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.

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: 

Call of the Wild

 A famous author that we are getting to know is Jack London. He is considered a very important author of the 19th century. 

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: the number in the name of the century (the 19th century, for example) is always one higher than the number that starts the century's years: the years of the 19th century start with 18. In Swedish: the 19th century= 1800-talet, the 18th century= 1700-talet and so on)

WHO WAS JACK LONDON?

Jack London was a 19th-century American author and journalist, best known for the adventure novels White Fang' and 'The Call of the Wild.'

After working in the Klondike, Jack London returned home and began publishing stories. His novels, including The Call of the Wild, White Fang, and Martin Eden, placed Jack London among the most popular American authors of his time. 

Jack London, was born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California. Jack London found fame and some fortune at the age of 27 with his novel The Call of the Wild (1903), which told the story of a dog that finds its place in the world as a sledge dog in the Yukon. He published more than 50 books over the last 16 years of his life.

For much of the last decade of his life, London faced several health issues. This included kidney disease, which ended up taking his life. He died at his California ranch, which he shared with Kittredge, on November 22, 1916. 

Source: biography.com

The book we will read is named: The Call of the Wild. 

1. Chapter 1 and 2 

Before reading

Group discussion

The book starts in Santa Clara Valley, California. 

* Do you know where that is? In what part of the US is California? USA- Google Maps

* In the book, London writes about the Klondike Gold Rush? Do you know what that is? 

* Buck is a St Bernards - do you know what that breed looks like?

I will read chapters 1 and 2 for you. Let's read the questions below before we start. 

Answer the questions below by taking short notes while I am reading. 

While reading 

Find out the answers to the questions below: 

1. Where did Buck live until he was 4? 

2. Why did Manuel steal Buck from Mr Miller?

3. How did the fat man make Buck obey him? (obey=lyda, göra som någon säger)

4. Buck went by train- where did he go? How far from Santa Clara Valley is he now? 

Week 37 

Monday

Let us look at the vocabulary of chapters 1-3! 

Quizlet 

Which are the characters in the book? 

When you meet different persons and dogs in the book - complete the chart below: 

Character Chart

After reading 

Open Trelson and answer the questions below: 

1. Describe Buck. What kind of dog is he? Do you think dogs have feelings?

2. How do you think Buck felt when he was stolen and beaten? 

2. Why do you think Jack London named chapter two: The Law of Club and Tooth? 

3. Who is Curly and what happened to her? 

4. How was Buck affected by what happened to Curly? 

5. “Perrault knew dogs, and when he looked at Buck he knew that he was one in a thousand.”

- who is Perrault and what does the quote mean? 

6. What is the one thing that Dave and Sol-leks live for? Why do you think they are like this?

7. If you were Buck, which of the other sled dogs would you choose to be your teacher and why? 

8. Think about Spitz as a person. How would he be if he was a person? 

 Can you think of someone that behaves like Spitz? 

/ Sara 

Week 38 

Together we will read chapters 3 and 4. 

Go to Trelson and: 

1. Write a summary of chapter 3 and 4. 
What happened? 
Write at least 15 sentences.
2. After the summary: 

You will find three columns: 

Include something that you liked in Chapters 3 and 4. 

Something that you disliked. Also add if there is anything you don't understand? 

Week 39 

Before we continue reading the last part of the book I would like you to discuss chapters 1-4. 

1. In pairs, look at the text and write down supportive words (stödord) to help you discuss the questions below.

2. Go to Trelson and record your discussion. Say your names before you start talking so I can recognize your voice when listening to you. 

Questions to talk about: 

In Chapters 1-4, Buck changes from being a pet dog to one who has to use his instincts to stay alive in the wild Yukon.

Talk about these questions in small groups (I will choose groups) and record your discussion in Trelson: 

1. How does Buck’s new life change him?
   Think about how his old life in California was different from his new life in the Yukon. What skills does Buck learn to survive?

2. How do Buck’s instincts help him?
   Look at how Buck behaves at the start of the story and how he acts by the end of Chapter 4. What new things does he learn?

3. Can you connect Buck’s experiences to human life?
   Have you ever had to use your instincts to handle a difficult situation? How do people change when they are in new or tough environments?

4.  What did you like about chapters 1-4? What did you dislike? Anything you didn't understand that, perhaps someone in the group can help you understand? 

How to write a book review

Good phrases you need to know before you start writing

Book review- bokrecension

The author of the book - bokens författare

The book takes place in... - boken utspelar sig i

The main-character is / the main- characters are.. - Huvudpersonen/Huvudpersonerna är

The book is about.- boken handlar om ..

The language of the book - bokens språk

The difference between the book and the film is...- skillnaden mellan boken och filmen

I think that/ in my opinion - jag tycker att

If I could re-write the end of the book I would - Om jag kunde skriva om slutet på boken skulle jag...

I like the book/film because. - Jag gillar boken eftersom..

I dislike the book/film because - Jag gillar inte boken eftersom...

I would/ would not recommend this book - jag skulle / skulle inte rekommendera boken..

Questions to guide you while writing

Remember to write a text and do not answer the questions one by one

1.  What  is the name of the book you have read? Who is the author? 

2. Where and when does the story take place?

3. Describe the setting of the book. 

 The setting is where a story takes place, or where the story is located. 

The first part, is the physical location.

The second part is the time. Some stories may not give you a specific time. Sometimes you can guess the time through clues and hints that are in the story.

The final part of the setting is the time period, or the moment in history, that a story takes place.

1.. What was the story about? (give a brief outline of the plot but never reveal the ending!)

2..     What did you think about the title?

3..Who was the main character and what did they do?

4.  Who were the other important characters?

5.    Who was your favourite and why?

6.  Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

7.   Did you like the book - was it professionally written?

8.   Did you have a favourite part of the book?

9.     Do you have a least favourite part of the book?

10.   Would you change anything in the story?

11.   Would you recommend this book to another person? If yes tell us why. If no tell us why.

Here you can see an example of a book review: 

Now Is the Time for Running - book review 

Identity - who do you think you are?

 Well, it is not always easy to know. When I was your age I was in the stable every day and thought that I was going to work with horses when I grew up.  When I was 18 I moved to Ireland and actually worked in a show jumping stable for a few months. 

Do you think I continued working with horses after that? 

The text we are reading today (Awesome 9) is about Olivia and Oliver, who are fraternal twins. Fraternal twins (tvåäggstvillingar)  originate in two different eggs and are usually no more alike than ordinary siblings. Fraternal twins have different DNA, while identical twins share the same DNA. It is often said that twins have a special connection and may understand each other in almost telepathic ways. However, there is no research to prove that this is actually true. 

Do you know any twins? Do they have a special connection? 

1. Together we will read a text about Olivia and Oliver. 

3. While listening to me reading the text, underline words you don't know. 

4. Work in pairs and create a list with three columns: 

5. Now think about three things that characterise you! 

Write those three things in the YOU column. 

6. Turn to your neighbour and compare your lists. Do you have anything in common? 

Week 35

Monday

Last time we read a text about Olivia and Oliver, who were twins. Even though they are twins they have their own identity and personality. 

It is common to think about identity and who you are. 

1. Think about and write down the answers to the questions below. Use Trelson! 

2. Writing just a few sentences per question is perfectly fine as long as you write in English! 
   
   1. What are some characteristics or qualities that you believe define who you are as a person?
   
   
   2. How do your family, cultural background, and upbringing contribute to shaping your sense of identity?
   
   
   3. Can you think of a time when you felt proud? How did that experience relate to your sense of self?
   
   
   4. What are some hobbies, interests, or activities that make you feel most like yourself? How do these activities contribute to your identity?
   
   
   5. How do your friendships and relationships with others influence the way you think about yourself? Are there certain people who bring out different aspects of your identity? Do you act the same if you are with your closest friends, classmates, parents or grandparents? 

3. 
   

4. Friday 
   
   Together in class, we will watch To This Day" ... for the bullied and beautiful, which is a Ted Talk by Shane Koyczan.  While watching, take short notes on key things he says. 

5. - What is his main message?

6. - How has his childhood and what happened to him shaped him into who he is today? 

7. - Have you felt or encountered anything similar as Shane did? When? How did it make you feel?  

8. 
   

Individually - answer the questions below. Just a few sentences to help you remember. 

In pairs - discuss the questions. 

In class - discuss the questions. What did you talk about in your pair? 

1. What do you think of when you hear the word "cyberbullying"?
2. What examples of cyberbullying can you think of?
3. Do you think online bullying is worse or not as bad as physical bullying?
4. Is cyberbullying a problem among your friends?
5. What would you do if you or your friends were cyberbullied?
6. How do you think cyberbullying affects the lives of those bullied?
7. What responsibilities do the websites have in stopping it? 

8. What responsibilities do you and your friends have?  

9. What can you do if you are being attacked on social media? 

Week 36 

Writing 

WHAT WOULD I SAY TO MYSELF WHEN I WAS BEING BULLIED?

We will write in Trelson (I will show you how it works. Bring earphones if you have.)

I want you to write between 250-600 words size 12. 

The sentences below are just examples. You may use them as inspiration. 

Choose between:

1.  Write a letter to Shane in the video. 

- What would you like to tell Shane? 

Ex 

Dear Shane, 

I just watched your Ted Talk and I really felt... 

I hope... 

All the best, 

Sara 

2. Write a letter to yourself "What would I say to myself when I was being bullied?"

Dear Sara, 

You are such a strong individual, even if you don’t feel like you are. Even though your school peers make you feel bad about yourself, you still get up every morning and go to school. That is so brave! 

First of all, I think ... 

I also believe... 

Week 37 

I have read your texts and given you feedback in Trelson.  

In front of you, you have sentences that I have taken from your text. Improve grammar and spelling

1. Individually, try to improve the sentences. There are several things to be fixed. 

2. Turn to your neighbour and compare your sentences. If you need to - re-write your sentences. Decide which one you think is correct. 

3. Together in class we will help each other improve the sentences. 

4. Take a look at your feedback and improve your own text.