Slides will be uploaded by the end of the workshop.

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?

▪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?

Access to this will be removed by 19 Feb 2025.

• 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.

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

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

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

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

This is an important theme in Frindle because it shows us how words can shape and motivate communities. It can shift and shapes ideas of the world.

The theme encourages critical thinking. Students get to consider how language works and who controls it. It's message also empowers young readers as it shows that even children can have a significant impact on their world through language.

The book emphasises that words gain power when people collectively agree on their meaning. Language is also evolving.

It is an important theme of Frindle because a nonsense term coined by Nick actually made it into the dictionary. All because of Nick's persistence and his 'war' with Mrs. Granger.

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because it touches on creativity, our knowledge of language, power, and the impact of one's decision behind the choice of words that can easily translate into actions on society. We do things with words.

It is important because it demonstrates the conflicting views of 2 people who are not right or wrong. The power of word inspired change and challenged the idea of authority vs freedom.

Words in Frindle gain meaning and influence through social agreement and usage. Like Nick Allen, he challenges the idea that words have fixed meanings by inventing a new word, frindle, to replace pen. His teacher, Mrs Granger shows him that his words holds power. she doesnt dismiss it but gives it the due attention and channels his thoughts and creativity to actually include the word in the dictionary.

Words can many many functions - direct, describe, depict, change ideas

In the context of Frindle, the power of word and the community have helped shaped the town's history through the media.

It is an important theme in the novel as it depicts how Nick challenge Mrs Granger, as well as the evolution of the word “Frindle”.

It shows us that once people can agree on the meaning of words, it is accepted by society. In the story - Nick’s invention of the word becomes real when enough people use it. This is proof that language is flexible and can be shaped by society.

This theme is important in the story because it's the premise through which the main character, Nick, develops as an individual / finds his voice / makes his mark in the world / learns about the value of having people in your corner & supporting you through life and growth. Powerful theme because fundamentally, it requires the understanding of others and appreciation of different perspectives to work or make sense.

Mrs Allen is concerned and upset because she perceives the article as portraying her son as someone who is challenging authority and therefore causing trouble. She is worried about Nick being a troublemaker.

-Principal will be stressed to read the article. It does not cast a good impression of the school as the students do not seem to have any respect for authority.

-Principal will be stressed up as she has to answer the higher authorities

-It makes it seem that the school does not seem to have a structure.

-A concern that the class pictures were published in the papers

-"Mrs Granger, champion of the forces of order and authority is battling hundreds of young frindle-fighters."

-"No one seems to be backing off in this war..."

The phrase "war of the words" worries me as it seems that he is going against authority and causing chaos.

From the Principal's POV, it feels like there is tension between the figures of authority (in school) and the students. It may tarnish the school's reputation / image.