Chp. 1
Why do you think Jordan said every day of his life he feels like he is falling without a parachute?
Jordan feels like he is falling without a parachute because he is not yet comfortable with the change that he and his family are making, and he is not yet grounded. This is an example of him being self-aware.
In the beginning of the chapter, Jordan stated, “It doesn’t matter what neighborhood you’re from, Washington Heights, Inwood, Kingsbridge, or even Riverdale, when it is back to school everyone is the same.” What do you think he meant?
Jordan was making reference to the idea that regardless of social status, race, creed or color, students all feel the same way when it is time to return to school. This can allude to the fact that many kids stay up late at night and sleep in during summer mornings.
Why does Jordan think the new school is a bit overwhelming?
He does not know where any of his classes are located. As a result, he is continually getting lost. He is also already being bullied by some of the older kids, and most importantly, Jordan feels out of place.
Why does Jordan change his appearance each time he passes a new town on the bus?
He wants to fit in with the kids on the bus.
What is social awareness?
The ability to comprehend and appropriately react to both broad problems of society and interpersonal struggles.
Why do you think Jordan’s dad gives him tips for “being a man?”
Jordan’s dad gives him tips about being a man because he wants him to be aware of what the world expects from him. His dad wants him to be successful. This is also an example of social awareness.
Jordan stated, “Here’s the deal, new school, you know no one, and nobody looks like you... is that a dad? Nope, just a driver. Oh well, you can do this.” Explain what you think Jordan means when he says, “Is that a dad? Nope, just a driver.”
Jordan is looking for a connection. The driver is a black man; therefore, Jordan assumes that he is dropping his kids off at school, until he realizes that he is a driver for a more affluent family.
What does conjecture mean?
an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information.
Jordan tries to act and say things that will make the other kids less scared of him? What character trait is he using?
Social-awareness
What is relationship building?
A combination of skills a person uses to connect with others to form positive relationships
Why do you think Jordan didn’t want his neighborhood friends to see him going to private school?
Jordan did not want his neighborhood friends to see him going to a private school because he feared they would make fun of him. This can be an example of both social and self-awareness, as Jordan is aware of why they will make jokes and what he needs to do to avoid having his friends make fun of him.
When Jordan identifies another student who looks like him, Maury, he is making a connection. Which of our character traits does this most align to?
When Jordan makes the personal connection with Maury because they are both of the same race, he is exemplifying how most people build relationships. Jordan is making a connection with another person by identifying something that he and Maury have in common: race.
How does Jordan make a conjecture about the new school?
He assumes he does not belong there and that he will never like it. This opinion is made on only a few hours of experience at the new school.
Jordan and Maury realize they do not have a lot in common. How does this exemplify conjecture?
Jordan makes the assumption that because he and Maury share the same skin color they would naturally get along. He makes this conjecture and is proven wrong.
What are character traits?
Character traits can be defined as the traits that tell or show you how the characters in a story look, feel and act
What is self-awareness?
A conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives and desires
What character trait is Jordan exemplifying as he is having a conversation with himself while leaving the car? Explain.
This is another time when Jordan exemplifies self-awareness. Although Jordan is not happy with his current situation, he is consistently having check-ins with himself. He is aware of his own emotions, behaviors and desires.
Social-awareness
What is responsible decision making?
The ability to make respectful choices about personal behavior and social interactions.
What is Jordan's favorite hobby?
Art (he loves to sketch!)
What is tenacity?
The quality or act of being very determined or having determination
In chapter 2, Jordan noted that he turned his head when Andrew, the other black kid in class, made eye contact with him. Why do you think he did this? Could this be an example of any of the character traits we have covered, or a lack thereof? Explain.
Jordan did this because he did not want others to know that he had made the connection. This could be an example of relationship-building or connection, in that most classrooms or social events are places where people are drawn to each other because of similarities. In this case, it would have been race. This could also be an example of responsible decision-making, as Jordan may not have wanted his newfound friendship to only be based on color.
What is self-management?
The ability to take responsibility for one’s own behavior and well-being
What is critical thinking?
Making reasoned judgments that are well thought out
Name three other characters' names besides Jordan.
Ex. Liam, Drew, Maury