Prereading Task for the Novel “The Dreamer” by Pam Ryan:
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Research the Author: Conduct a brief research on the author, Pam Ryan. Find out about her background, other works she has written, and any awards or recognition she has received. Write a short paragraph summarizing your findings.
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Historical Context: “The Dreamer” is set during the early 20th century, a time of political and social changes. Research the historical context of this period, focusing on events such as World War I, the Mexican Revolution, and the Great Depression. Write a timeline of key events during this time period.
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Pablo Neruda: The protagonist of “The Dreamer” is inspired by the famous Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda. Research Pablo Neruda’s life and works, paying attention to his writing style and themes. Select one of his poems and analyze its meaning and significance.
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Imagery and Symbolism: “The Dreamer” is known for its vivid imagery and symbolism. Find examples of imagery and symbolism in the novel and explain their significance. How do these literary devices enhance the reader’s understanding of the story?
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Journaling: Before reading the novel, write a journal entry reflecting on your own dreams and aspirations. What are your passions and goals? How do you pursue them? How do you think dreams can shape a person’s life? After reading the novel, revisit your journal entry and compare it to the experiences of the protagonist in “The Dreamer.” Has your perspective changed? Why or why not?
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Book Club Discussion Questions: Create a list of discussion questions that could be used in a book club setting to explore the themes and characters in “The Dreamer.” Consider questions about identity, family, dreams, and the power of imagination.
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Book Trailer: Create a book trailer for “The Dreamer” using images, music, and quotes from the novel. The trailer should capture the essence of the story and entice viewers to read the book. Share your book trailer with your classmates or friends and gather their feedback.
Note: It is important to adapt these tasks based on the age and reading level of the students.
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