Due Thursday:
- Complete handout below reflecting on the film “A Simple Justice” (pasted in below)
- Bring your copy of Three Cups of Tea
- Get your “Acceptable Use” and “Permission to Leave and Reenter the School Building After Dismissal” forms signed
- Book Talks: Practice if you are giving yours tomorrow!
- If I spoke to you about this, please have your trip cards filled in and return tomorrow!
Eighth Grade Core Name________________
Film: “A Simple Justice”
The Story of Brown v. Board of Education
Directions: On a separate piece of paper, answer the following questions in complete sentences using your most thoughtful and specific writing.
Part I: Tracing the Development of Someone Who Chooses to Participate
The theme for eighth grade Core that runs throughout the curriculum is “Choosing to Participate.” Throughout the year, we’ll be looking at individuals and groups who chose to stand up and make a difference, against the odds and in the face disagreement, danger, and even death. Thurgood Marshall is one of those people who chose to jump in and take on the Supreme Court of the United States of America. He did not, however, know he was going to do this.
Trace Thurgood Marshall’s development in the film from when we first meet him playing craps and being smart-mouthed on the first day of class to the last scene when he is celebrating the victory of Brown v Board of Education and takes the phone call from opposing counsel.
Questions to address as you write about his development:
a. How did he become someone who did what he did?
b. What three things had the most impact on him in the film and how do you think they affected him?
c. How did he deal with obstacles and barriers?
d. How would you describe the man he became by the end, and why would you say so?
e. What can you take away from his journey and apply to yourself or your life?
Part II: React
Record your reaction to the film. You may want to write about the casting, scenery, the plot, and/or the history itself. It may help you to think about what you think was most memorable about the historical facts and/or about the film itself. Be sure to use specifics to explain your thinking.
Part III: Imagine
Choose a scene that you found particularly striking from the film. Imagine that you are one of the characters in it. In writing, record what were you thinking as this character. What interior dialogue were you having? Write down your thoughts, feelings and observations about the events in the scene.