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Access the document allocated to your group in this folder

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Refer to pages 67 - 68 of Frindle.

1. As a group, consider what Judy Morgan wrote in her article from the point of view of your assigned character (see below for which character you are assigned).

2. As your assigned character, how does what Judy Morgan make you feel / react?

3. Pick out at least two words or phrases from Judy Morgan's article which made you feel / react that way. Explain why those words or phrases had that effect on you.

Assigned Characters:

Groups 1-3: Mrs Chatham (the Principal)

Groups 4-6: Mrs Allen (Nick's Mother)

Groups 7-8: Nick's Classmates

Groups 9-10: A member of the general public in Westfield

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Respond to the following prompts:

What do you think is the 'Power of Words' in Frindle?

What makes the 'Power of Words' an important theme of the novel Frindle?

Please make a new INDIVIDUAL post. Do not forget to put in your name and group number. See sample post below.

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For consideration:

▪What connections can we draw between the non-fiction texts and the book? (Refer to the respective session plans to read more about the thematic focus.)

▪What do the non-fiction texts offer that the book does not?

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You can get the link to the Resource Padlet once you submit your workshop feedback.

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This video is for training only and should NOT be shared.

Access to this will be removed by 19 Jan 2025.

As you watch this video, consider:

What are the benefits of using Coloured Cards?

What challenges do you foresee in your own RC classroom?

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This video is for training only and should NOT be shared.

Access to this will be removed by 19 Jan 2025.

Context: Participants have completed the task in their groups, and they are now constructing one as a class

The facilitator selectively noted examples she knew, rather than every example

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[Sample Post]

My reflections on "Power of Words" would be....

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because...

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A teacher who changed my life by Bill Gates

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A teacher who changed my life

Remembering Blanche Caffiere, who took me under her wing when I was 9.

Three very strong women-my mother, my maternal grandmother, and Melinda-deserve big credit (or blame, I suppose) for helping me become the man I am today. But Blanche Caffiere, a very kindly librarian and teacher I've never written about publicly before, also had a huge influence on me.

Mrs. Caffiere (pronounced "kaff-ee-AIR") died in 2006, shortly after reaching her 100 th birthday. Before she passed, I had an opportunity to thank her for the important role she played in my life, stoking my passion for learning at a time when I easily could have gotten turned off by school.

When I first met Mrs. Caffiere, she was the elegant and engaging school librarian at Seattle's View Ridge Elementary, and I was a timid fourth grader. I was desperately trying to go unnoticed, because I had some big deficits, like atrocious handwriting (experts now call it dysgraphia) and a comically messy desk. And I was trying to hide the fact that I liked to read-something that was cool for girls but not for boys.

Mrs. Caffiere took me under her wing and helped make it okay for me to be a messy, nerdy boy who was reading lots of books.

She pulled me out of my shell by sharing her love of books. She started by asking questions like, "What do you like to read?" and "What are you interested in?" Then she found me a lot of books-ones that were more complex and challenging than the Tom Swift Jr. science fiction books I was reading at the time. For example, she gave me great biographies she had read. Once I'd read them, she would make the time to discuss them with me. "Did you like it?" she would ask. "Why? What did you learn?" She genuinely listened to what I had to say. Through those book conversations in the library and in the classroom we became good friends.

Teachers generally don't want to burden their students with extra reading beyond the homework they've assigned. But I learned from Mrs. Caffiere that my teachers had so much more knowledge to share. I just needed to ask. Up through high school and beyond, I would often ask my teachers about the books they liked, read those books when I had some free time, and offer my thoughts.

Looking back on it now, there's no question that my time with Mrs. Caffiere helped spark my interest in libraries (Melinda's and my first large-scale effort in philanthropy) and my focus on helping every child in America get the benefit of great teachers. I often trace the beginning of our foundation to an article about children in poor countries dying from diseases eliminated long ago in the U.S. But I should give some credit as well to the dedicated librarian and teacher who helped me find my strengths when I was nine years old. It's remarkable how much power one good person can have in shaping the life of a child.

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Bill writes about his fourth grade teacher, Blanche Caffiere, who he credits with instilling his love of reading and learning.

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Please complete the feedback form at the end of the session. The link to the Frindle Resources will be provided at the confirmation page upon completion of this form.

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Collated Frayer Document for your Reference 

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Collated Frayer Document for your Reference 

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It is also in your google drive document folder.

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Shiok, right? More Singlish in Oxford English Dictionary by Lee Min Kok

PDF available on SLS MOE Library

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Shiok, right? More Singlish in Oxford English Dictionary

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Wah! Singaporeans can now find more of their favourite Singlish terms in the hallowed Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Read more at straitstimes.com.

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Frindle Module Learning & Resource Booklet

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Frindle Module Learning & Resource Booklet

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After clicking on this link, you may need to click on "open in new window" if prompted.
Annabelle Kwok: Sharing AI tech to make world an inclusive place

PDF available on SLS MOE Library

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At 25, Ms Annabelle Kwok has already made a name for herself.

Two years ago, she made waves when she co-founded SmartCow, an artificial intelligence (AI) company that came up with an electronic board that could run various AI software.

Last year, Ms Kwok left SmartCow and started NeuralBay, a company that focuses on detection and recognition software related to humans, objects and text, and offers AI-driven solutions for multinational corporations. Her clients include an aviation corporation, an automation industry company and chocolate company Ferrero.

Ms Kwok traces her interest in tech to a box of Lego bricks with electric cables called Lego Mindstorms, which her parents, who work in banking, bought for her when she was in primary school. With it, she built her own robots.

Ms Kwok, the younger of two children, picked up computer science in Temasek Junior College's integrated programme. To avoid getting caught playing games on her laptop during lessons, she learnt how to operate multiple systems concurrently within her computer.

"That's where I trace my hacking roots," she said with a laugh.

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) mathematics graduate has many interests: She is a circus performer, short film-maker, hardware hacker, mixed martial arts fighter, licensed windsurfer, and once sang in a band. But what Ms Kwok wants to do in particular is to use her expertise to do good.

When she was 12, the former girl guide went on a relief mission to Phuket, which was badly hit by the 2004 tsunami. More than 200,000 people were killed in 14 countries.

"When you smell rotting corpses and see ruins, you realise how much of a cushy life you have. It was a big shock," she said.

At 19, she went to Togo in West Africa to volunteer with NTU. She found that many locals did not have easy access to mosquito sprays despite malaria being endemic there. "Why are mosquito repellents not available to people who need it the most? We push the frontiers of science, we do so many things to innovate, but it is not always inclusive."

This motivated her to do good.

"That's why I'm running my own company. I have the independence to share useful technology with smaller businesses that may not have resources to build it from scratch," said Ms Kwok, who recently partnered local charity Daughters Of Tomorrow to hire low-income women to identify and label objects in images for her firm.

"Technology is a bridge. We can use it to make the world a more inclusive place," she said.

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Annabelle Kwok: Sharing AI tech to make world an inclusive place

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At 25, Ms Annabelle Kwok has already made a name for herself. Two years ago, she made waves when she co-founded SmartCow, an artificial intelligence (AI) company that came up with an electronic board that could run various AI software.

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This video is for training only and should NOT be shared.

Access to this will be removed by 19 Feb 2025.

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You need to be logged into your moe.edu.sg account to download the slides.

Slides will be uploaded by the end of the workshop.

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RC Jan 25 Frindle Workshop Slides for Participants

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Nick - faced resistance from adults as they thought it was silly. He wanted to prove his point that the word 'frindle' can be created, used and replaced the word 'pen'

Mrs Granger - someone challenging her beliefs, authority and ego.

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Conflict: Opposing Forces

Main conflict in the story:

Power struggle between Nick and Mrs Granger

Nick Allen and his friends want to use the word "frindle" instead of the word "pen", but Mrs Granger is opposing them

Internal Conflict:

Nick Allen might also be having an internal conflict of being mischievous while also not wanting his friends to get into trouble

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Conflict

Central conflict was Nick's and Mrs Granger's understanding of the law.

Mrs Granger - follow the law

Nick - wants to test the boundaries because of this inquisitive nature

Spirit of the law (intention) vs letter of the law (follow literally)

If enough people use it, it will become an acceptable word.

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The central conflict can arise from a clash of personalities, convention norms and also perception of characters.

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The word Frindle as the conflict instead of using the word pen: the dictionary is the law to Mrs granger, and when the word pen was replaced with frindle, she couldn’t accept it.

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Nick vs. Mrs. Granger (Power Struggle: Student vs. Authority)

Mrs. Granger is not used to being questioned.

Unlike other students, Nick challenges the norms.

Nick vs. Community

Struggles to meet expectations.

School vs. Media

The media seeks sensation.

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Conflict between:

Nick and Mrs Granger

Clash of beliefs: Challenges the norms vs. Upholding traditional beliefs/laws

Authoritative vs. Authoritarian

Nick's internal conflict

To cause disruptions and get attention vs. withdrawing when given overwhelming attention

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1. Main conflict

Individual vs Authority

A struggle between the Mrs. Granger, who appears to be more rigid, and Nick, who tries to challenge Mrs Granger's resistance to accept change.

2. Other conflicts:

Difference in perspectives between Mrs Granger and Nick.

Internal conflict -> Nick wanting to push boundaries

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I think the idea of the "power of words" is a critical one in the novel because the story concerns itself heavily with exploration of who does or does not get to be the arbiter/gatekeeper of language, what the implications of that privileged role may be, and what it may entail. It also neatly illustrates the socially driven nature of language, where, at the point where a critical number of individuals starts to use a word or phrase, it soon becomes inevitable that the power will shift.

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My reflection on 'Power of Words' would be words can make or break someone.

I think the 'Power of Words' is an important theme in the novel because words can change the way people think and communicate. It proves that words have power when people believe in them and use them.

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Words have the ability to change things and change people (just like how Mrs Granger's words comforted Nick and he was back to his usual self - Chapter 14).

"Life and death are in the power of the tongue"

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I think that word/words, have more meaning/attention, when attached to individuals/groups with power. In turn, these words can effect change in society. Through the book, we learnt how Nick, as a single student who thought of the word initially did not have much power to effect change (to have 'frindle' accepted as a word) beyond the school walls. However, with the reporter Judy coming in and Bud Lawrence (bringing in monetary rewards too) have helped increase the power of the word 'frindle' beyond what Nick could imagine it to be.

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I think the "power of words" is that language has the ability to influence thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even shape societies and cultures.

Words are not merely just tools for communication - they have the capacity to inspire, persuade, unite, divide, heal, or hurt

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My reflections on "Power of Words" would be how language can evolve and the influence individuals using it can become so widespread that all understand what the word refers too - brings me to the words 'saavy, slay, umami' which was once 'non-existent' and now so commonly used.

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because it highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in our lives. This simple renaming of a pen has inspired people even someone like Mrs Granger to transform from what we know in the beginning as a person who abides by the dictionary to one who accepts and encourages a creative individual.

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I think the theme of Power of Words is central to the book as the plot revolves around the creation and validity of a new word and the ripples it causes in that community.

I think words are significant because they have the power to create. Create worlds, feelings, relationships etc

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Words are like a double-edged sword. It can both inspire as well as result in a negative outcome.

For example, the word Frindle actually annoyed Mrs Granger at the beginning but later on it was a word that brings about fond memories of her student who inspired others.

Hence, it is important to use words in the right context and in the right moment.

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My reflection on the power of words.

Mrs Granger's teaching has motivated Nick to reach for his goals, which is what education is all about. She has gained a newfound respect and admiration for Nick.

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My reflections on the "Power of Words" would be the ability of words to influence and impact to an unimaginable scale.

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because it not only allows us to delve deeper into our thoughts, it also forces us (and our students) to reflect on the words we use daily.

(Side note, I feel it also helps to grow us and the kiddos in a CCE kind of way haha.)

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I think 'Power of Words' is an important theme because it shows how a simple word could influence others and eventually change minds.

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Words are a Tool for Change

Nick’s small act of renaming a pen sparks a national movement, proving that even simple words can create big changes.

The story shows that language evolves, and young people can be part of that change.

The Power of Ideas Behind Words

The novel highlights that words are more than just sounds—they carry ideas, emotions, and the potential to inspire change.

Nick’s small idea grows into something bigger than he ever expected, proving that even the simplest words can have a huge impact when people believe in them.

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I think that it is an important theme because it illustrates how words can take on meanings beyond their original definitions. It is also how words can gain meaning through usage rather than formal definitions. It shows how language is dynamic, constantly evolving and influenced by the actions and choices of individuals.

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My reflections on "Power of Words" would be:

-words have an impact on the understanding constructed by the reader

-words can also be used in the power play among individuals

-for example, the person who has a clever play of words will be able to capture the attention of others better

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because:

-it is used to relate the characters to one another

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Frindle explores how words shape meaning, influence people, and evolve over time.

My reflection on "Power of Words" would be that words can create change. Nick's simple act of renaming a pen challenges authority, sparks discussion, even leading to media attention. Words also gain power through people; a word has meaning only if people agree to use it.

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Fei Ming

In Frindle, the power of words in the story highlights that language isn't fixed or controlled by any one person—it’s shaped by those who use it.

Nick was able to challenge tradition and influence the way people communicate because he was persistent in wanting to challenge the age-old definition of 'pen'

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The choice of words influences the readers' understanding and perception of the text. By delving deeper into the meanings of the words used in Frindle, it brings new perceptions and topics which sparks conversations that revolve around cultures and norms.

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The power of words has a significant role in the story. It has impacted the various characters differently. It has also helped the reader see the characters in different lenses.

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The 'Power of Words' is an important theme in the story. It shows how words have the power to influence and control. For instance, Mrs Granger tried to have control over the language used - pen instead of frindle - perhaps allowing her to maintain power and authority. On the flipside, Nick's success in rallying the school to use the word frindle shows that words can be a tool to challenge the norms - or in this case, authority.

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One important aspect of the power of words is how they gain meaning through shared understanding. A word becomes significant not because of what it is, but because people agree on what it represents. This shared agreement allows words to connect people and bring them together.

While Frindle highlights this idea through the invention of a new word, a real-life example is the phrase "Kampung Spirit." This term reflects communal bonds and mutual support, encouraging citizens to stay united and support one another as a community.

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It is the central theme as the title 'Frindle' speaks for itself. The plot also sparks debates between individuals.

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Rajinder group 8

Power of words is essential in curating a story. It gives the story excitement and garners curiosity as the reader goes along. In Frindle, the power of words gives the story the upper hand in having several interpretations of a scenario. It drops subtle links made throughout the story.

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Words have no power until the people who use them and believe in them accord them power (and meaning) in the settings that they are used. In Frindle, this was demonstrated by the sheer number of people who increasingly subscribed to pens being called "frindles".

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Deborah

The power of words is an essential theme in the story. Words in the story are not just used as a form of communication, but they are used to illustrate control, power and norms. With one word 'Frindle', Nick was able to influence others and challenge societal / linguistic norms.

Mrs Granger --> Words gave her "power" as students respected / were afraid of her. She took language very seriously.

Nick --> With his curiosity and inventiveness, he challenged "power" (authority) by renaming the word 'pen'.

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'Cleverly raises issues about free speech and academic rules'

POV: Mrs Chatham

'Cleverly raises issues about free speech and academic rules'

The phrase makes it seem as though that the school is against free speech and is trying to control it through school rules.

'Battling'

It makes it seem that the school and the students are not on the same side and are not united.

Only the students are portrayed in a good light.

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Mrs Chatham:

Page 68, battle imagery - "battling" and war of words" - suggests that there was a power struggle, resulting in chaos in the school.

"champion of the forces of order and authority": Initially, she feels good - She had a competent teacher who was capable of dealing with the students and the chaos; idea of a general.

"battling hundreds of young frindle-fighters": An uphill task to deal with, things are getting out of hand

Judy Morgan was the catalyst that led to the chaos and disorder caused - stirred up strong emotions. In a school setting, authority belongs to teachers. However, that was not the case for the school.

"Nick Allen masterminded this plot" and "cleverly raises issues": Sensational that a young boy was capable of such a movement; students appeared to have an upper hand. Her words did not cast a good light on the school superintendent and Mrs Chatham.

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“they loved it” page 70 - due to how the article Judy Morgan wrote blew up

( from the classmates point of view)

loved it and nick was like a local hero for the classmates all over town.

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POV: Nick's classmates

Two phrases:

“no one” - a united group of students, belonging to a “movement”

“backing off” - a fighting chance against authority or “power”

As Nick’s classmates, we would feel a sense of pride and belonging to the student body. We would also experience fulfillment and happiness, knowing that our efforts to keep using the word frindle had been worthwhile.

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Assigned character: Mrs Allen

Words chosen:

1) Cleverly

2) Invented

These words highlight Nick's originality and thinking outside the box. It shows that he was being recognised for his cleverness and resourcefulness in coming up with something new and original.

As Mrs Allen (Nick's mother), I would feel proud to see my son being celebrated for this.

Another perspective:

1) 'Masterminded'

2) 'Plot'

These words have a sort of negative connotation to it. As a mother, I would feel uncomfortable that my son was the headline of this piece of news.

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Phrase: “Nick Allen masterminded this plot”
Nick’s mother I was angry that Nick went on to talk to the reporter. She values order and authority and did not want him to be painted in a bad light by starting a new word. It seems that he is challenging authority which probably made Nick’s mother angry.

Phrase: “What is the meaning of this?!”
Nick’s mother was probably disappointed with him. As the article painted him Nick in a rather negative light, it might not reflect well on the family and how Nick's mother had raised him.

The difference in the words used by Judy and Nick’s mum.
“boy” vs “young man”
Shows how they perceived Nick differently.

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"One thing is sure: the kids at Licoln Elementary love their frindles"

suggests that Mrs Chatham has lost control of the situation

chaotic scene

suffocated cos it has blown out of control

worried and frustrated, job is at stake - loss control

Principal trusted Mrs G to have known what to say but situation escalated and

she became frustrated with her

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1) Masterminded

2) Cleverly

These words would make me feel proud that my son’s creativity and intelligence are being recognized yet at the same time concerned about the amount of attention Nick has and that if this might affect him as 'masterminded' seems to have a negative connotation

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"One thing is sure: the kids at Lincoln Elementary School love their frindles, and no one seems to be backing off in this war of the words."

Seeing those words made me feel fear as a school principal. My school's name is published for all to see, in a negative light. There's also the word "war" used, implying that there is a big problem, a war, happening in my school, under my charge.

Emphasis on the following words - "backing off", "war of the words"

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Group 8

The power of words - Made use of her passion - the use of technology - and gave it back to society, sharing ideas and resources with smaller businesses and hired low-income women to give them opportunities. She also branched out to innovate as well and not just stayed comfortable with her AI business.

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Role of Educators

The article is a parallel to Frindle and the non-fiction text as both had teachers bringing up the potential of the main character

Link to Chapter 14

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What connections can we draw between non-fiction texts and the book?

NF text: Straits Times Article (Shiok, right?)

1) Power of words

Both the NF text and the book illustrate the power of words. In the book, Nick's insistence on using "frindle" instead of "pen" demonstrates how one person's decision to use a word differently can spark a movement. In the NF text, the inclusion of singlish words in the Oxford English Dictionary shows how non-standard or regional dialects can gain official recognition.

This reiterates how language is dynamic, just like Nick's journey with "frindle".

What do the non-fiction texts offer that the book does not?

Non-Fiction texts offer Real-World examples of language change. Frindle is a fictional story about a single word being created in a school setting, without much exploration of its lasting cultural or academic implications in the real world.

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Group 4

1. Just like in Frindle, where a new word, when gained accepted in the community, it can be included in the dictionary. The article shows that new words are continually added to the dictionary as people have more experiences and new words are coined. These may be true even for Singlish words.

An example would be Mr Lee Kuan Yew at one point in time reminded Singaporeans not to say Singlish, but now these words have made it to the OED.

2. The news article shares new words of multicultural origins, whereas the book was about a word coined by Nick.

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Connections between non-fiction texts and the book

Formative figure in his early years - inspiring teacher that shaped his future

Mrs. Caffiere helped Gates find his strengths and supported him quietly, just like what Nick experienced with Mrs Granger.

Mrs. Caffiere spent time with him, helping him find his strengths and interests.

What do non-fiction texts offer that the book does not

Additional commentary in non-fiction texts that narratives do not have, allows for greater understanding and for clarifications to be made.

Commentary in the article cements how a teacher can have a significant impact on a child's life.

Article has a greater power to influence those who read it, given that Bill Gates is a famous and influential person and there is greater interest to see the impact a teacher had on Gates.

Had a big impact on Gates, resulting in him being a philanthropist and opening up many libraries; real-life example that makes it more impactful to readers.

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Thematic focus: starting something new

EU 10: Innovations have the power to affect society, and should be managed responsibly

In the article, Annabelle uses her expertise to benefit others, such as by helping small businesses and partnering with charities. Similarly, in Frindle, Nick set up a trust fund in Mrs. Granger’s name.