Text-to-World Connections

Students connect events in the story to real-world issues while focusing on human impact rather than political details.

Question Journal

Students record the questions Theo asks and compare them with their own unanswered questions.

Symbolism Tracker

Students track recurring symbols such as sunflowers, doves, stones, and seeds recording their meaning and evolution.

Tracking Theo’s Emotions

Students maintain an emotion chart tracking Theo’s feelings. For each entry, students identify a specific event and explain how it impacts Theo emotionally.

Creating a Safe Reading Space

The class establishes norms for respectful discussion of sensitive topics, including listening without judgment and the option to pass.