sample! · sample! blank check study guide table of contents introduction about this book about the...
TRANSCRIPT
Sample!
Blank Check Study Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction
About this Book
About the Authors
About this Study Guide
Pre-Reading
Pre-Reading Activities
Character in Blank Check
Curriculum Connection
During Reading
Student Discussion Questions
Quote Me!
Research to be Better Informed
Thematic Connections
Tri-Fold Summary (Book summarized into three parts)
Vocabulary Enhancement
Application of Reading Skills
Plot/Conflict/Character Development
Cause and Effect
Compare and Contrast
Post Reading
Arts-N-Crafts Time! (Paint, Draw, Build, Act…parts of the book)
Book Blogger (Summarize a book like a blogger would)
Bookmark It (Create a bookmark using key terms, etc.)
Build a Novel (Use parts from the novel to build a spinoff from the book)
Editorially Speaking (Find a nonfiction resource and compare it to a role in the book)
Email the principal (Questions students will want to ask after the story)
Extra! Extra! (Powerful Headlines for newspapers at St. Andrews and Washington Post)
Game on! (You are an announcer describing a high school game being played live
at St. Andrews)
Help Wanted (Create a futuristic job at one of the schools in St. Andrews.)
In the Loop (Community vs. School, Teacher vs. Student)
Let’s Dig (Create a time capsule of things to put in St. Andrews where others
will discover 100 years later)
Let’s Do Business (Project brings Business and Education together at St. Andrews
Profile a Character
Social Distancing (Skype or Zoom – they describe the conversation)
Social Media Frenzy (Tw, IG, FB, - Page, Tweet, Post, #)
Take-Two! (Recreate the end of the book with an alternate ending)
Travel Agent (You are a web designer for the hospitality and tourism of St. Andrews)
Virtual School Project (Design a new wing of a school)
YouTube It (Create a script, practice, and record!)
Additional Information
Best Practices of Distance Education
5 Useful Tools for Any Distance Learning System
Troubleshooting 101
Other Titles of Interest
Resources
Vocabulary List
Literary Device Chart
State Standards
Alaska’s English/Language Standards 6-12
Common Core Standards For English Language Arts 6-12
Florida’s LADS: Language Arts Florida Standards
Indiana Academic Standards English/Language Arts: Grades 6-12
Minnesota ELA Standards
Nebraska’s College- and Career-Ready ELA Standards
Oklahoma’s Academic Standards - English Language Arts
The South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards for ELA
Texas’ ELAR: English Language Arts & Reading
Virginia’s English Standards of Learning
Blank Check: What If You Were Asked To Help
Reinvent Public Schools? – Teacher’s Guide
Introduction About this Book
A fictional tale grounded in pure reality. Blank Check, an intriguing, inspirational Young
Adult novel that takes place on a fictional U.S. island.
After serving his country as an Army Ranger, high school principal Josiah Rollins quits in
disgust over the broken educational system he can no longer serve. Little does he know this
impulsive act would lead him to an unbelievable opportunity to change everything and serve his
country and students in the way he had always dreamed. Inspired and funded by a now
billionaire war buddy, Josiah tests his educational theories in a place with low standards and poor
student performance: the American Caribbean Islands.
The mission is simple: give teachers autonomy and freedom to teach and provide the community
with the power to make schools the center of their community. But many on the Island are not
happy about the project, nor do they trust the white man selling them new ideas. Within Blank
Check, learn how Josiah wins over the people and the students, transforming the community and
the economy into the American Dream.
Return to the Table of Contents
About this Study Guide If you expect to see a typical study guide, you will be disappointed. You will not find worksheets in this study guide. Blank Check engages the reader by covering engaging and relevant topics. The study guide encourages teachers to prepare lessons that provide excitement and enticement for students.
Educators designed this study guide for educators.
Unlike other study guides, we understand the turbulent times educators worldwide face and have prepared useful resources. For example, the standards for every state are included for your reference. This resource enables teachers to align English skills to the book, whereas other study guides do not have this feature. Our study guide also uses a traditional approach. In any subject, essential skills show mastery. Teaching in this manner is how we verify students' understanding of the material. Blank Check Study Guide has three main components Pre-Reading, During Reading, and Post-Reading. The Pre and During Reading sections show many standard practices but add some zest to the approach. They include things such as vocabulary and discussion questions. Activities listed in "Post Reading" are written for the students to read directly. In the "Additional Information" section, standards for every state are listed for teachers to cross-reference. As a bonus, unlike most study guides, we have developed Vocabulary Lists and Literary Device Chart you will receive when you order the Blank Check Study Guide. When you open up the documents you can manipulate it any way that suits your curriculum, needs, and lessons. We also understand that teachers walk a tight line when it comes to their budget. That’s why the study guide will only cost you $9.99. For less than a dinner at your favorite restaurant, you will receive a compact yet power guide. It references the standards where the study guide can be utilized in all middle and high school English courses. There are over thirty Pre and Post Reading Activities that allow any teacher to conduct the lesson virtually or in person. Any teacher will also be pleased to see that there are over 300 vocabulary and literary terms covered in Blank Check. One more thing! You will see several URLs that accompany some activities. They are there to enhance the learning by providing an aspect that brings the book to life. We have been given permission to use their website and we are passing it on to you! This study guide gives you the structure for some phenomenal lessons, but it is up to you to fine-tune and adjust. We hope that by working together and uniting our students together, we can spark a much-needed change.
From one educator to another, Aaron & Christine Return to the Table of Contents
Pre- Reading
Pre-Reading Activities
(Three activities in the Complete Study Guide!) Making Changes:
✓ Have students brainstorm, listing five things they would change about their
school. Ask, "what are five things you would change about your school? Why?"
✓ Next, have them write next to each of their changes the things, people, or
situations that might stand in the way of them making the changes they wanted. Allow
students time to share their differences and setbacks with the whole class, in a small
group, or with a partner.
✓ Finally, introduce the book with the following connection: "in this novel, Josiah
Rollins is asked to make changes to the school on St. Andrews. He makes long lists of all
the things he wishes the school could be and have. Read on to discover if he can make
those changes and who or what gets in his way."
Return to the Table of Contents
Characters in Blank Check (Thirteen characters in the Complete Study Guide!)
The following list provides a brief synopsis of the main characters in Blank Check. ✓ Bud - Resourceful and tactically oriented, Bud provides the utility role in the book. Honest and forthcoming, you can count on Bud to do the job. ✓ Colby Hollingway - A troubled teen who endures many conflicts. He has enormous potential but needs guidance because his emotions can sometimes get the best of him.
Return to the Table of Contents
Curriculum Connections (Six Subjects in the Complete Study Guide!)
Social Studies: Maps remain an essential part of understanding an area. In this website, from Moon.com, several maps provide insight into the region. Choose two maps from the site and analyze the similarities and differences between the islands.
Math/Statistics: Tourism plays an essential part of the Virgin Island economy. Find at least three charts or graphs regarding the Virgin Island’s Economy and conduct a line of best-fit analysis. Include the mean, median, mode, and range.
Music: The spice of the islands comes from the vibrant colors and music. Numerous genres, such as Calypso, Soca, Fungi, and Reggae, blend into the atmosphere. Locate two or three styles you want to listen to and enjoy. Identify any themes or messages that come from the lyrics.
Return to the Table of Contents
During Reading
Student Discussion Questions from Blank Check
Several thought-provoking events unfold in Blank Check. In these teachable moments, readers will identify the critical thinking that the characters use at that moment. Review the questions from the corresponding chapters and answer them. Stretch your imagination and immerse yourself in the novel. Only then will you have the true meaning behind the story. (There are 15 sets of questions in the Complete Study Guide!)
Chapter 1 – Teach
1.) How would you feel if you were being demoted for no justified reason?
2.) What would have been a better way to give Josiah the news about being demoted?
3.) If you were James, what else would you say to comfort Josiah?
4.) Describe James’ and Eleanor’s feelings as they learn about Colby.
5.) Instead of using a drone, what other tactics would have been an option to assist Josiah, Bud, and Colby in their situation? Return to the Table of Contents
Quote Me!
Here are just a few quotes that show emotion, with a profound message. Consider the characters, their roles, the context of the statement, and why they said what they said. Note that the page numbers for these quotes refer to the paperback copy. (There are ten quotes in the Complete
Study Guide!)
1. “If we are going to teach children in the 21st century, we need to see through a different lens.” – Josiah Rollins, p. 5. 2. "I admire you now more than ever. That's why the staff loves you. You respect us and stand up for the kids and what’s right. You’ve always had our backs.” – Officer Ramey, p. 11. Return to the Table of Contents
Research to be Better Informed
(There are five current and vibrant topics in the Complete Study Guide!)
Thematic Connections
(There are eight thematic connections in the Complete Study Guide!)
In this section, Blank Check is sliced into different perspectives. Look at each one and answer these questions.
FAMILY – Colby, Eleanor, and James Holloway
Colby's mother and father lived ordinary lives until James's injury. Afterward, their financial situation changed.
● How do you think their relationship compares to that of a typical family? ● Do you believe James and Eleanor spoil Colby? ● Does Colby get emotional when he does not get his way, or does he have a right to be
upset?
Return to the Table of Contents
Tri-Fold Summary
(An amazing activity in the Complete Study Guide!)
Vocabulary Enhancement
(All fourteen chapters are in the Complete Study Guide!)
The more we read, the better we write. However, some words may not be as familiar to us as others. At the end of this guide is Chapter 1 - Teach vocabulary from the book. Have student jot down others that they do not recognize.
Return to the Table of Contents
Application of Reading Skills
Plot/ Conflict/Character Development
(A deeper explanation of plot / conflict/ character development with a graphic is in the
Complete Study Guide!)
One way to see the paths the various conflicts in the story travel is to track a character through
the story. Three characters tracks are listed below. They are not completed nor exhaustive, just
something to start you. Use this as a guide to help students see the novel as more complicated
than a traditional "one conflict only" short story.
James’s Story
(There are fourteen components from three characters in the Complete Study Guide!)
Initiating Event: Page 13/14- James angrily points out to the U.S Education Committee that they have no idea how bad public education is in American cities.
Rising Action: Page 17- James calls Josiah to help rescue his son from Omar. Page 50- James realizes Colby is addicted to Vicodin. Page 60-James arranges for Colby to get in-home treatment for his addiction.
Climax: Page 70- James has the idea to offer Josiah to be the principalship of a high school where he would have the chance to do all the things he believes are suitable for education.
Falling Action: Page73- James convinces Josiah to at least go and see St. Andrews.
Return to the Table of Contents
Cause and Effect
(We’ve got you covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
Compare and Contrast
(We’ve got you covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
We’ll include points like would you rather questions, compare / contrast writing, debate and what it is like among other things.
Post Reading
Arts-N-Crafts Time!
Book Blogger
Bookmark It
Build A Novel
Editorially Speaking
Email The Principal
Extra! Extra!
Game On!
Help Wanted
In The Loop
Let’s Dig
(We’ve got all of these covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
Let’s Do Business
James Hollingway has advised you that St. Andrews will experience an economic boom within the next three years. As an entrepreneur with expertise in drones, you want to conduct business not only in St. Andrews, but the entire U.S. Virgin Islands.
Before meeting with Mayor Simon and the council, you must present your business model. Your model will discuss these areas:
● Company Description ● Products and Services ● Marketing Plan ● Pricing Strategy
Now study two types of drones you will use on the islands. Explain what they will be used for and why it will benefit the islands.
Remember, no one on the island uses drones as a business, so you already have a great model in mind.
Once you’ve perfected your model, prepare a presentation where you will pitch it to the class.
Use only seven slides: introduction, types of drones, company vision, products and services, marketing plan, pricing strategy, and how it will benefit St. Andrews.
Instead of annoying people with PowerPoint, use Desktopus.
One last requirement: be precise! Use less than twenty-five words and only one picture per visual.
Return to the Table of Contents
Profile A Character
Social Distancing
Social Media Frenzy
Take-Two!
Travel Agent
(We’ve got all of these covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
Virtual School Project
Building, much less designing a new facility, is hard but exciting work. From the meticulous details to colors, there’s a lot of factors to consider.
You have been hired by Bud to build a new wing; you will use “Home By Me” to design it. Click on “Our Offers” and sign up for the starter plan.
Consider which wing you want to design and why you will want to create it.
Then answer these questions.
● Why would students and teachers be excited about the new wing? ● What’s different about the new wing compared to a traditional school that has the same
wing? ● How long will it take to build? ● Are there any factors to consider when designing and constructing it? ● When the report is ready, create an account at Canva where you will prepare it.
Remember the report, the design, and the presentation to Bud will convince him you are a genius or crazy!
Return to the Table of Contents
Additional Information
Best Practices of Distance Education
5 Great Suggestions for Any Distance Learning System
(We’ve got all of these covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
Troubleshooting 101
We all have issues with our laptops, software, or websites from time to time. So that you do not waste an excessive amount of time, the list below shows recommendations to assist you in ensuring a smooth learning experience for the class.
● Can't connect to a website. (Ask your tech to submit the site to be whitelisted) ● Can't connect to the web. (Check the Wi-Fi to see you are on the correct network, if so,
then restart the computer) ● Slow Internet connection. (Connect through an ethernet cord or move as close to the
router as possible) ● The website is not updating. (Clear the cookies and cache)
Return to the Table of Contents
Resources
Vocabulary List
*All definitions retrieved from https://www.merriam–webster.com, 2020.
All page numbers correspond with the paperback version of the novel.
(We’ve got all of the chapters covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
Chapter 1 - Teach
Word Page Definition
cringe 1 to feel disgust or embarrassment and often to show this feeling by a
movement of your face or body
lethargic 3 indifferent, sluggish
DEFCON 3 any one of five levels of U.S. military defense readiness that are
ranked from 5 to 1 according to the perceived threat to national
security, with 1 indicating the highest level of perceived threat
demote 4 to reduce to a lower grade or rank
STEM 5 abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, mathematics
rogue 6 a person who begins to behave in an independent or uncontrolled
way that is not authorized, normal, or expected
commotion 11 noisy confusion
vacate 11 to leave
salvage 15 to rescue or save especially from wreckage or ruin
vital 18 extremely important
lucrative 19 producing wealth or profit
retaliation 19 to get revenge
affluent 19 wealthy
assess 29 to make a judgement about (something)
goon 30 a person who is hired to threaten, beat up, or kill someone
imminent 32 ready to take place, happening soon
Chapter 1 - Teach
Word Page Definition
rete 32 “stop” or “stay” in Haitian Creole
roger 34 used in radio and signaling to indicate that a message has been
received and understood
smithereens 38 small broken pieces: tiny bits
predicament 40 a difficult situation or unpleasant situation
obliterate 40 to destroy (something) completely so that nothing is left
Return to the Table of Contents
Literary Device Chart All page numbers correspond with the paperback version of the novel.
(We’ve got all the chapters covered in the Complete Study Guide)
Chapter 1–Teach
Literary Device Page Example
Alliteration 8 shocked speechless
Alliteration 48 Gizmo Gadget
Allusion 3
General George Patton: a high–ranking WWII general, who
led the U.S. 7th Army in its invasion of Sicily and northern
France in the summer of 1944
Allusion 18 Dateline: NBC TV show that is made–up of mysteries,
documentaries, and in–depth investigations
Allusion 25 "resistance is futile": reference to Star Trek, specifically the
Borg
Allusion 31 Bozo the Clown: a clown character created for children's
entertainment in 1946
Allusion 33 "—I am Army Strong." Making reference to the slogan
created for the Army in 2006
Allusion 38
O.K Corral: It is generally regarded as the most famous
shootout in the history of the American Wild West.
(Tombstone, AZ–1881)
Hyperbole 10 "five miles—takes an eternity"
Hyperbole 28 "carry a ton of adrenaline"
Idiom 2 saved by the bell
Idiom 5 lowest man on the totem pole
Idiom 8 throw it all on the table
Idiom 9 take something off his plate
Idiom 9 shocked speechless
Idiom 9 shows his true colors
Idiom 9 in the zone
Chapter 1–Teach
Literary Device Page Example
Idiom 12 is going to hades in a handbasket
Idiom 14 drive more nails into the future
Idiom 15 get the big picture
Idiom 28 bird's eye view
Idiom 28 hole in the wall
Idiom 29 has my back
Idiom 46 called in the cavalry
Idiom 43 a pin drop
Idiom 48 son of a gun
Idiom 49 grab a bite
Imagery 3 to 5 DEFCON process used to describe Rollins escalating anger
Irony 13 "build on a clearly broken education model"
Metaphor 3 attention = teapot whistling
Metaphor 10 You (Sheets) = mosquito
Metaphor 28 greasy spoon = Omar's hideout
Metaphor 37 cockroaches = enemy soldiers
Metaphor 46 plane = bird
Onomatopoeia 31 zap
Onomatopoeia 37 boom
Onomatopoeia 42 humming
Personification 2 "silence fills the room"
Simile 2 "like an annoying mosquito"
Simile 3 "as if I was standing on the battlefield—"
Simile 6 "like a shark smelling blood"
Simile 7 "I fire like a M1 Abrams MBT"
Chapter 1–Teach
Literary Device Page Example
Simile 38 "plane stops—as if it is a showdown"
Simile 38 "moving as fast as a cheetah on the attack"
Return to the Table of Contents
State Standards
Every teacher knows that focusing on the standards remains a vital part of preparing a lesson plan. This section has included the standards for all 50 states for middle and high school English.
(We’ve got all the chapters covered in the Complete Study Guide!)
Virginia
Grade Level Reading Vocabulary
Writing &
Grammar
Communication and
Multimodal
Literacies
6 6.5 a-h, j, k 6.4 a-f
6.7 a-d, f-l
6.8 a-h 6.1 a-j
7 7.5 a-e,g,i,j 7.4 a-g
7.7 a-n
7.8 a-f 7.1 a-j
8 8.5 a-f,j 8.4 a-g
8.7 a-l
8.8 a-g 8.1 a-g
9 9.4 a-g,i,j,l 9.3 a-d,f
9.6 a-l
9.7a-e 9.1 a-k
10 10.4 a,e-i,k,m 10.3 a-d,f
10.6 a-n
10.7 a-e 10.1 a-k
11 11.4 f,h,j 11.3 a-d,f
11.6 a-h
11.7 a-c 11.1 a-i
12 12.4 b,h 12.3 a-e
12.6 a-i
12.7 a-c 12.1 a-g
Return to the Table of Contents
Order Your Very Own Blank Check Study Guide!
Over 30 Pre and Post Reading Activities
300 Vocabulary & Literary Terms
For Only $9.99, Click on the PayPal Icon