When I Crossed No-Bob
Choice Activity #1
Newspaper
During the 1800’s towns were developing but were still several miles and days
apart from one another. People often relied on newspapers and word of mouth for the
latest information. However, the information would take days and sometimes weeks
to reach each town.
To help the news reach residents sooner, you and a friend have decided to print
the first newspaper. Each of you will report on one of the major events that are listed
below. Your article must contain a title, be no less than three paragraphs in length,
include a citation from the text that relates to the article, and incluce an illustration
related to the article.
The wedding of Mr. Frank and Ms. Irene
The opening of Mr. Frank Russell’s general store
The burning of the black community’s church
The return of Pappy
Living among the Choctaw Indians
The trial of the KKK
Your newspaper must have an original name and look authentic to the time
period. It must also contain 2-3 additional newspaper features, such as an
advertisement, crossword puzzle, word search, personal ad, advice column, etc. You
may use any template to format your newspaper or use the following link.
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/printing-press-30036.html
When I Crossed No-Bob
Choice Activity #2
Obituary
When a person passes away it is customary for the family or close friend
to write an obituary, or death announcement for the newspaper. Obituaries
usually state specific details about that person’s life. As one of Jess Still’s close
friends, his parents have asked you to write his obituary. Research the
different examples of obituaries, and the specific writing style it has. Then
create a digital obituary using PowerPoint, Prezi, or MovieMaker so those who
can and cannot read will know about his life. You must describe Jess Still’s life
through images and text that contains the following information:
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Full name
Age
City and State of Residence (where he lived when he passed away)
Parents’ names, other family members, and special friends who are still living
Activities
Personality traits and anecdotes
How he died
When the funeral service will take place
What items are currently being placed in his coffin and why (cite directly from the text)
A description and illustration of three additional items you would place in Jess Still’s coffin and
why you selected them.
The slides and/or images should be representative of the time period. You may add
music or voice that reads the text to help set the tone. Grading will be based on:
 Creativity
 Organization of all the required information
 Authenticity
 Originality.
Rest in peace Jess Still
When I Crossed No-Bob
Choice Activity #3
Dead or Alive…
Create a wanted poster for the members of the Klu Klux Klan
(KKK) who burned down the church. In a detailed paragraph,
describe their heinous act by citing the text, and in another paragraph
describe what the sheriff’s office is currently doing to locate the
culprits.
Your wanted poster must look authentic to the time period and
also include a picture/illustration, a reward price for their capture, and
where they are to be delivered.
You may use the following template link below to help you or you can choose
to do another format.
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http://aldenschools.org/webpages/asobol/web.cfm?subpage=722641
Reward
$400 plus 2 acres of land
When I Crossed No-Bob
Choice Activity #4
Editorial
The Civil War era is filled with several different conflicts, such as
the reconstruction in general, the formation of the KKK, resettlement
of the Choctaw, etc. Research one of the historical conflicts of the
time period, and write a minimum of a two paragraph editorial
describing the event that is occurring and your opinion about the
event.
Grading will be based on:
 Authenticity of the event
 Creativity
 Writing of the Editorial
When I Crossed No-Bob
Choice Activity #5
Eye-Witness Account
While making the map for school, Addy and Little Bit
witnessed the KKK terrorizing the black folks of Smith
County. Imagine that you were also a witness at the
scene.
In a 1-page journal entry, describe what you saw, how
you reacted, and the outcome. Be sure to be descriptive
by using imagery and at least one citation from the text.
Grading will be based on:
 Use of Imagery
 Description of reaction & outcome
 Citation
 Mechanics of writing (paragraphing, spelling, etc.)
 Creativity/Originality