To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal 1

Today’s Topic: History and Community

1)What do you know about the history of your town? How hasthe town changed over the years? How has it stayed the same?

2)What are the people in your town like? What do you like about them? What do you not like about them?

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal 2Today’s Topic: Do teachers “get” you?

1)Do you feel like most of your teachers understand who you are as a person. Do they understand what you need to

succeed in school? What factors might prevent teachers from having a better understanding of you?

2) Respond to one of the following:

A. Write about a time where a teacher was especially helpful to you. How did this teacher show that they understood your needs? How did this relationship benefit you academically and personally?

B. Write about a time when a teacher completely misunderstood you. How did this misunderstanding hurt your relationship with the teacher? How did it hurt your performance in the class?

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal 3

Today’s Topic: School Attendance

1) How do you feel about our country’s laws about school attendance? Should students be allowed to drop out of

high school? Should the government require students to come to school at all? Explain your answers.

2) How should society respond to families like the Ewells?Should we force the children to come to school? Should

the government provide food, welfare, or other financial support to the family? Explain.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal 4

1) Describe the parenting style of your parent/ guardian. How do they go about discussing difficult issues with

you? How do they handle discipline issues? Is their parenting style effective? Why or why not?

2) Describe the parenting style you imagine yourself using when you become a parent. How will it be similar to the style your parents use? How will it be different?

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal Entry 5

Today’s Topic: Dealing with Emotions

1)What kinds of things stress you out? What strategies do you use to handle stress? Overall, do you think you are

good and managing stress? Why or why not?

2)What kinds of things trigger a strong emotional responsein you (sadness, anger, etc)? How do you deal with your

emotions? Do you feel a need to hide what you are feeling, or are you comfortable with being visibly upset in front of others? Explain your answers?

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal Entry 6

Today’s Topic: Mayconb vs Plainfield

1)Compare and contrast the town of Maycomb from To Kill a Mockingbird with the town of Plainfield.

Be as specific as possible.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal Entry 7

Today’s Topic: Fairness

1)In what ways is the society you live in unfair? Who in society tends to get preferential treatment? Who does

not? Explain.

2)Describe a time where you witnessed someone beingtreated unfairly. Did the person stand up for himself/

herself, or did they stay silent? Did you say anything on this person’s behalf, or did you stay silent? Explain.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal Entry 8

Today’s Topic: Racism/Ethnic Diversity

1)How big of a problem is racism in this town/ school? Have you ever witnessed any incidents of racial discrimination in this community? If so, explain.

2)Do you think students in Plainfield get enough exposure to ethnic diversity? Are minority groups

sufficiently represented in the school curriculum? Do teachers do enough to educate students on racial issues? Explain.

To Kill a Mockingbird: Journal Entry 9:

Today’s Topic: A “Great” Person?

1)After Mrs. Dubose’s death, Atticus describes her as a “great lady.” What traits do you think make someone a

“great” person? Could someone have some major flaws and still be considered a great person? Explain.

2) Describe someone you know who is a “great” person. What makes this person so great? Explain.