Teacher-Led Activities for JOSIE UNLIMITED
Prologue and Chapters 1 – 4
Pre-reading Activities
1. After reading the prologue, ask the students what the motivation for Donnie’s crime could have been.
2. Have students write a short story using the phrases below. Make sure they read them all first and look up any vocabulary they are not familiar with.
“his intelligence made him an outcast”
“he didn’t fit his dad’s definition of what a son should be”
“a sassy flock of ribbon-haired girls”
“Some, however, became cold and assimilated their personalities to the job.”
“she was so personable, using a tone of voice that brought you into her inner ring of confidence”
“they exchanged all the obligatory pleasantries”
“You’re not in over your head but I hope you understand the situation.”
Have students share their stories with the class. Then they will read the Prologue and chapters 1 – 4. As a final step, have students discuss how their story was similar or different from the chapters read.
Discussion Questions
1. Why does Donnie’s dad become angry with the principal?
2. Why would Josie be interested in Donnie as a friend or otherwise?
3. What seem to be the family dynamics in the Darning household? Who is in charge? Is anyone passive-aggressive?
Connections
1. Do you see any similarities between the Darning household and your own? If not your own, maybe discuss that of a friend’s.
2. Have you ever had any experience with someone who was considered a gypsy? Do you know anyone of Romani decent?
Research Opportunities
1. Watch your local evening news. Discuss instances of sensationalism.
2. Research the history of the Romani people in India, Europe, and America.
3. Interview students and teachers concerning the benefits of sports programs in schools.
4. Interview students about social groups and subgroups in school (for example, cliques, jocks, nerds, Goths, Emos, etc.)
Predictions
1. Do you think that Donnie’s relationship with Kevin will change any?
2. What do you think will come of Mrs. Darning’s drinking?
3. How will Donnie’s relationship with Josie evolve?
4. Do you think Kevin will get in the way of the relationship?
Note: The Discussion, Connection, and Prediction questionscan be used in many ways: 1) as post-reading enrichment as a class; 2) for use in an inner-outer circle discussion (see “General Literature Material”at JosieUnlimited.com); or they can be used as journal entries.