The Lost Hero
Lessons 6-9
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Begin guided reading of The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Review “Gods in the Lost Hero” pages 555-557 and read Chapters 1-3 (pages 3-40);
Chapters 4-7 (pages 41-94);
Chapters 8-11 (pages 95-144)
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Six- The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Hi Ethan!
I hope you’ve had a great week and you are enjoying The Lost Hero. You started this week’s lesson by voting in the poll. This week our question was:
Poll - Nyssa comments to Leo that when a child of Hephaestus has power over fire, "it usually means something catastrophic is about to happen. And we don't need more catastrophes" (81). Leo decides not to mention his peculiar abilities. Do you think that he should have told his cabin mates -- that is, do you think that they had a right to know?
Our class was somewhat divided on this question. You felt the cabin mates did not have a right to know and that Leo should be able to keep his powers to himself. Why do think that? After all, fire setting is quite dangerous. Do you think he has control over his abilities? That might make a difference in choosing whether to reveal his “gift” or not.
Blog Assignment:
c. Newspaper Article: Pretend you are a reporter for USA Today and write a 150-300+ word newspaper article about the mysterious incident at Grand Canyon involving the students and teachers of the Wilderness School. Be sure to include a headline and answer the journalist’s questions of who, what, where, when, and how. How will you describe the Wilderness School in your article?
Student Response:
USA Today
Freak Accident Grand Canyon!
A disturbing accident has happened in the Grand Canyon involving students and teachers at the Wilderness School, Nevada. The main problem is that the wilderness school field trip came back without their teacher and with four less students!
Witnesses of the accident state that everything was on track until a storm cloud covered the area, and while they were going inside the doors suddenly shut and locked four students and their teacher outside the museum! All of the witnesses had some different variation of what happened next. Some witnesses say that one of the children turned into a big bird and flew away with the teacher, others say a child pulled out a jet pack and launched another child over the side, and even more say that a big helicopter came and grabbed three of the students while another student grabbed the teacher and flew away!
With the authorities befuddled at where the mysterious incident went after that, and with no proof backing any of the theory's up, we may not be able to find the victims at all. Despite the odds, the county police and other organizations are still going to launch a search and rescue program over the near area to see if they can find the victims of the so called Canyon Incident.
Teacher Feedback:
This is a very professional report for such a strange incident! You’ve chosen your words and vocabulary carefully to project that tone. Phrases such as “disturbing accident”, “authorities befuddled”, “despite the odds”, and “launch a search and rescue” sound like the words we hear on the news every evening. I also like that you’ve even given the entire situation a name, the “Canyon Incident.” It seems the 24 hour news networks must give every event it’s own title with accompanying theme music and graphics. You’ve captured all of that in this report! Well done, Ethan!
Discussion Questions:
c. Leo's question. In Chapter 5, Leo asks, “The flaming hammer over my head, good thing or bad thing?” (67). Why do you think it took Will some time to decide how to answer? What is the "problem" mentioned in Chapters 5 and 6? Based on what you know about Leo so far, do you think that his cabin's problem will end up being more of a challenge or a curse for Leo? Why? [Spoiler Alert: Do NOT base your opinion on anything that happens after Chapter 11, page 144, of the book!]
Student Response:
In Chapter five, I think it took Will a few seconds to answer Leo's question because there is no, one answer. It could be good OR bad, depending how you look at it. The problem and curse mentioned in chapters 5 and 6 is that they've got a huge, bronze, fire breathing, mechanical, tobacco loving, dragon on the loose, and that anything they make goes haywire ( like the mosquito shooter in chapter 6 ). My inference is that the curse will end up being a challenge for two reasons. My first reason is that authors generally don't make a challenge if they don't have anybody solving it, and my second reason is that at the end of chapter six it shows Leo having "Curls of red hot fire dancing across his palms", which shows that (1), he is immune to fire, and (2), that he can control fire.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, you amazing student, you! You make a clear claim at the beginning of your answer: “I think it took Will a few seconds to answer Leo's question because there is no, one answer. It could be good OR bad, depending how you look at it.” Then, you’ve backed that claim up with supporting details AND you’ve referenced the text. Next, you use your powers of inference and explain your thinking! What else can I ask for? You nailed it!
Okay, there is one itty, bitty thing I can ask for : ) Remember to put the page number at the end of your quote, like this:
“curls of red hot fire dancing across his palms” (135).
(I don’t have the book in front of me to know if this is actually on page 135, but you get the point!)
f. What about Tia Callida? What do you think of the character of Leo’s babysitter, Tia Callida? Do you think she served any positive purpose in Leo’s childhood? Do you think she knew who he was from the beginning? How do you know? What do you think of Tia Callida's telling a five-year-old Leo that " You'll find your destiny, and your hard journey will finally make sense. But first you must face many sorrows... heroes cannot be shaped any other way" (137)? If this is true, do you think anybody would choose to be a hero? Do you think this statement means that Tia Callida is responsible for Leo's mother's death? Do you predict that Tia Callida will be a supporting character or an antagonist in Leo's life? Explain. [Spoiler Alert: Do NOT base your opinion on anything that happens after Chapter 11, page 144, of the book!]
Student Response:
Hi Terry, I think you are right with saying that Tia knew that she couldn't hurt him, and also, the fates wouldn't allow it. Two questions I have is did his mom know that Tia is queen of the gods, and why didn't she fire her? Or maybe Leo's mom did know that Hera was the queen of the gods, and that was why she didn't get fired. All in all, Tia's character is pretty unpredictable and complex, and I think she should try to sooth the conflict between her and Leo's mom better.
Teacher Feedback:
Look at all those literary terms popping up in blue! Way to go, Ethan! Your awesomeness continues! One thing I really like about this post is that you’ve included questions. This helps to keep the discussion moving along and invites others to join the conversation. Well done!
Have a great week, Ethan, and I’ll look forward to reading your work! Remember, Lesson Seven is due Sunday, November 15 at midnight your time.
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Continue your guided reading of The Lost Hero, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Chapters 26-28 (pages 279-320);
Chapters 29-33 (pages 321-374);
Chapters 34-38 (pages 375-425)
Feedback for Lesson Seven
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Seven- The Lost Hero
Hi Ethan!
I hope all is going well as you continue to read our final book. This week our poll posed an interesting dilemma:
If you were in Jason's position, would you have chosen at least one person with more experience to help you succeed in this difficult quest?
You and I agreed we would not choose a person with more experience over Piper and Leo. They’ve come this far on the journey as a group; Jason can’t leave his friends behind now. They seem to have been brought together for a reason. It is not wise to interfere with destiny where the gods and goddesses are involved!
Let’s look at your blog for the week:
Blog Assignment:
b. Report: Pretend that you are one of the Cyclops who participated in the events that occurred in the Monocle Motors warehouse, and write a 150-300+ word report to your boss explaining what happened from your perspective.
Student Response:
To: Monocle Motors Headquarters
Boss! Boss! You gotta hear this! So it all started in our shut down place with Ma Gasket, when we heard these three little things fall and one HUGE thing fall through the roof, so we said, "Woohoo our next meal", but then suddenly the large thing went up in a humongous fireball, but we thought, "we'll try to get the little ones anyways". So, we sort of snuck up and waited and watched for them, until one of the dudes went downstairs ( apparently they had landed on the balcony level ) with a puny weapon and we tackled him hard and quick and got all the information out of him before we knocked him out. He had told us there was another person upstairs, so we quickly learnt his tongue and snuck upstairs and scared the life out of the other person, got information out of her and learnt her tongue before gagging her and taking her to the fire where the other dude was. She had said there was a third dude ( probably the other person we had heard ) so we tried to snare him in too, but when he didn't come we thought "okay, she's probably lying", NO ONE could be that quiet, so Ma sent my cyclops brother off to fetch the extra crispy salsa to fry these guys up. But suddenly, a few seconds after he left, this HUMUNGOUS robotic arm swept over and picked me up, and threw me up like a hundred feet and I hit the shackle rafters and, well, you know what happens then. But I wanted to see what happened so my soul stayed, and of course brother cyclops comes in, he gets smashed and then I figured out that there was a third dude and he was a fire boy when he destroyed Ma Gasket too! But here's where it gets weird. I had wandered down to Tartarus to wait to get out, but there was no one there! ( Except for the dead souls getting punished there, of course ) And then I saw the Doors of Death were open! So I just wandered up to Monocle Motors, saw that those human nimrods were still there, and started to reform to get them but I wasn't quick enough, and they escaped. But still, that was the weirdest thing in my life!
Iris Message me back if you have any info on the topic, see you later.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, this is a very entertaining story! It is exciting, and there are also bits of humor. From the beginning, your story has action in nearly every sentence. You use vocabulary and imagery to create a strong picture in the reader’s mind. I especially like the way you describe how the Cyclops “learnt [Jason and Piper’s] tongue”. This reminds the reader how the Cyclops trick the teens in the first place. In addition, you’ve taken the reader along with the Cyclop’s spirit when he dies. This detail links back to the bigger story as the Cyclops “wandered down to Tartarus to wait to get out, but there was no one there!” I laughed when you wrote: “But here’s where it gets weird.” I’d say the story was pretty weird (in a good way) from the beginning! Good work on the blog!
Discussion Questions:
b. Festus and the Toolbelt. Besides his "special" power, Leo contributes two essential elements to the quest: Festus and the toolbelt. Jason points out in Chapter 16 that “Festus” means happy in Latin, and asks Leo if they are expected to ride off to save the world on a dragon named “Happy.” Why do you think Leo named him “Festus”? Do you think the name is appropriate? Can you think of a better name for the metal dragon that will help save the world? Does Festus seem to like his name? How can you tell? If you had a magic tool belt to help you travel great distances and defeat enemies, what would it contain?
Student Response:
Hi Ellen!
Although I agree with you that the dragon made Leo happy, I don't think he called Festus Festus because of that. I think that because when Jason explained that Festus actually meant happy in Latin, Leo seemed pretty surprised, and I don't think that the schools he's been going to teach Latin. I think that Leo called Festus Festus, because when he was on the tour, he mistook Hephaestus for Festus.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, thank you for continuing the discussion with Ellen. You’ve agreed with her on one point, but differed on another. You do so respectfully and you explain your point of view. Good job!
e. Leo and the dragon. Leo seems quite adept at building things and tinkering with things, especially metal. How do his skills help him in dealing with the dragon and taming this creature? After inspecting and cleaning all the dragon's brain parts in Chapter 23, do you think that Leo should continue to risk his life (and the life of his two friends) by flying on the dragon? Do you think that Leo should warn his friends about the charred control disk? Can you think of any alternative mode of transportation available? [Spoiler Alert: Do NOT base your opinion on anything that happens after Chapter 25, page 278 of the book!]
Student Response:
I think Leo's skill helps him relate to the dragon by knowing what machines do from time to time. I also think of it like he's speaking the "machine dialect", where instead of words theirs actions, movements, and sounds. After looking at the dragon, I think that he should be able to keep flying, AFTER he explores the whole body for malfunctions, because, as he says in chapter 23, the wiring had frozen over, "Where it should've been to hot for ice form". (250) I don't think he should tell his companions about the charred disk, because there isn't another form of transportation.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, look at you using evidence from the text! Good work! I agree with you that Leo is a natural at “machine dialect” as he is able to understand the intricate “actions, movements and sounds” the dragon creates. Festus is much more than just a machine to Leo. Without a family, Leo seems to project his loneliness onto the machine. Leo’s struggle over whether to tell Piper and Jason about the disk is an example of an internal conflict. An internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with his own emotions or actions within himself. When the kids must fight off monsters, they are experiencing external conflicts. Once you understand these terms, you’ll find examples of them everywhere! See if you can identify one or two conflicts in the discussions for next week.
We have one more lesson that follows the format of the previous lessons. When we reach Lessons 9 and 10, the lesson format will be a little different. In Lesson 9, for example, there will be four discussion posts, but no blog. In Lesson 10, there will be a blog and the Quest but no discussion postings. Don’t worry! I’ll provide plenty of instructions when we reach those lessons. In the meantime, keep preparing for the Quest by studying the literary terms and playing the games to help prepare.
Have a great week! Keep up the good work!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom
1. Continue your guided reading of The Lost Hero, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Chapters 26-28 (pages 279-320);
Chapters 29-33 (pages 321-374);
Chapters 34-38 (pages 375-425)
Feedback for Lesson Eight
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Eight- The Lost Hero
Happy Thanksgiving, Ethan!
Our class is drawing to a close! It went so quickly! I hope you’ve continued to enjoy The Lost Hero. It is hard to put down!
This week, in our poll, you responded to this statement and question:
Poll - In Chapter 26, Jason ruminates how if you asked most kids if they would want to be able to summon fire or lightning or magical makeup, they'd think it sounded pretty cool. "But those powers went along with hard stuff, like sitting in a sewer in the middle of winter, running from monsters, losing your memory, watching your friends almost get cooked, and having dreams that warned you of your own death" (288). All things considered, weighing the advantages against the disadvantages, if given the choice, would you want to be a demigod?
You responded, “Yes! Of course!” I admire your courage, energy and enthusiasm. The world could use some demigods like you!
Now, let’s look at your blog:
Blog Assignment:
b. Letter: Pretend you are Hera and write a 150-300+ word letter to Zeus discussing the wisdom of his response so far to the current crisis, your feelings about Jason and the rest of Zeus's children, and to what extent you believe Zeus is at fault for your current predicament. What do you want Zeus to know, and how do you think he should help you now?
Student Response:
Dear Zeus,
I am very disappointed in your choice of what to do with the current crises. First of all, you close Olympus "So the giants will go to sleep." Yeah right. Okay, MAYBE that will happen, but what if it doesn't, the Giants will just come up to Olympus like they did last time, but we won't have any demigod help (even if you don't want it ). Any backup plan in your brain at the moment, or is poor old Metis doing all the work? Besides, if you don't do anything, the demigods will do ALL of what needs to be done, AGAIN, and I know you don't want that to happen. So now that you hear what needs to be done, we (or more you, since I'm stuck in jail,) have to decide what to do. I also think you should help poor young Jason through these times of change and fighting, or does your "Olympus Closed" rule close out even that? Even the other Gods are getting tired of your own rule! Sadly, you can not talk back to me since you don't know where I am, and my keepers do not permit me to tell you, but remember this message, and keep it with you when you don't know what to do, and if I come back and you still haven't changed one bit, you're in some seriously hot water.
Teacher Feedback:
Hera is putting Zeus on notice! She is tired of his games and she wants action. As she points out, she is “stuck in jail.” It is up to Zeus to do “what needs to be done.” Do you think this letter will motivate Zeus to action? Zeus is an example of a static character. That is, he doesn’t really change despite all that happens to him. He’d better find his inner dynamic character, or he is in “seriously hot water” when Hera comes back! Good work on the blog, Ethan!
Discussion Questions:
a. Special gifts. In Chapter 26, Leo tells Jason that the campers in the Hephaestus cabin don’t see his fire powers as cool. In fact, according to Nyssa, whenever someone comes along with fire powers, really bad things happen. Jason counters that thought with the statement, “Maybe it's the other way around...Maybe people with special gifts show up when bad things are happening because that’s when they’re needed most” (287). Do you think that Leo is comforted by Jason's statement? Do you think it is true? In real life, do you think people with unusual skills or powers bring bad luck, or do you think people with such powers come to our attention when they are most needed?
Student Response:
Emma, I agree with you that fire powers usually happen when something bad is about to happen, but that does not appear to be the theme with the last person who had fire power. The last person who had fire powers, as said in the book, started a HUGE fire that destroyed a ton of stuff, and I don't see any good coming out of that usage of fire power. Even though I say that, I think that fire powers aren't good or bad, they are just unpredictable and need to be handled correctly.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, I like the way you’ve continued this discussion with Emma. On the one hand, you agree with her “that fire powers usually happen when something bad is about to happen.” Yet, you point out the differences between Leo’s fire power and the power of a previous camper, an important distinction. Do you also think that intention and motivation are important in deciding if this power is good or not? For example, if Leo uses his powers to defend and protect his friends, that is far different than starting “a HUGE fire that destroyed a ton of stuff.” I don’t see Leo ever using his powers for the pure sake of destruction.
d. Is it better to be mortal? In Chapter 28, Medea asserts that mortals are better than giants and monsters because mortals learn from their mistakes. Then, in Chapter 29, Leo learns from his father that Percy Jackson had refused the gods' offer to make him immortal, which the gods interpreted as Jackson's thinking that being a mortal is "somehow better than being a god" (330). Ignoring whatever Percy Jackson's own reasons had been for refusing immortality, what arguments can you make on behalf of the proposition that being a human is better than being a giant or god? What advantages and disadvantages do you see to being a mortal human?
Student Response:
I think Medea was right in saying humans learn more from their mistakes. If you are a human, you want to do everything right and learn from your mistakes or else a fatal mistake could kill you. On the other hand, if you are a god you won't die from fatal mistakes, which makes you care less about everything that's going on around you. I still think I would LOVE to be a god, (if I could deal with having all those complex multiple personalities).
Teacher Feedback:
You make an excellent point that humans “want to do everything right and learn from [their] mistakes or else a fatal mistake could kill [them].” I agree with your observation that the gods are not so concerned because they won’t die. Hera would agree that Zeus never changes! Perhaps mortals understand they have limited time and must use that time wisely. Our attitudes would be far more careless and self-centered if we had eternity to live, don’t you think?
Remember, there is no blog for Lesson Nine, but you have to read the instructions for the two different forums extra carefully! You will make a total of four discussion posts in Lesson Nine. Two of the posts will be about the last reading assignment in the book. Just like every other lesson, you will make one posting of your own and then respond to a classmate. The other two posts will be discussion postings on a summary discussion of all three books. You will write your own responses to two of those questions. The instructions in the classroom will help you to be sure you’ve made all your posts. Lesson Nine is due on Sunday, November 29 at midnight your time.
For Lesson Ten, you will vote in the poll, post one last blog and take the Quest on the literary terms. Be sure that you are studying those terms to prepare. There is a study guide and games in the classroom to help you. Please remember, you must finish the Quest in one sitting so you’ll want to plan to schedule an hour of uninterrupted time to complete that task. The Quest will be turned on for you to access on Monday, November 30, 2015. All of Lesson Ten, including the Quest, must be completed by Sunday, December 6 at midnight your time.
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Finish your guided reading of The Lost Hero , preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Chapters 39-44 (pages 426-469);
Chapters 45-50 (pages 470-512);
Chapters 51-56 (pages 513-553)
Feedback for Lesson Nine
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Nine- The Lost Hero
Hi Ethan!
You are almost done with the class! By the time you read this, you may have already completed the final poll, blog and quest. This week’s lesson was a little different than our previous ones, but as always, we started with a poll. This week, you were asked:
Were you sufficiently satisfied with the ending of The Lost Hero that you can't wait to read the sequel?
You indicated that you loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel. Your classmates overwhelmingly agreed with you. Rick Riordan is a prolific writer. I hope you’ll have the chance to read his other books as well.
First, we’ll look at your discussion postings for Lesson Nine:
Discussion Forum:
e. Lessons learned. In Chapter 45, as the three flee from the top of Mount Diablo with Piper’s father, Piper uses charmspeak to convince the pilot to take them to the airport, and again to lie about her father. While Jason is impressed, Piper feels miserable about manipulating people. Do you think she has learned any important lessons over the course of the book? Explain. What about the other characters… What lessons do you think that Leo has learned? What about Jason?
Student Response:
I agree Ian, they've all learned really important things about themselves. Demigods have a hard time controlling themselves, with ADHD and superpowers. Demigods have to learn how to control themselves, or else, as you said, "If every time he got mad, lightning started flying, innocent mortals would start dying, just because he had a little temper." Sadly, every demigod sometimes can't control their powers and demigod antagonists are born and things like WW 2 or humongous fires start happening.
Teacher Feedback:
I agree that Jason, and the others, must learn to control and tame their powers. I would say they also learned that to get something done, you have to face all your fears and uncertainties to achieve it. I like the lesson you described for Leo. His power to control fire is a “blessing” and a “curse.” So often, great gifts are both, just as Piper’s Charmspeak can be seen as both. Piper seems to regret her use of Charmspeak because she realizes it is wrong to manipulate people. Piper “didn’t want to twist people’s minds, convince them of things they didn’t believe It felt so bossy, so wrong – like something Drew would do back at camp, or Medea in her evil department store” (471). When characters learn and grow over the course of the book, we call them dynamic characters. Our protagonists were certainly dynamic!
g. A sense of belonging. In Chapter 52, as Piper is looking around the photos and memorabilia in Chiron’s office, why does she suddenly feel like she is part of something bigger than herself? How is this a new feeling for her? What is the significance of Piper's burning the silver calling card Thalia had given to her? What is the rite of passage that she plans to end in the Aphrodite cabin? Leo, too, begins to feel a sense of belonging. After spending his life on the run, why is this feeling of belonging so important to him? Jason also expresses the feeling that he no longer feels alone, but appears more frightened than inspired by his destiny. He is not a coward, so why is he so afraid? Explain why his reaction is so different from those of Piper and Leo.
Student Response:
I think that the feeling of belonging is a new feeling for Piper because she didn't really have anytime to be with anybody, including her dad, and when she did, it was rushed. I think that Piper burned Thalia's calling card because if she joined the Hunters of Artemis she would have to ditch Jason since you can't date. And Piper couldn't end the "rite of passage" (which is breaking someone's heart) going on in the Aphrodite cabin if she joined The Hunters of Artemis.
Leo's sense of belonging is really important to him because he finally can settle in one place. Leo's internal conflicts didn't really allow him to settle down before he came to camp. But complete with friends, mechanical dragon heads, and people he can tell jokes to, I don't think he'll ever run away from Camp Half-Blood.
Jason's reaction is really different from Leo's or Piper's because he has a lot more to take on. I think Jason is less surprised by the fact that he has to take on the job of captain because he's always had memory's of being Praetor for another camp. Jason is afraid that he has to take on the job alone (unless Percy come's back) because he doesn't know if he'll be able to do the job.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, this is a very comprehensive and thoughtful response. You’ve even worked in the term internal conflict! Well done! I like the way you’ve taken time to discuss the theme of belonging as it relates to each of our three protagonists. I think I was happiest for Leo, because as you point out, “he can finally settle in one place” I felt so sorry for Leo throughout the entire book! You also reflect on the ways Piper has found a sense of belonging. “I think that the feeling of belonging is a new feeling for Piper because she didn't really have anytime to be with anybody, including her dad, and when she did, it was rushed.” When a character changes over the course of the novel, she is called a dynamic character. Clearly, Piper and Leo have grown and matured during these adventures. For Leo and Piper, their futures seem brighter. As you point out, however, Jason “has a lot more to take on.” Additionally, Jason must feel very lost without a clear set of memories to anchor him. It would be hard to change if you didn’t really know where you had started. Great job on this discussion!
You also replied to two Summary Discussion Questions:
Summary Discussion Questions:
c. Do you prefer the original or the revisited? Examine how the original stories of Greek mythology were handled in the three books we read. Which author do you think handled the myths the best? Give your reasons for your opinion. Do you like the original myths or the more modernized versions that some of the books dealt with? Do you think the authors remained true to the original myth in their interpretations?
Student Response:
I think that the Greek myths were handled pretty well in the books, but some better than others. For instance, in The Shadow Thieves, Anne didn't explain how Hades had already killed monsters, (Gorgons and such), or how scientific measures are wrong. On the other hand, D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths couldn't go wrong, since it was only recounting the myths. The Lost Hero handled the myths really well, since it explained why mortals couldn't see gods, monsters, or demigods, and it taught me about different myths, one being about the armies of giants. I prefer the modernized version of the myths to the original myths, because they were a fun story, AND taught you about the myths. All in all, I really liked the three books we read.
Teacher Feedback:
In this response, you’ve compared and contrasted the way in which each of the three authors handled the Greek myths. D’Aulaires’ book was the most direct as it “recount[ed] the myths” in a very traditional manner. I agree that The Lost Hero included better explanations to help the reader transition from the traditional to the modern version. As you explain Riordan “taught you about the myths,” while also weaving his own story. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed all three versions!
e. Compare and contrast Hera. As Hera is presented by the authors in D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths and The Lost Hero, does it seem that the authors in both books are talking about the same character? Or are the two Heras totally different? Can you see any advantage to an author in writing about characters and events that others have written about for more than two thousand years? Or do you think it would be better if authors stuck to creating new characters?
Student Response:
I think that the Hera in D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths shares some characteristics with The Lost Hero Hera, but not all characteristics. Hera in The Lost Hero is vain, gets angry quickly, and thinks highly of herself. The D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths Hera is also vain, also thinks highly of herself, but does a good deal of stuff to keep the gods together, and like's helping regular mortal heroes.
If you are an author writing about a person that has been written about for thousands of years, you have the advantage of everyone knowing about the character, which is nice since you don't have to bring out the character's traits over time, everyone already knows him/her. I still think it is better if you create new characters instead of sticking exactly to the old ones, because then you can come up with unknown characters and have them be traitors or secret friends (like Snape in Harry Potter).
Teacher Feedback:
This discussion post provides evidence of your ability to read and think critically by comparing and contrasting two presentations of Hera by different authors. You’ve pointed out the similarities and differences in an effective way. There are certainly many, many versions of Hera to which Rick Riordan could have referred when writing his book. It would be interesting to talk to him to find out what parts of her character he took from previous writings and which parts he gave her as part of his modern treatment of her. I suppose this is a problem that writers must face when they need to include a historical, or mythical, figure in their book - how to represent that person while making them “fit” the story you are writing.
You only have one lesson left, Ethan. For Lesson 10, you will vote in the final poll, post one last blog and take the final Quest. For the quest, remember you must do the test in one sitting. You have an hour, so be sure to start the quest when you have plenty of time to do your best!
Have a great week!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
Lessons 6-9
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Begin guided reading of The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Review “Gods in the Lost Hero” pages 555-557 and read Chapters 1-3 (pages 3-40);
Chapters 4-7 (pages 41-94);
Chapters 8-11 (pages 95-144)
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Six- The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Hi Ethan!
I hope you’ve had a great week and you are enjoying The Lost Hero. You started this week’s lesson by voting in the poll. This week our question was:
Poll - Nyssa comments to Leo that when a child of Hephaestus has power over fire, "it usually means something catastrophic is about to happen. And we don't need more catastrophes" (81). Leo decides not to mention his peculiar abilities. Do you think that he should have told his cabin mates -- that is, do you think that they had a right to know?
Our class was somewhat divided on this question. You felt the cabin mates did not have a right to know and that Leo should be able to keep his powers to himself. Why do think that? After all, fire setting is quite dangerous. Do you think he has control over his abilities? That might make a difference in choosing whether to reveal his “gift” or not.
Blog Assignment:
c. Newspaper Article: Pretend you are a reporter for USA Today and write a 150-300+ word newspaper article about the mysterious incident at Grand Canyon involving the students and teachers of the Wilderness School. Be sure to include a headline and answer the journalist’s questions of who, what, where, when, and how. How will you describe the Wilderness School in your article?
Student Response:
USA Today
Freak Accident Grand Canyon!
A disturbing accident has happened in the Grand Canyon involving students and teachers at the Wilderness School, Nevada. The main problem is that the wilderness school field trip came back without their teacher and with four less students!
Witnesses of the accident state that everything was on track until a storm cloud covered the area, and while they were going inside the doors suddenly shut and locked four students and their teacher outside the museum! All of the witnesses had some different variation of what happened next. Some witnesses say that one of the children turned into a big bird and flew away with the teacher, others say a child pulled out a jet pack and launched another child over the side, and even more say that a big helicopter came and grabbed three of the students while another student grabbed the teacher and flew away!
With the authorities befuddled at where the mysterious incident went after that, and with no proof backing any of the theory's up, we may not be able to find the victims at all. Despite the odds, the county police and other organizations are still going to launch a search and rescue program over the near area to see if they can find the victims of the so called Canyon Incident.
Teacher Feedback:
This is a very professional report for such a strange incident! You’ve chosen your words and vocabulary carefully to project that tone. Phrases such as “disturbing accident”, “authorities befuddled”, “despite the odds”, and “launch a search and rescue” sound like the words we hear on the news every evening. I also like that you’ve even given the entire situation a name, the “Canyon Incident.” It seems the 24 hour news networks must give every event it’s own title with accompanying theme music and graphics. You’ve captured all of that in this report! Well done, Ethan!
Discussion Questions:
c. Leo's question. In Chapter 5, Leo asks, “The flaming hammer over my head, good thing or bad thing?” (67). Why do you think it took Will some time to decide how to answer? What is the "problem" mentioned in Chapters 5 and 6? Based on what you know about Leo so far, do you think that his cabin's problem will end up being more of a challenge or a curse for Leo? Why? [Spoiler Alert: Do NOT base your opinion on anything that happens after Chapter 11, page 144, of the book!]
Student Response:
In Chapter five, I think it took Will a few seconds to answer Leo's question because there is no, one answer. It could be good OR bad, depending how you look at it. The problem and curse mentioned in chapters 5 and 6 is that they've got a huge, bronze, fire breathing, mechanical, tobacco loving, dragon on the loose, and that anything they make goes haywire ( like the mosquito shooter in chapter 6 ). My inference is that the curse will end up being a challenge for two reasons. My first reason is that authors generally don't make a challenge if they don't have anybody solving it, and my second reason is that at the end of chapter six it shows Leo having "Curls of red hot fire dancing across his palms", which shows that (1), he is immune to fire, and (2), that he can control fire.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, you amazing student, you! You make a clear claim at the beginning of your answer: “I think it took Will a few seconds to answer Leo's question because there is no, one answer. It could be good OR bad, depending how you look at it.” Then, you’ve backed that claim up with supporting details AND you’ve referenced the text. Next, you use your powers of inference and explain your thinking! What else can I ask for? You nailed it!
Okay, there is one itty, bitty thing I can ask for : ) Remember to put the page number at the end of your quote, like this:
“curls of red hot fire dancing across his palms” (135).
(I don’t have the book in front of me to know if this is actually on page 135, but you get the point!)
f. What about Tia Callida? What do you think of the character of Leo’s babysitter, Tia Callida? Do you think she served any positive purpose in Leo’s childhood? Do you think she knew who he was from the beginning? How do you know? What do you think of Tia Callida's telling a five-year-old Leo that " You'll find your destiny, and your hard journey will finally make sense. But first you must face many sorrows... heroes cannot be shaped any other way" (137)? If this is true, do you think anybody would choose to be a hero? Do you think this statement means that Tia Callida is responsible for Leo's mother's death? Do you predict that Tia Callida will be a supporting character or an antagonist in Leo's life? Explain. [Spoiler Alert: Do NOT base your opinion on anything that happens after Chapter 11, page 144, of the book!]
Student Response:
Hi Terry, I think you are right with saying that Tia knew that she couldn't hurt him, and also, the fates wouldn't allow it. Two questions I have is did his mom know that Tia is queen of the gods, and why didn't she fire her? Or maybe Leo's mom did know that Hera was the queen of the gods, and that was why she didn't get fired. All in all, Tia's character is pretty unpredictable and complex, and I think she should try to sooth the conflict between her and Leo's mom better.
Teacher Feedback:
Look at all those literary terms popping up in blue! Way to go, Ethan! Your awesomeness continues! One thing I really like about this post is that you’ve included questions. This helps to keep the discussion moving along and invites others to join the conversation. Well done!
Have a great week, Ethan, and I’ll look forward to reading your work! Remember, Lesson Seven is due Sunday, November 15 at midnight your time.
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Continue your guided reading of The Lost Hero, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Chapters 26-28 (pages 279-320);
Chapters 29-33 (pages 321-374);
Chapters 34-38 (pages 375-425)
Feedback for Lesson Seven
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Seven- The Lost Hero
Hi Ethan!
I hope all is going well as you continue to read our final book. This week our poll posed an interesting dilemma:
If you were in Jason's position, would you have chosen at least one person with more experience to help you succeed in this difficult quest?
You and I agreed we would not choose a person with more experience over Piper and Leo. They’ve come this far on the journey as a group; Jason can’t leave his friends behind now. They seem to have been brought together for a reason. It is not wise to interfere with destiny where the gods and goddesses are involved!
Let’s look at your blog for the week:
Blog Assignment:
b. Report: Pretend that you are one of the Cyclops who participated in the events that occurred in the Monocle Motors warehouse, and write a 150-300+ word report to your boss explaining what happened from your perspective.
Student Response:
To: Monocle Motors Headquarters
Boss! Boss! You gotta hear this! So it all started in our shut down place with Ma Gasket, when we heard these three little things fall and one HUGE thing fall through the roof, so we said, "Woohoo our next meal", but then suddenly the large thing went up in a humongous fireball, but we thought, "we'll try to get the little ones anyways". So, we sort of snuck up and waited and watched for them, until one of the dudes went downstairs ( apparently they had landed on the balcony level ) with a puny weapon and we tackled him hard and quick and got all the information out of him before we knocked him out. He had told us there was another person upstairs, so we quickly learnt his tongue and snuck upstairs and scared the life out of the other person, got information out of her and learnt her tongue before gagging her and taking her to the fire where the other dude was. She had said there was a third dude ( probably the other person we had heard ) so we tried to snare him in too, but when he didn't come we thought "okay, she's probably lying", NO ONE could be that quiet, so Ma sent my cyclops brother off to fetch the extra crispy salsa to fry these guys up. But suddenly, a few seconds after he left, this HUMUNGOUS robotic arm swept over and picked me up, and threw me up like a hundred feet and I hit the shackle rafters and, well, you know what happens then. But I wanted to see what happened so my soul stayed, and of course brother cyclops comes in, he gets smashed and then I figured out that there was a third dude and he was a fire boy when he destroyed Ma Gasket too! But here's where it gets weird. I had wandered down to Tartarus to wait to get out, but there was no one there! ( Except for the dead souls getting punished there, of course ) And then I saw the Doors of Death were open! So I just wandered up to Monocle Motors, saw that those human nimrods were still there, and started to reform to get them but I wasn't quick enough, and they escaped. But still, that was the weirdest thing in my life!
Iris Message me back if you have any info on the topic, see you later.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, this is a very entertaining story! It is exciting, and there are also bits of humor. From the beginning, your story has action in nearly every sentence. You use vocabulary and imagery to create a strong picture in the reader’s mind. I especially like the way you describe how the Cyclops “learnt [Jason and Piper’s] tongue”. This reminds the reader how the Cyclops trick the teens in the first place. In addition, you’ve taken the reader along with the Cyclop’s spirit when he dies. This detail links back to the bigger story as the Cyclops “wandered down to Tartarus to wait to get out, but there was no one there!” I laughed when you wrote: “But here’s where it gets weird.” I’d say the story was pretty weird (in a good way) from the beginning! Good work on the blog!
Discussion Questions:
b. Festus and the Toolbelt. Besides his "special" power, Leo contributes two essential elements to the quest: Festus and the toolbelt. Jason points out in Chapter 16 that “Festus” means happy in Latin, and asks Leo if they are expected to ride off to save the world on a dragon named “Happy.” Why do you think Leo named him “Festus”? Do you think the name is appropriate? Can you think of a better name for the metal dragon that will help save the world? Does Festus seem to like his name? How can you tell? If you had a magic tool belt to help you travel great distances and defeat enemies, what would it contain?
Student Response:
Hi Ellen!
Although I agree with you that the dragon made Leo happy, I don't think he called Festus Festus because of that. I think that because when Jason explained that Festus actually meant happy in Latin, Leo seemed pretty surprised, and I don't think that the schools he's been going to teach Latin. I think that Leo called Festus Festus, because when he was on the tour, he mistook Hephaestus for Festus.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, thank you for continuing the discussion with Ellen. You’ve agreed with her on one point, but differed on another. You do so respectfully and you explain your point of view. Good job!
e. Leo and the dragon. Leo seems quite adept at building things and tinkering with things, especially metal. How do his skills help him in dealing with the dragon and taming this creature? After inspecting and cleaning all the dragon's brain parts in Chapter 23, do you think that Leo should continue to risk his life (and the life of his two friends) by flying on the dragon? Do you think that Leo should warn his friends about the charred control disk? Can you think of any alternative mode of transportation available? [Spoiler Alert: Do NOT base your opinion on anything that happens after Chapter 25, page 278 of the book!]
Student Response:
I think Leo's skill helps him relate to the dragon by knowing what machines do from time to time. I also think of it like he's speaking the "machine dialect", where instead of words theirs actions, movements, and sounds. After looking at the dragon, I think that he should be able to keep flying, AFTER he explores the whole body for malfunctions, because, as he says in chapter 23, the wiring had frozen over, "Where it should've been to hot for ice form". (250) I don't think he should tell his companions about the charred disk, because there isn't another form of transportation.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, look at you using evidence from the text! Good work! I agree with you that Leo is a natural at “machine dialect” as he is able to understand the intricate “actions, movements and sounds” the dragon creates. Festus is much more than just a machine to Leo. Without a family, Leo seems to project his loneliness onto the machine. Leo’s struggle over whether to tell Piper and Jason about the disk is an example of an internal conflict. An internal conflict occurs when a character struggles with his own emotions or actions within himself. When the kids must fight off monsters, they are experiencing external conflicts. Once you understand these terms, you’ll find examples of them everywhere! See if you can identify one or two conflicts in the discussions for next week.
We have one more lesson that follows the format of the previous lessons. When we reach Lessons 9 and 10, the lesson format will be a little different. In Lesson 9, for example, there will be four discussion posts, but no blog. In Lesson 10, there will be a blog and the Quest but no discussion postings. Don’t worry! I’ll provide plenty of instructions when we reach those lessons. In the meantime, keep preparing for the Quest by studying the literary terms and playing the games to help prepare.
Have a great week! Keep up the good work!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom
1. Continue your guided reading of The Lost Hero, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Chapters 26-28 (pages 279-320);
Chapters 29-33 (pages 321-374);
Chapters 34-38 (pages 375-425)
Feedback for Lesson Eight
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Eight- The Lost Hero
Happy Thanksgiving, Ethan!
Our class is drawing to a close! It went so quickly! I hope you’ve continued to enjoy The Lost Hero. It is hard to put down!
This week, in our poll, you responded to this statement and question:
Poll - In Chapter 26, Jason ruminates how if you asked most kids if they would want to be able to summon fire or lightning or magical makeup, they'd think it sounded pretty cool. "But those powers went along with hard stuff, like sitting in a sewer in the middle of winter, running from monsters, losing your memory, watching your friends almost get cooked, and having dreams that warned you of your own death" (288). All things considered, weighing the advantages against the disadvantages, if given the choice, would you want to be a demigod?
You responded, “Yes! Of course!” I admire your courage, energy and enthusiasm. The world could use some demigods like you!
Now, let’s look at your blog:
Blog Assignment:
b. Letter: Pretend you are Hera and write a 150-300+ word letter to Zeus discussing the wisdom of his response so far to the current crisis, your feelings about Jason and the rest of Zeus's children, and to what extent you believe Zeus is at fault for your current predicament. What do you want Zeus to know, and how do you think he should help you now?
Student Response:
Dear Zeus,
I am very disappointed in your choice of what to do with the current crises. First of all, you close Olympus "So the giants will go to sleep." Yeah right. Okay, MAYBE that will happen, but what if it doesn't, the Giants will just come up to Olympus like they did last time, but we won't have any demigod help (even if you don't want it ). Any backup plan in your brain at the moment, or is poor old Metis doing all the work? Besides, if you don't do anything, the demigods will do ALL of what needs to be done, AGAIN, and I know you don't want that to happen. So now that you hear what needs to be done, we (or more you, since I'm stuck in jail,) have to decide what to do. I also think you should help poor young Jason through these times of change and fighting, or does your "Olympus Closed" rule close out even that? Even the other Gods are getting tired of your own rule! Sadly, you can not talk back to me since you don't know where I am, and my keepers do not permit me to tell you, but remember this message, and keep it with you when you don't know what to do, and if I come back and you still haven't changed one bit, you're in some seriously hot water.
Teacher Feedback:
Hera is putting Zeus on notice! She is tired of his games and she wants action. As she points out, she is “stuck in jail.” It is up to Zeus to do “what needs to be done.” Do you think this letter will motivate Zeus to action? Zeus is an example of a static character. That is, he doesn’t really change despite all that happens to him. He’d better find his inner dynamic character, or he is in “seriously hot water” when Hera comes back! Good work on the blog, Ethan!
Discussion Questions:
a. Special gifts. In Chapter 26, Leo tells Jason that the campers in the Hephaestus cabin don’t see his fire powers as cool. In fact, according to Nyssa, whenever someone comes along with fire powers, really bad things happen. Jason counters that thought with the statement, “Maybe it's the other way around...Maybe people with special gifts show up when bad things are happening because that’s when they’re needed most” (287). Do you think that Leo is comforted by Jason's statement? Do you think it is true? In real life, do you think people with unusual skills or powers bring bad luck, or do you think people with such powers come to our attention when they are most needed?
Student Response:
Emma, I agree with you that fire powers usually happen when something bad is about to happen, but that does not appear to be the theme with the last person who had fire power. The last person who had fire powers, as said in the book, started a HUGE fire that destroyed a ton of stuff, and I don't see any good coming out of that usage of fire power. Even though I say that, I think that fire powers aren't good or bad, they are just unpredictable and need to be handled correctly.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, I like the way you’ve continued this discussion with Emma. On the one hand, you agree with her “that fire powers usually happen when something bad is about to happen.” Yet, you point out the differences between Leo’s fire power and the power of a previous camper, an important distinction. Do you also think that intention and motivation are important in deciding if this power is good or not? For example, if Leo uses his powers to defend and protect his friends, that is far different than starting “a HUGE fire that destroyed a ton of stuff.” I don’t see Leo ever using his powers for the pure sake of destruction.
d. Is it better to be mortal? In Chapter 28, Medea asserts that mortals are better than giants and monsters because mortals learn from their mistakes. Then, in Chapter 29, Leo learns from his father that Percy Jackson had refused the gods' offer to make him immortal, which the gods interpreted as Jackson's thinking that being a mortal is "somehow better than being a god" (330). Ignoring whatever Percy Jackson's own reasons had been for refusing immortality, what arguments can you make on behalf of the proposition that being a human is better than being a giant or god? What advantages and disadvantages do you see to being a mortal human?
Student Response:
I think Medea was right in saying humans learn more from their mistakes. If you are a human, you want to do everything right and learn from your mistakes or else a fatal mistake could kill you. On the other hand, if you are a god you won't die from fatal mistakes, which makes you care less about everything that's going on around you. I still think I would LOVE to be a god, (if I could deal with having all those complex multiple personalities).
Teacher Feedback:
You make an excellent point that humans “want to do everything right and learn from [their] mistakes or else a fatal mistake could kill [them].” I agree with your observation that the gods are not so concerned because they won’t die. Hera would agree that Zeus never changes! Perhaps mortals understand they have limited time and must use that time wisely. Our attitudes would be far more careless and self-centered if we had eternity to live, don’t you think?
Remember, there is no blog for Lesson Nine, but you have to read the instructions for the two different forums extra carefully! You will make a total of four discussion posts in Lesson Nine. Two of the posts will be about the last reading assignment in the book. Just like every other lesson, you will make one posting of your own and then respond to a classmate. The other two posts will be discussion postings on a summary discussion of all three books. You will write your own responses to two of those questions. The instructions in the classroom will help you to be sure you’ve made all your posts. Lesson Nine is due on Sunday, November 29 at midnight your time.
For Lesson Ten, you will vote in the poll, post one last blog and take the Quest on the literary terms. Be sure that you are studying those terms to prepare. There is a study guide and games in the classroom to help you. Please remember, you must finish the Quest in one sitting so you’ll want to plan to schedule an hour of uninterrupted time to complete that task. The Quest will be turned on for you to access on Monday, November 30, 2015. All of Lesson Ten, including the Quest, must be completed by Sunday, December 6 at midnight your time.
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Finish your guided reading of The Lost Hero , preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Chapters 39-44 (pages 426-469);
Chapters 45-50 (pages 470-512);
Chapters 51-56 (pages 513-553)
Feedback for Lesson Nine
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Nine- The Lost Hero
Hi Ethan!
You are almost done with the class! By the time you read this, you may have already completed the final poll, blog and quest. This week’s lesson was a little different than our previous ones, but as always, we started with a poll. This week, you were asked:
Were you sufficiently satisfied with the ending of The Lost Hero that you can't wait to read the sequel?
You indicated that you loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel. Your classmates overwhelmingly agreed with you. Rick Riordan is a prolific writer. I hope you’ll have the chance to read his other books as well.
First, we’ll look at your discussion postings for Lesson Nine:
Discussion Forum:
e. Lessons learned. In Chapter 45, as the three flee from the top of Mount Diablo with Piper’s father, Piper uses charmspeak to convince the pilot to take them to the airport, and again to lie about her father. While Jason is impressed, Piper feels miserable about manipulating people. Do you think she has learned any important lessons over the course of the book? Explain. What about the other characters… What lessons do you think that Leo has learned? What about Jason?
Student Response:
I agree Ian, they've all learned really important things about themselves. Demigods have a hard time controlling themselves, with ADHD and superpowers. Demigods have to learn how to control themselves, or else, as you said, "If every time he got mad, lightning started flying, innocent mortals would start dying, just because he had a little temper." Sadly, every demigod sometimes can't control their powers and demigod antagonists are born and things like WW 2 or humongous fires start happening.
Teacher Feedback:
I agree that Jason, and the others, must learn to control and tame their powers. I would say they also learned that to get something done, you have to face all your fears and uncertainties to achieve it. I like the lesson you described for Leo. His power to control fire is a “blessing” and a “curse.” So often, great gifts are both, just as Piper’s Charmspeak can be seen as both. Piper seems to regret her use of Charmspeak because she realizes it is wrong to manipulate people. Piper “didn’t want to twist people’s minds, convince them of things they didn’t believe It felt so bossy, so wrong – like something Drew would do back at camp, or Medea in her evil department store” (471). When characters learn and grow over the course of the book, we call them dynamic characters. Our protagonists were certainly dynamic!
g. A sense of belonging. In Chapter 52, as Piper is looking around the photos and memorabilia in Chiron’s office, why does she suddenly feel like she is part of something bigger than herself? How is this a new feeling for her? What is the significance of Piper's burning the silver calling card Thalia had given to her? What is the rite of passage that she plans to end in the Aphrodite cabin? Leo, too, begins to feel a sense of belonging. After spending his life on the run, why is this feeling of belonging so important to him? Jason also expresses the feeling that he no longer feels alone, but appears more frightened than inspired by his destiny. He is not a coward, so why is he so afraid? Explain why his reaction is so different from those of Piper and Leo.
Student Response:
I think that the feeling of belonging is a new feeling for Piper because she didn't really have anytime to be with anybody, including her dad, and when she did, it was rushed. I think that Piper burned Thalia's calling card because if she joined the Hunters of Artemis she would have to ditch Jason since you can't date. And Piper couldn't end the "rite of passage" (which is breaking someone's heart) going on in the Aphrodite cabin if she joined The Hunters of Artemis.
Leo's sense of belonging is really important to him because he finally can settle in one place. Leo's internal conflicts didn't really allow him to settle down before he came to camp. But complete with friends, mechanical dragon heads, and people he can tell jokes to, I don't think he'll ever run away from Camp Half-Blood.
Jason's reaction is really different from Leo's or Piper's because he has a lot more to take on. I think Jason is less surprised by the fact that he has to take on the job of captain because he's always had memory's of being Praetor for another camp. Jason is afraid that he has to take on the job alone (unless Percy come's back) because he doesn't know if he'll be able to do the job.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, this is a very comprehensive and thoughtful response. You’ve even worked in the term internal conflict! Well done! I like the way you’ve taken time to discuss the theme of belonging as it relates to each of our three protagonists. I think I was happiest for Leo, because as you point out, “he can finally settle in one place” I felt so sorry for Leo throughout the entire book! You also reflect on the ways Piper has found a sense of belonging. “I think that the feeling of belonging is a new feeling for Piper because she didn't really have anytime to be with anybody, including her dad, and when she did, it was rushed.” When a character changes over the course of the novel, she is called a dynamic character. Clearly, Piper and Leo have grown and matured during these adventures. For Leo and Piper, their futures seem brighter. As you point out, however, Jason “has a lot more to take on.” Additionally, Jason must feel very lost without a clear set of memories to anchor him. It would be hard to change if you didn’t really know where you had started. Great job on this discussion!
You also replied to two Summary Discussion Questions:
Summary Discussion Questions:
c. Do you prefer the original or the revisited? Examine how the original stories of Greek mythology were handled in the three books we read. Which author do you think handled the myths the best? Give your reasons for your opinion. Do you like the original myths or the more modernized versions that some of the books dealt with? Do you think the authors remained true to the original myth in their interpretations?
Student Response:
I think that the Greek myths were handled pretty well in the books, but some better than others. For instance, in The Shadow Thieves, Anne didn't explain how Hades had already killed monsters, (Gorgons and such), or how scientific measures are wrong. On the other hand, D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths couldn't go wrong, since it was only recounting the myths. The Lost Hero handled the myths really well, since it explained why mortals couldn't see gods, monsters, or demigods, and it taught me about different myths, one being about the armies of giants. I prefer the modernized version of the myths to the original myths, because they were a fun story, AND taught you about the myths. All in all, I really liked the three books we read.
Teacher Feedback:
In this response, you’ve compared and contrasted the way in which each of the three authors handled the Greek myths. D’Aulaires’ book was the most direct as it “recount[ed] the myths” in a very traditional manner. I agree that The Lost Hero included better explanations to help the reader transition from the traditional to the modern version. As you explain Riordan “taught you about the myths,” while also weaving his own story. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed all three versions!
e. Compare and contrast Hera. As Hera is presented by the authors in D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths and The Lost Hero, does it seem that the authors in both books are talking about the same character? Or are the two Heras totally different? Can you see any advantage to an author in writing about characters and events that others have written about for more than two thousand years? Or do you think it would be better if authors stuck to creating new characters?
Student Response:
I think that the Hera in D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths shares some characteristics with The Lost Hero Hera, but not all characteristics. Hera in The Lost Hero is vain, gets angry quickly, and thinks highly of herself. The D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths Hera is also vain, also thinks highly of herself, but does a good deal of stuff to keep the gods together, and like's helping regular mortal heroes.
If you are an author writing about a person that has been written about for thousands of years, you have the advantage of everyone knowing about the character, which is nice since you don't have to bring out the character's traits over time, everyone already knows him/her. I still think it is better if you create new characters instead of sticking exactly to the old ones, because then you can come up with unknown characters and have them be traitors or secret friends (like Snape in Harry Potter).
Teacher Feedback:
This discussion post provides evidence of your ability to read and think critically by comparing and contrasting two presentations of Hera by different authors. You’ve pointed out the similarities and differences in an effective way. There are certainly many, many versions of Hera to which Rick Riordan could have referred when writing his book. It would be interesting to talk to him to find out what parts of her character he took from previous writings and which parts he gave her as part of his modern treatment of her. I suppose this is a problem that writers must face when they need to include a historical, or mythical, figure in their book - how to represent that person while making them “fit” the story you are writing.
You only have one lesson left, Ethan. For Lesson 10, you will vote in the final poll, post one last blog and take the final Quest. For the quest, remember you must do the test in one sitting. You have an hour, so be sure to start the quest when you have plenty of time to do your best!
Have a great week!
Elisabeth Brantley
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