Help a teacher come up with Hunger Games-related activities.

Cafe Society
1

So, I work at an alternative ed school. I have been suggesting a ‘Book Club’ for our students for ages and it’s (finally) caught on. I have Hunger Games on Audible and it seems perfect. We can gather about 12 students in the conference room and have a listen. They are only in school four hours a day, so taking 11 hours out of a quarter is a big deal. BUT this will count for English credit and they can use their ‘freebie tickets’ to cross off other assignments they would typically have.

The audio is 11 hours long. I figure about 1 hour, 3x a week, for a month, and then a wrap-up. They’ll have to have some kind of writing-related assignment for this.

I was hoping you could help me come up with some essay questions. (We push the whole five-paragraph essay thing.) I don’t want a generic question like, “What would you do if your sister was chosen for the Hunger Games?” or something too heavy about Big Brother in post-nuclear Holocaust world.

They REALLY want to do this project and I can’t pitch my final idea to the rest of the staff without it sounding really solid. I’m going to feel bad if it doesn’t come through.

I’m also open to skipping the paper and doing an art-related project or something…usually I feel like I have 1,500 ideas and only room for three, but this time I’m kind of empty.

Now I can very easily come up with short answer journal qs as they listen, but I need a final project/assignment for the end.

I’d also like to remind you guys that most of these kids have a 2nd grade reading level, so it is extra important to me that I make books fun. And yes, sometimes Audible is how it has to work. (I’ve had students listen to my Audible before on my Kindle and they were really happy with it. It’s the only way for them to access books sometimes.)

2

Hmm. I thought this would generate some responses. Perhaps YA fiction isn’t popular on the Dope. :slight_smile:

3

Don’t be too frustrated; it is a Saturday afternoon. Although I haven’t read the series myself, I’ve heard the Hunger Games mentioned plenty of times. I’m sure someone will come along soon with great ideas.

This might be a good excuse to read them. Good luck.

4

How old are the kids? I know you said 2nd grade reading level but what grade/age levels?

5

Hooray for you for finding a way to connect struggling readers with books they can enjoy! (I work with elementary-aged readers who are below grade level–I constantly look for things they will like at a level they can actually read.)

Off the top of my head, how about having them write and perform some kind of newscast or radio program. You could have them write essays on courage, or sacrifice or even right vs. might. Cast some students as rebels, some as Panem loyalists, and some as indifferent bystanders. Ask your kids to assume and defend their assigned roles. Make a video, show it to the kids, fine tune it and play it back for the doubters on your staff.

6

Have the kids work for a pretend (or the school’s) newspaper and have them write stories on what is happening in the book as it’s happening when they’re listen to it. Make them assume whatever role they want with it: They can do a play-by-play as if they’re reporting to the capitol, they can write op-ed pieces expressing their disgust at what’s happening, or they can play devil’s advocate and work FOR the capitol and say how great it is.

Having them write and react to the things in the book as they’re happening can give them experience in changing their opinions on things they can only hear one bit at a time, it might also give them experience falling in love with a character and living and (in this book’s case) dying with them, they might translate that to actually reading books to have that characterization again.

Are you doing the whole series or just that one book?? I could probably come up with other for the other books…I can think of more for this one too if you want me to.

I love coming up with ideas for things like this :):slight_smile:

7

Oh, yes. :smack: They are grades 8-12. So I’ll have a mixed bag. I think the oldest that expressed interest was a junior, though.

Thanks, guys. :slight_smile: I love the idea of the video. I don’t have a video cam, but one of the other staff may. Hmm Maybe they can come up with posters for the Hunger Games (as in, the teams)?

Anyone have ideas for a short-answer writing prompt?

Any way I could tie this into science?

8

I just finished the first book and I was struck by the vast amount of violence in it, and particularly haunted by the zombie mutants. It isn’t a book I would recommended for required reading/listening; I think students should be able to decide if it is too much.

I’m not a shrinking violet and was an avid reader of mature books in junior high. But I wasn’t forced to read them.

9

I wonder if they could create a board game of the actual games. Have some of the traps as cards in the game. It would be a really good thing to do as a visual.

In terms of an essay, they can write about a time in their lives that they were stronger than they thought they could be, or you could have them research and find out about real people who came through tough times that challenged them physically and mentally.

Another writing assignment would be to tell an important part of the story from the point of view of one of the other people in the story, these could be one of the other contestants, one of the stylists or Katriss’s sister.

10

In terms of a video camera, most of their phones have the ability to make movies.

11

The Book Club is completely optional. Kiddos can opt out at any time, but they just have to do regular English assignments…Shakespeare, Homer, whatever. :stuck_out_tongue: (It’s hard to explain how our school works, but there are three teachers right now for 36 kids.) These kids also live in rather…rough…neighborhoods.

If you thought reading it was creepy, try listening. I was kind of freaked out by the Hunger Games part…and the muttations. Of course the only time I had to listen to this was at night, soooo…

[QUOTE]

This is something I could see myself assigning and them actually doing. Another assignment they took to really well was when I asked them to freestyle/rap some Romeo and Juliet. It was after they saw the Baz Luhrman movie version, so one went something like this:

Running from the cops
with a backpack fulla bullets
headed to the church
plant a last kiss on my Mrs-
give my last breath
leave them bitches up in stitches

and other (admitedly crappy) somewhat violent (but appropriate) modern-day interpretations of Romeo & Juliet.

We don’t really…hold back much during our ‘groups’ (which are like pull-out sessions to do affective ed or work on academic skills). Well, I don’t. I think they’re more responsive that way. (I try to keep it appropriate without discrediting their life experiences.)

Yes, they can record on phones, but I was hoping they’d have edit power.

For the kids who have Civics class right now (they have extemely individualized learning plans), I could have them do an assignment on the Bill of Rights and some of the atrocities of the capital. Ooooh, I need to listen to this book again.

thanks :slight_smile:

12

I’m a huge Hunger Games fan. I’m in grade 9 myself, so around the same age as your students, and I’d say that the series isn’t too ‘mature’ for them. I read the books at the end of Grade Eight and wasn’t disturbed at all, but I do enjoy fairly graphic reading material (Hunger Games is one of the most tame books I’ve read recently).
For a writing prompt, I’d suggest something like asking them to write about each of the choices that Katniss had to make in the series, then writing if they think she made a good or bad choice, and what they would have done. A lot of this series was about decisions.
A few of the decisions that Katniss had to make are: (full series spoilers)

Katniss had to decide whether to step into the Hunger Games for her sister, or let young Primrose take part in the Games; whether to choose Peeta or Gale; what she should vote for at the end of Mockingjay (when they have to vote on whether or not to have one more Hunger Games); whether to have children (a tough decision she was given in the end); who to team up with in the Hunger Games; and whether she should try to take Peeta or Hamish into the Hunger Games the second time in Catching Fire.

Drawing or acting out scenes would be fun, most kids (at least in my class) love it when we get to do something more visual and interactive with books. Another possible activity would be to have your students “reenact” the Hunger Games. You could take them to a park and have them do difficult obstacle courses while trying to knock each other out of the Games (using Nerf-guns or pool-noodle-swords, of course [although it would be more fun to ACTUALLY watch them kill each other ;)]). Then afterwards, have them make a poster about the Hunger Games and answer questions about how difficult it would be to take part in a more realistic Hunger Games, like what Katniss had to do.
There is a Hunger Games movie coming out within the next few months, which might be a good thing to mention to your students. Also, if they liked the Hunger Games series, another series they might enjoy is the Gone series by Michael Grant. My personal favorite series ever. It is much like the Hunger Games because it is about kids and teenagers fending for themselves in a ruthless environment, and also focuses on similar topics such as love, betrayal, youth, and violence. Amazing books, which grown-ups would enjoy as well.
Good luck with your Hunger Games unit!

13

Mind to take a look see? Just a quick overview - I know it’s long. They have to select one project and they get double credit. I think I may make that first Econ one harder or take it off the ‘menu’.

As you can see, the categories reflect the main themes in the book (survival, relationships, citizenship).

The Arena: Survival.

History or PE
Research the history of gladiators in ancient Rome. In a Power Point, please explain to me the following: the history of gladiators, who came to watch the sport, who was eligible to be a gladiator, and how the sport ended. (Minimum requirement: 700 words, 10 photos) EXTRA CREDIT: What modern sport do you think is similar to the old arenas? Why do you think humans still fight for entertainment?

Geography or Art
Recreate a 2-D map or 3-D representation of the Arena. Play close attention to the book for this one and make sure to jot down notes. Include in your model the following: what kind of climate the Arena was in (Tropical? Forest?), the kinds of animals Katniss and Peetah encountered (Lions? Tigers? Bears?), the terrain (Lots of hills? Mountains? Desert?), and how big you think the Arena was. Your model or map must also include a compass (NSEW) and a scale. If you do a map, include a key. EXTRA CREDIT: Re-create a scene from the Hunger Games and include characters. Write a short summary of what’s going on in your model. Don’t forget to show what weapons they have!

Psychology
Why do people ‘snap’ and kill? Read the assigned article on the subject and answer the following question in a 5-paragraph essay: Think about the Tributes’ lives before the Arena. It was a hard life. Based on what you read, do you think this made it easier or harder for them to kill each other? EXTRA CREDIT: Find another source to back up your position and use MLA citations in your paper.
Alternatively, you may PRESENT this information to a teacher and answer their questions about the book and your research. You must be well-prepared!

Health or PE
Create a health and exercise plan for a Tribute trainee. Give me a one-week schedule. You can make a chart, a power point, or a daily planner. Write a short introduction as to why you selected this plan and what you think the trainee’s needs are. Include the age, height, weight, and athletic ability of your (fictional) trainee. You may use a Hunger Games character if you wish. EXTRA CREDIT: Include specific nutritional content for each meal.

The Districts: Relationships and Family.

Human Relations or Psychology
Answer the following question in a thoughtful five-paragraph essay. The Hunger Games series shows how old habits die hard. People will continue old traditions even though they know that they are unfair and unjust. Discuss how the people in the different districts and the Capitol felt about the Hunger Games. Why did they continue to participate? HOW COULD people in the Capitol, who use the Hunger Games for fun, treat other human beings that way? EXTRA CREDIT: Use the example of Katniss’s stylists in your essay and lengthen it to 7 paragraphs. How can they be so cruel and so kind at the same time? Do you think they agreed with the Hunger Games? How could they participate in something so wrong? What would you do in that situation if you were Katniss’s stylist?

Creative Writing, Human Relations, or Psychology
Imagine that Gales’s name was selected instead of Peetah’s, and re-write what happens in the first day of the Arena. Tell me what their plan is! You get to be the author now! You’re in charge. You will need at least three typed pages (remember, there will be some talking going back and forth and that takes up space). What are they going to do? Do they have a plan? Will they honor the plan? Will Gale kill Katniss? EXTRA CREDIT: Select either Gale or Katniss. Now pretend you are that person. Write a letter to the other person’s mother explaining your decision. Pretend like you are writing this letter before you go into the Arena.

Psychology or Health
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? Pretend you are a Capitol official who does not want people from the Games to end up like Haymitch Abernathy – drunk, depressed, and embarrassing. Create a pamphlet about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and relate it to the Games. This pamphlet is intended for the Hunger Games winners. Include the symptoms they may feel (be specific – relate it to the book), and what they should do about it (you may have to make that part up, because I don’t know what the Capitol wants to do with these people!). EXTRA CREDIT: Pretend you are a Hunger Games Winner and create a list of 10 Things Every Tribute Should Know Before They Go Into the Arena. Under each ‘thing’ they need to know, explain what you mean by providing 1-2 sentences in context (so about 2 sentences per point).Think of the strategies they need!

Music or Creative Writing
Kill or be killed? Write a song that talks about this question: How can I kill my friends? You will need to write at least one verse (minimum 8 lines) and one chorus (minimum 7 lines). Then, in a two-paragraph response, explain to me why you wrote those lyrics and the message behind your song. EXTRA CREDIT: Add another verse that answers this question: Who can I trust in the Games? Make sure your lyrics reflect the content of the book – but it’s OK to think about your real life when you write! In fact, that’s what a good writer does!

The Capitol: Someone is Watching You.

Civics
Write a letter to the citizens of Panem, explaining why you want to start a rebellion against the Capitol. List your grievances and use the Constitution of the ‘former’ United States of America for your reasoning. (Hint: Look at the Bill of Rights.) Use proper letter format. It must be at least 250 words long (about two-three paragraphs). EXTRA CREDIT: Write a letter in defense of the Capitol and address it to the citizens of Panem!

“Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.” This is a quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau. (Yes, you may research that one.) In a five-paragraph essay, explain what you think this quote means for Katniss and answer the following question: What does Katniss have to do to feel released from those chains? Is it even possible? EXTRA CREDIT: Tell me how you escape from the things you cannot change (at least, not for now). What do you do? Is this healthy? Why or why not?
*
Economics/Social Studies *
The Capitol depends on the Districts for their wealth. Create a poster displaying all of the Districts and their skills (you may draw or print pictures offline). Then answer the questions: Do you think the Capitol trades with other countries? Is Panem the only country left on Earth? If the United States were the only functioning country on Earth, what items would you not be able to purchase anymore? EXTRA CREDIT: Pretend you were born in District 12 and you had to fend for yourself, like Katniss. Now imagine you want to make a living and start a business. What are you going to do? How would you get a loan? Does District 12 have banks? Who would want to buy your things? Can you create things to sell? How do you get those resources? Travel and trade between Districts is forbidden! Explain what your plan would be for a new business and how you would get around those issues. (Would you have to bribe any Peacekeepers?)
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Human Relations*
How do you think Katniss would feel if she had someone to look up to? The only person she looked up to was her father, who is dead. If you could hand Katniss a book about someone to inspire her, what would the book be? Would it be fiction? A biography of your hero? In a five-paragraph essay, explain the book or person chose and why you think it would be beneficial for Katniss if she could read it. (Remember, the Capitol didn’t allow any kind of ‘revolutionary’ thoughts in Panem! The only heroes that were allowed in Panem were Captiol officials and Hunger Games winners.) EXTRA CREDIT: Write an encouraging letter to Katniss. Share your life experiences and tell her how she can get through this time in her life.

I deserve Teacher of the Year. :smiley:

(And if someone found this via Google, horray! Please use my ideas!)

14

That is great!!!

This would really excite me to do provided I was still in high school, and it really gives the kids a chance to get into the reading and think of it more than a book.

Your ideas are A+!!

edit: Wow…I actually googled “hunger games teaching activities” and found this website Hungergameslessons.com A whole website!