Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda

 Introduction

Becky Albertalli is an American writer known for her young adult books. Before she became an author, she worked as a psychologist, helping young people. Her first book, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, won awards and was made into the movie Love, Simon. Becky writes about LGBTQ+ themes, friendship, and the challenges of being a teenager, and she creates characters that feel real and relatable.

(If you are a teacher and land on this page - I only "collect" questions, films and links here. Of course, the lessons contain many different things and you don't see the "full lesson plan". Feel free to use the questions but plan your own lessons and remember that it's important to tailor your lessons to the specific needs of your class.")

Before reading the book: 

Discussion: 

1. What is our right to privacy on the internet? Is everything we say or do (e.g., comments, posts, and searches) discoverable by others? Should it be?

2. Which social media platforms do you mostly use? 

3. Have you heard of or used Tumblr?

4. What do you need to consider before commenting or posting anything on the internet? 

5. Take a look at the cover of the book! What do you think the book will be about?

Vocab - take a look at the words before we start reading. Do you know the meanings?

https://quizlet.com/se/942657001/simon-vs-the-homo-sapiens-agenda-flash-cards/?i=81stf&x=1jqt

https://docs.google.com/document/d/12Wyg9SRzM_ZI08SiLsEPCWe9t-yF-KwuwgBABGoxJPc/edit?usp=sharing

During reading

Listen to chapters 1-2 together in class: 

https://esl-bits.eu/ESL.English.Learning.Audiobooks/SimonVS/Ch1-2/design.html

Write down words you don't know. We will put the words into the list above. 

After reading

1. How does Simon feel about the possibility of people discovering his secret identity? Provide evidence from the text to support your answer.

2. Who is Blue? 

3. Why does Simon feel the need to keep his emails private, especially those sent to Blue?

4.  “I need the violence of video games and the smell of this basement,” what does this mean in this context? 

Quote

“‘You’re actually going to make me do this,’ I say. ‘Make you? Come on. It’s not like that.’ ‘Well, what’s it like?’ ‘It’s not like anything. I mean, I like this girl. I was just thinking you would want to help me here. Invite me to stuff when she’ll be there. I don’t know.’ ‘And what if I don’t? You’ll put the emails on Facebook? On the fucking Tumblr?’ Jesus. The creeksecrets Tumblr: ground zero for Creekwood High School gossip. The entire school would know within a day. We’re both quiet. ‘I just think we’re in a position to help each other out,’ Martin finally says.” 

(Chapter 1, Pages 4 - 5)

In this passage, Simon is being pressured by Martin to help him, or else Martin threatens to expose Simon’s secret online. 

• How do you think social media and gossip sites, like the "creeksecrets Tumblr," impact Simon’s decisions and behaviour?

•  Do you think social media can add more pressure to situations like this in real life? Why or why not?

Chapter 3 

Listen and read here

Who is Blue? 

Is it a boy or girl - motivate your opinion. 

Quote

“If Blue were a real junior at Creekwood with a locker and a GPA and a Facebook profile, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be telling him anything. I mean, he is a real junior at Creekwood. I know that. But in a way, he lives in my laptop. It’s hard to explain.”

In the quote, Simon says Blue "lives in [his] laptop," which shows his mixed feelings about their connection. 

                     * How does talking to Blue online change the way Simon feels close or distant to him?

                     *Think about how being online helps or stops Simon from sharing things with Blue. 

                     *Do you think this online distance makes their relationship more real or less real? Use examples from the book to explain your answer.

Chapters 4-5 

       

Vocabulary

In pairs take a look at the words chapters 4-5. What do you think they mean? Circle the correct meaning. Vocab chapters 4-5 (Here are the correct meanings: XXX)

In class we will go through the correct meaning. You will also find explanations in easier Swedish

We will listen to chapters 4-5 together. 

Homework for Friday 4th of Oct:

Chapters 6-8

Read chapters 6-8. Write a few sentences about what you: 

Like? Dislike? Do you have any questions? 

If you listen as well it will take about 30 minutes.

Questions chapter 6 -8

Go to Trelson and answer the questions below: 


* Who is Jacques?
How do Blue and Jacques feel differently about Halloween, and what does this show about their personalities?

What do you think Blue means when he says he feels "trapped inside himself"? How does Jacques respond to this?

Why do you think the talk about Reese’s candy turn into a conversation about identity and being scared to open up?

Why is Blue afraid to tell Jacques who he really is? How does this affect their friendship?

How does using jokes help keep Blue and Jacques’ emails fun and friendly?

Why does Simon feel uncomfortable with Gender Bender Day?

What is Simon's reaction to seeing Bram dressed as a cheerleader? Why is this important to him?

How does the argument between Leah and Nick about the football game affect Simon and their friends?

Why does Simon want to go to the football game?

How does Simon feel when Martin talks to him about Abby? Why does this conversation bother Simon?

What is the "Shoreo" that Simon talks about, and how does he describe it?

How do Simon and Blue joke about Oreos and a balanced diet in their emails?

What is Simon's "Oreo diet"? 

Why does Blue avoid deep-fried Oreos, and what past experience does he share?

What did you like and dislike about chapters 6-8? Anything you didn't understand? 

This is a Thilt-A-Whirl: 

      

Questions chapters 10-19 

1. Where does Simon’s email name come from? 

2. To whom does Blue consider coming out first? 

3. Why does Martin get offended at play practice when he overhears Simon and Abby’s conversation? 

4. Why do Martin, Abby, and Simon go to Waffle House? At the end of that excursion, how does Simon feel about Martin?

 5. Why doesn’t Blue come out to his father? 

6. Who does Simon come out to first?

 7. What does everyone wear to play practice over Christmas break?

 8. What do Simon and Blue agree is the “default sexuality”?

 9. How did Blue’s coming out to his mother go? 

10. Why is it harder for Simon to tell Nick/Leah about his sexuality?

Chapters 20-23

The questions below are the same type that normally appear during the national exams. 

Speak English all the time! 

In your groups talk about: 

Having friends who accept you for who you are is important.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think

Keeping secrets from your friends is sometimes necessary.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

People should be free to share their identity in their own time.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Social media and technology make it hard to keep things private.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

It’s important to stand up for your friends when they are bullied.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Apologizing can sometimes make a situation worse.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

People should be more careful about what they say online.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Teenagers need more guidance from adults about handling relationships.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Forgiving someone who has hurt you is difficult but important.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

Talking openly about feelings with friends and family is helpful.

Agree? Disagree? Explain why and give examples. What does your friend think?

The questions below are questions related to understanding the book. 

Talk about these as well. At the end of the lesson, we will discuss the questions in class.

1. What happens after Simon’s private emails are shared with the whole school? How does Simon feel, and how does this affect his relationships with his friends and family?
   
   

2. How do Simon’s friends (Nick, Leah, and Abby) react when they find out he is gay? Describe how each friend reacts and what it shows about their friendship with Simon.
   
   

3. Why did Martin decide to share Simon's emails with everyone? How does Simon feel about what Martin did, and does he forgive him? Why or why not? How does Blue help Simon after his secret is out? How does Simon feel about Blue after the reveal?

Chapters 23-30 

Just read! 

Before reading chapters 31 - end 

Who do you think Blue is? 

Characters to choose from: 

Cal Price 

The friendly and charming theatre student who seems to connect with Simon on several occasions.
Martin Addison
The socially awkward classmate who blackmails Simon, but his behaviour could be a cover for deeper feelings.
Nick Eisner
Simon’s easy-going and fun best friend who shares a love for music and could be hiding a secret
Bram Greenfeld
The quiet and shy soccer player who often stays in the background but seems observant and thoughtful.
Garrett Laughlin
Nick’s teammate and friend, known for his good looks and confident personality, but potentially more complex than he seems.

Final essay

Choose one of the topics below. Write your text in Trelson where you also can find the book. 

Make sure you have; paragraphs, capital letters of names and I, correct verb forms and have checked your spelling.  

Listen to your text before you hand it in. 

Is It Okay to Keep Secrets from Your Friends?

In the book, Simon keeps his sexuality a secret from his friends for a long time. 

Write an argumentative text about whether keeping secrets from your friends is ever okay.

Include:

• Your opinion (e.g., “I think it’s okay to keep secrets in some situations…”).
• Arguments and examples from the book or your own life should support your opinion.
• A counterargument (e.g., why some people think all secrets are bad) and your response to it.

Instructions:

• Write 200–300 words.
• Use linking words like however, on the other hand, and in conclusion.
• Organize your text into paragraphs with a clear introduction, main part, and conclusion.

Write a letter to Blue
Imagine you are Simon, and you want to write a letter to Blue after discovering his real identity. Share your thoughts and feelings about finally meeting him and what you hope for your relationship in the future.

Include:

• How you felt when you learned who Blue was.
• What you appreciate about him and his emails.
• What you hope for the future of your friendship or relationship.

Instructions:

• Start with “Dear Blue” and finish with “Yours, Simon.”
• Write at least 150–250 words.
• Make your letter thoughtful and heartfelt.