Absolutely Perfect!

On Thursday this week, we continued building our learning community by reading and discussing a book by Kevin Henkes entitled Chrysanthemum. (Click on the links to learn more about the author and the book). While the story is simple, the ideas are significant. We analyzed the main character, her community, and the conflict (internal and external). In addition, we made connections to other stories, drew conclusions, and identified the theme. In addition to referencing the TASOK Learner Profile and seeking to apply what we learned to our interactions with others, we also took time to examine the author’s craft. His word choice was particularly powerful.

Listen to the story reread aloud.

Throughout the reading and analysis of this text, it was easy to put ourselves in the shoes of Chrysanthemum, but how would the story have been told if Victoria was the main character. As a scholar, consider a different point of view.

Write a letter from the perspective of Victoria to Chrysanthemum. Retell the events of the story, apologize for the actions of Victoria, and explain the lesson learned. As you write, think about what qualities of a learner each character needs to strive to grow.

Challenge: Somewhere in your letter, strive to use a list of synonyms in the same way Chrysanthemum’s father did.