Powerpoint presentation on The Circuit

Click on the link below to view a powerpoint presentation we created to give you ideas on how to teach The Circuit in your classroom.

http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dd24s9bc_16hptp9sc8

Discussion Question #1

1. "To make things worse, that afternoon Miss Ehlis gave our class an assignment I was not expecting. 'I am passing out an important part of the Declaration of Independence that I want you to memorize,' she said."

Click here to review the Declaration of Independence. What lines in particular do you believe gave Panchito hope? What lines give you hope as a citizen of the United States of America?

Discussion Question #2

2. Exposing students to different cultural perspectives is a challenging yet highly beneficial aspect to teaching. Click here to enhance your understanding of perspective.

Reread the final pages in The Circuit. How might the ending have been different if the events were recalled in Miss Ehlis' perspective? What about the immigration officer or another classmate's perspective?

Discussion Question #3

3. Tolerance of differences in cultures is a strong theme presented throughout The Circuit. What effect did this have on you as a reader? How can you promote tolerance in young adults?

Discussion Question #4

4. Check out the map of Southern California to visualize the distances the family traveled as they searched for work.

Search for the following locations: Guadalupe, Santa Maria, Corocoran, Tent City, Fresno, and San Joaquin Valley.

Discussion Question #5

5. Responsibility is the active role of morality; Doing what I should do, doing what I say I will do, doing what is best for everybody; especially doing the one thing I should be doing right now. Recall an event from the text involving Panchito that refutes this definition of responsibility.

Discussion Question #6

6. Faith takes on many forms; faith in one's self, faith in one's family, community, future, etc. Identify an event from the story where the family relied on faith.

Discussion Question #7

7. Reflect on the ending of The Circuit. Would it have been better for the family to stay in California or was their life in Mexico happier? Give examples from the book to support your answer.