▪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 20 Jul 2024.

Access to this will be removed by 20 Jul 2024.

As you watch this video, consider:

• What are the benefits of using Coloured Cards?

• What challenges do you foresee in your own RC classroom?

Access to this will be removed by 20 Jul 2024.

• 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

• 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.

Slides will be uploaded by the end of the workshop.

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

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

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

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because when we read the book prior to the discussion, we thought that the book was quite cute, lighthearted banter between a teacher and a student. But the choice of words and after further examining the text, I soon realized that this book is not as simple. Even the use of the word villain, made us rethink the definition.

Therefore the theme of the power of words is essential to the story because Nick and Mrs Granger witness how the word Frindle grows beyond their imagination and control. This showcases how an idea unleashed can have unforeseen and unpredictable results, which can be both exciting and terrifying.

The "Power of Words" is an important theme because we see the development of 'words' alongside Nick and Mrs Granger's relationship.

• My reflections on "Power of Words" would be that words either written or spoken have an impact on others.

• I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because the words Mrs Granger presented to Nick has spurred him to prove to her the new word he coined.

Close reading needs to be done to have a better understanding and rich discussion on the book.

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because it shows how the word "Frindle" was used by the characters in the story and the impact that it had on other characters of the story and the development of the story.

Throughout the text it centres around the play with words.

I think it is an important theme because it drives the story. With the invention of one word, a lot of things are being challenged and characteristics of the protagonist can be seen.

- Words can move an entire community

- Words can change our reality

The 'Power of Words' is an important theme in Frindle because:

- The entire story is based on the conflict of whether or not a new word is accepted by the community

at first... given Nick popularity and united the students.

and later... made Nick wealthy and given Nick fame. It entered the dictionary and strengthened the teacher-student relationship. One word can wield that much power and create that much impact.

It is the overarching concept and sets the stage for the interactions between the characters in the story.

It is an important theme because it changed the characters & behaviour in significant ways.

The theme helps to reconcile the struggle for power. It shows how with the struggle for power, it led to a reconciliation between 2 parties marked with a gift.

I think the "Power of words" is an important theme in the novel because the word Frindle has caused a frenzy of excitement, conflict between Mrs Granger, Nick, and others who are involved.

• New words can gain acceptance and popularity when used widely by others

• During their 'argument', Mrs Granger mentioned that 'we decide what goes in that book' --> her words spurred Nick to continue with his plan (words from someone of higher authority)

• Words are also powerful as they can either bring people together or divide them

It is an important theme because it highlights Nick’s innovation and creativity. Also, it shows the battle of wits between Mrs Granger and himself.

I think the Power of Words is an important theme in the novel because words are used to incite conflict and have an impact on other characters in the story.

The power of word is important as the conflicts in the story revolves around one word.

Important as it depicts creativity and innovation and resistance to authority.

I think the "Power of Words" is an important theme in the novel because the story is based on the acceptance of a new word.

The 'Power of Words' is an important theme in Frindle because the events which happened are surrounding this theme. Mrs Granger wanted to teach her students that the dictionary is important, and everybody should have an acquired vocabulary. Nick also did a report about the dictionary and his "Frindle" was added to it.

Nick's invention of "frindle" empowers him and his peers, giving them a sense of ownership over their language. hence, the power of words

Words do change as time changes. The acceptance level of words change. people can adapt.

Nick created the word, Frindle.

By giving the fountain pen to Mrs Granger... she can create something new with her words.

The "Power of words" is an important theme in the story because with it, you can use it to create anything you want to create.

With this creation/invention, you can create a lasting legacy. Eg, Nick's word is added into the dictionary.

I think it is an important theme as it explores how words can challenge traditions, authority, encourage creativity and made people join sides or unite.

I think the "power of words" is an important theme because the word frindle highlights the dynamic nature of language and the relationships of the characters in the book.

1) it shows how a word can 'shake' a school, a community and even a country.

2)This is an important theme in the book as it shows how words are created and accepted by society. it also demonstrates the determination of a boy who wants to make a point to his teacher.

Many of the students did not like Mrs Granger and wish to prove her wrong. This unites the classmates to continue the fight for frindle - especially when it paints them like freedom fighters.

"Nick Allen masterminded this plot that cleverly raises issues about free speech and academic rules"

Something that started off as a "prank" is now a campaign for free speech and challenging academic rules. There's more reason to support their classmate Nick as the mastermind. Makes them look cool.

• Sceptical/do not trust Judy Morgan

• "Forces of order and authority" --> already making assumptions about the teacher

• "Everyone agrees" --> true? or own opinion? Seems to be trying to get people to be on Nick's side

• shocked - "What's the meaning of this?"

• offended/ upset - from the use of the word "masterminded" in Judy Morgan's article

• secretly proud - with the use of the word "cleverly" and that her son is capable of doing this

• helpless/ caught in the middle - having mixed emotions about the situation

• invaded/ upset - Judy Morgan knew a lot about Nick and the whole situation (invasion of privacy), class photo was being published in the newspaper "Identified for all the world to see"

• Worried how things got out of control, and that the sudden fame behind all these.

• Proud that Nick was 'behind' the whole incident.

• Troubled by 'masterminded this plot' as Mrs Allen did not trust reporters (mentioned on Pg 75)

• Shows that Nick was leading the challenge of the authority through the words: 'Frindle fighters', 'masterminded', 'order and authority', 'war of the words'.

Feelings:

- Anger (As a member of public paying tax for public schools, now we hear that schools are having trouble managing their students)

- Disappointed (Why did the school allow this to happen?)

- Might start to pick a side - Nick or Mrs Granger?

Words/phrases:

- battling hundreds of young frindle-fighters

- no one seems to be backing off in this war of the words