Slides will be uploaded by the end of the workshop.

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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

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

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

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.

• 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

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

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

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.

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.

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.)

• 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.

-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

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.

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'

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.

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.

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'.

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.

• 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.

( from the classmates point of view)

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

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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

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"

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

    
    

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.