The+Dreamer+(Pedersen)

Page created by Jackie Pedersen
Ryan, P. M. (2010). //The dreamer//. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

This is a fictional biography written by Pam Munoz Ryan; it is about an author’s young life. You’ll read of Neftali’s love of words and nature, his father’s overbearing tactics, and the love his siblings and stepmother show in their own ways. This is a beautifully written text that should find its way into many upper elementary classrooms.
 * Summary**:


 * Questions**:

1. Think about Neftali’s life and explain which is sharper in his life: the hatchet or the scythe. (Refer to pages 93-94 in the book)

2. On page 356 Neruda speaks of the “permanent mark of humanity on the inside and outside of all objects”. Choose an object from the story and talk about what it would say to reveal its permanent mark of humanity. What would it have to say about the person who handled it?

3. If you could take only 5 snapshots of Neftali’s life, explain what they would depict and why you chose them.


 * Classroom Activity:**

Go on a nature walk, observing large or small bits of nature. Pick one nature form that you will write about upon returning to class. Back in the classroom log onto and create your own nature personified poem at this site. http://ettcweb.lr.k12.nj.us/forms/natureperosnified.htm

books by Pablo Neruda http://www.bestwebbuys.com/books/author.jsp?No=0&mcid=2045234&Ntt=2045234&Ntk=P_ContribIDs&N=0&Pp=100&isrc=b-authorsearch
 * Interesting Sites**:

Pablo Neruda Information, Facts, Links http://www.enotes.com/authors/pablo-neruda

Quotes from Pablo Neruda http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/4026.Pablo_Neruda

Poems of Pablo Neruda http://www.poemhunter.com/pablo-neruda/