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (page5-6):
The First Ten Lies They Tell You In High School
1. We are here to help you.
2. You will have enough time to get to your class before the bell rings.
3. The dress code will be enforced.
4. No smoking is allowed on school grounds.
5. Our football team will win the championship this year.
6. We expect more from you here.
7. Guidance counselors are always available to listen.
8. Your schedule was created with your needs in mind.
9. Your locker combination is private.
10. These will be the best years of your life.

1. What is your opinion? Were you told any of these things and do you think they are lies?

2. What are two truths that you would tell Melinda about high school?