Freedom Writers - Project

Freedom Writers

Project: To be done in groups of five. Each member of the group can take on one of the tasks. Each group will hand in a total of (5) five tasks. The last task can be distributed equally among group members.

All assignments to be completed by: Monday 2/2/2015

              

1. Imagine you are part of a marketing team and you have been asked to promote “Freedom Writers”. Make a poster of the film. You can make it either on a large piece of paper, you can use glogster or any other internet/computer application you want.  Include:

a. photo/photos

 b. information  on: director/producer/scriptwriter/actors

2. Write a summary of the film’s plot

3. Choose one of the main characters of the film and write a diary entry from their point of view.

4. You’re a film critic for a teenage magazine. Write a film review of ‘Freedom Writers”. You should refer to the handout “Writing a film review”.

5. Prepare a mini ppt presentation or poster protesting against racism/racial – social discrimination/inequality. First refer to the Brainstorming worksheet 1 (to be completed in class) and then decide on which aspects of racism you want to focus.

6. Answer the comprehension questions on Worksheet 2 (see below).

Worksheet 1 BRAINSTORMING

Types of discrimination:

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Why should we fight against racism?

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How can we fight against it?

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Worksheet 2

Comprehension questions

• Why do you think Erin refers to the Nazis as the most famous gang in history? Why does this comparison make the students begin to listen to her?

• Despite their very different situations, the majority of Ms. Gruwell’s students go through similar daily problems. What makes them realize these similarities?

• Why do the students at first only trust peers from their own ethnic/racial groups?

• Ms. Gruwell is the first teacher to show trust and respect for the students at Wilson High. How does Erin Gruwell show this? Why don’t some students refuse to trust her?

• How do the students feel when they learn that Ms. Gruwell will not continue teaching them in their junior and senior years?

• Do you think it’s more important to “protect your own” or do what’s right?

• Put yourself in Eva’s shoes. Would you tell the truth in the witness stand or protect your friend?

• In what ways does Ms. Gruwell’s classroom become a family for the students?

·       Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank, is a hero to Ms. Gruwell’s students. What does Miep Gies mean when she tells Ms. Gruwell’s students, “You are heroes every day.”?

·       What do the students do to try to change their lives?