Directions: For this assignment, you will be given a choice on how you complete it.
Pick two topics from the topics column, and two assignment choices from the assignment column. In the end,
you have two assignments to do in correlation with watching The Freedom Writers.
For example:
I choose Topic 1 First day of school and Assignment Choice 1 POEM. My product will be a poem in regards to
the first day of school topic. I would need to make sure that my poem had all of the requirements listed under
the assignment choice for a poem.
**Remember to use your sophistication in word choice while completing these assignments**
Freedom Writers Diary Activities
TOPIC
1 – First day of school
The students pass judgment on Ms. Gruwell and the
other students in the class without waiting to get to
know them first. Why do people label one another?
How would you have been labeled if you’d been
sitting in that classroom?
2- Tagging
This writer states, “What goals do I aim for? I don’t
aim, because I don’t have any goals; instead I deal
with what comes.” Think about yourself and your
view of the future. How far do your plans extend?
One day? One year? Five years? Ten? What are
they, and how do you plan to achieve those goals?
3- Learning about Diversity
This student is amazed that people will let others’
differences in appearance and beliefs keep them
separated. Think of a time when someone else let
your appearance or background keep you from being
heard. Explain how you dealt with the situation.
4- The Woman Who Sheltered Anne Frank’s Family
In this entry, the writer tells of a visit from Miep Gies,
who tells the students, “You, my friends, are the true
heroes.” Come up with a definition of the word
“hero” and describe how you or someone you know
fits that definition
5- Grade Accountability
The writer of this entry states: “A truly self-reliant
person finds his weak link and strengthens it.”
Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Think of one of your “weak links.” Plan steps you will
take to strengthen it.
ASSIGNMENT CHOICES
1 – POEM
-Free verse at least 15 lines
-Include at least four different types of poetic devices
-Poetic devices must be underlined
-Poetic devices must be labeled
(Examples-Simile/Personification, etc.)
-Poetic devices must be used correctly
2- SONG LYRICS
-Lyrics follow a pattern or rhyme
-Lyrics are easy to understand
-Some type of chorus is included for repetition
-Student used sophisticated word choice
3- VISUAL DISPLAY
-Details of visual representation support main idea of
diary entry or response to it
-Color and design used when appropriate
-Obvious effort taken
-Complements purpose of diary entry
4- DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH
-Paragraph is 8-10 well-written sentences, including a
topic sentence and concluding sentence.
-Paragraph is well-focused and cohesively centered
around one topic
-Word choice is sophisticated
-Grammar and editing are obvious through the
display of a finished product
5- SIX WORD MEMOIR W/ PARAGRAPH
EXPLANATION
-Memoir is a cohesive unit of 6 words that work
together to define your thinking. (Not just a list of
6- Letter from Miep
Miep Gies inspires this Freedom Writer to write the
story of a friend who was shot and killed. Think of the
people who have affected your life. Write the story
of a person who has had an impact on you and
deserves to live on in writing.
words)
-Word choice is appropriate
-Paragraph explains, in 8-10 well-written sentences,
your opinion and how it relates to this memoir
-6 word memoir makes a connection to the diary
entry topic
7- Freedom Riders
This Freedom Writer found a sense of purpose in
learning about the Freedom Riders, stating, “The
purpose is to make a difference and stand up for a
cause.” Reflect on the world around you. What
causes could use your help? Which do you believe in
strongly? What will you do to help further those
causes?
6- VOKI
Using Voki.com, create a speaking avatar
8- Basketball Playoffs: Teamwork
In this entry, the writer describes how feeling too
much pressure caused her basketball team to lose a
game. Describe a time when you were under so
much pressure that you didn’t do as well as you had
hoped. What techniques have you learned that help
you decrease the pressure in stressful situations.
9. Attention Deficit Disorder
In this entry, the writer talks about life with ADD,
medication, and speaking in front of college
professors that resulted in a standing ovation.
Consider the lengths to which this student had to go
to in order to gain attention and acceptance. Explain
why a person would “act up” to make friends and give
examples of times that you did something you would
not normally have done to gain acceptance from
others.
10. Road Not Taken: Contemplating College
The author of this story was pressured by her parents
to get an education, even though neither of them
finished school. Why do you think education is
important to parents? What benefits do you think you
will gain by graduating from high school and college?
11. Being a Mentor
In this diary, the author has a chance to help other
students by finding out about their lives and listening
to what they have to share. Think about what you
have been through in your life. What experiences and
skills could you use to help a child who needs
someone to look up to?
-The avatar Voki lasts 45-60 seconds
-The avatar discusses a feeling that you have about
the topic
-The Voki covers the issue
-The script does not have any grammatical errors and
conversation is appropriate
Create using this website:
http://www.voki.com/create.php
(You can ask Mrs. Wheeldon for some help, no
matter what team you are on)