Narrators
Which character believes in pacifism? (No fighting)
Sam
What do the tomatoes symbolize for Curtis?
Love. It is his way to get Lateesha's love.
What word best describes Sam?
Compassionate, Strange, Friendly, Kind, Nice
What is the central idea of Chapter 6, Sam?
(Remember: People should...)
People should help each other.
People should get along with one another.
Find a metaphor or simile from Seedfolks.
Write it out.
Many different Metaphors or similes. Must source properly.
“Walking back, I looked up at her window. As still as a cat, behind that lace curtain, there was her face, staring down at the sign.” (p.35)
What job does Virgil's father have?
Virgil's father is a taxi driver.
What does Virgil's Dad promise Virgil if he works hard in the garden?
He promises him a bike when they get rich.
DOUBLE POINTS
What is a symbol in Chapter 8, Sae Young?
The garden (Symbolizes healing)
Hot Peppers (Courage, hopes to talk with people)
Husband/ Dry Cleaning store (dreams of living in America, a future)
What do we learn about Sae Young through her actions?
She is scared of people because she was robbed. She is traumatized, but she still wants to be around people.
What is the central idea of Chapter 8, Sae Young?
(Remember: People should...)
People should be kind to one another.
People should help others feel safe.
“ The minute it came up, it started to wilt. It was like a baby always crying for its milk.” (p.26)
Is this a simile or a metaphor? What does it compare to?
Simile
It compares the wilted lettuce to a crying baby.
What problem does Sam see in the vacant lot?
Sam sees the people in the vacant lot become segregated.
Why does Curtis plant tomatoes? How has he changed?
Curtis plants tomatoes to win back Lateesah. He used to talk to many different girls, but now he only wants Lateesha.
What do the garden fences, different groups breaking rules, symbolize?
Selfishness, Segregation, Separation, Division.
Indirect or direct characterization?
“She stopped talking to people after the robbery.”
Indirect
What is the central idea of Chapter 7, Virgil?
(Remember: People should...)
People should not be greedy.
People should not let greed guide their path.
People should not let greed hurt others.
People should have faith
Sae Young says her body shook “like a leaf” after the robbery.
What does the simile compare?
The simile compares Sae Young's body to a leaf. She was scared and shaking
What happened to the baby lettuce in Chapter 7? Why?
Why does Ch 8 Sae Young have broken English?
Sae Young is still learning English while she "narrates" this chapter.
What does the baby lettuce in Ch 7 symbolize?
Greed, money, or hope for a different life.
Give one indirect action/dialogue/thought that shows Sam wants to help people.
(Hint: How does Sam help the people in the vacant lot?)
Hires a teenager to help him, talks to strangers, and creates a contest for people to have a water system.
What central idea do Sae Young and Sam have in common (same)?
(Hint: Think about the central idea for both characters.)
People should build a caring community.
People should help each other.
People should be caring towards one another.
“People were divided like a checkerboard.” What does this simile mean?
People were separated and not working together.
Explain the tragic events that happened to Sae Young.
How did she get better?
(First, Next, Then, Finally)
First, Sae Young's husband died. Then she was traumatized by a robber who beat her and robbed her. Next, she had to stay at home for a long time. Finally, the garden helped her get better.
Which character(s) see the value in the vacant lot and how important it is? Why? (What do they see in the vacant lot?)
All the characters 😊
Many different values in the vacant lot
In Chapter 10, Nora realizes the importance of the vacant lot.
What does the Vacant lot symbolize?
Hope, New beginnings, Unity, Working together.
How does the author of Seedfolks use indirect characterization to show readers a character’s trait?
(Give an example of a character, then the author of Seedfolks uses indirect characterization to show readers _______(Who) is ____________(Character's trait) and how)
MUST HAVE EVERYTHING
The answer will differ. What does the teacher think?
Ex: The author of Seedfolks uses indirect characterization to show readers that Wendell is kind. He helps Kim with the garden and smiles at her.
“Yet we were all subject to the same weather and pests, the same neighborhood, and the same parental emotions toward our plants. If we happened to miss two or three days, people stopped by on our return to ask about Mr. Myles’ health. We, like our seeds, were now planted in the garden.” (p.39)
What is the Central Idea. How does this text suggest the central idea of Seedfolks?
This text suggests that communities thirve (do well) when they work together.
Give a metaphor or simile from Sam’s chapter and explain it.
(Find a metaphor/simile. Explain what it means)
Look within Chapter 6 of Seedfolks. Many different answers but must explain.
Bonus Round DOUBLE POINTS
Draw the best picture to depict the Central Idea of Seedfolks. You MUST explain what the picture shows.
What do the teachers think?