For Educators

Teacher, Teacher!

I’m available to visit schools, libraries, or other groups.
While I generally speak about my unique journey to becoming an author, about the writing/publication process and a bit about character development through use of a filled backpack, I am also happy to tailor presentations to fit in with current curricula. I offer small-group workshops as well.

Please contact me for information about rates and programs.

Email:
jody@jodyfeldman.com

The snail variety:
Jody Feldman
P.O. Box 32032
St. Louis, MO 63132

 

The Gollywhopper Games is filled with teaching opportunities that can fit into math, social studies and English/communication arts curricula. Here are a few discussion starters.

THE GOLLYWHOPPER GAMES
Discussion Guide

 

• Gil has put himself under a lot of pressure to succeed. Do you think moving out of town will solve his problems?

How might he otherwise find happiness in Orchard Heights?
When do you feel under pressure the most? How do you deal with it? Could you handle it in a different way?
How do you help your friends when they’re feeling stressed or pressured?

2. Early in the competition, Gil realizes he has to contend or deal with cheaters.

Do you agree with the way he handled the cheating? Why or why not?
What could he have done differently?
What would you have done in the situation?
Why do you think Thorn and Rocky felt the need to cheat?
Can you think of any situations when cheating may be
acceptable?

3. When Gil resolves the cheating issue, Bianca wants to elect him as their leader, but Gil says they don’t need one.

Even so, what leadership qualities did he show?
How about his teammates?
Why do you think Bert Golliwop might be a successful leader for the company?

What leadership qualities do you possess?
Without naming him or her, think of a peer who is a good leader.
What qualities does he or she have?
Which qualities would you like to develop for yourself?

4. Gil, Bianca, Lavinia, Rocky, and Thorn each have very different personalities, backgrounds, and abilities.

Describe the strengths and weaknesses of each: Did one of those traits help the team the most? Did one of those traits hurt the team the most?
Which two characters would you most want on your team?
What strengths would they bring to balance yours?

5. If you could choose one character to be friends with in real life, who would that be and why?

What do you think you would have in common with him or her?
If you were hanging out at your home, what are some things you would show that person?
If you were at their place, what might they show you?
What types of activities would you do together?
How would that character get along with your other friends?

6. Do you think Gil will stay friends with Bianca, Thorn and Rocky now that the competition is over?

What makes you want to continue friendships?
Can you name friends that you are only friends with in one setting?

7. Gil’s character changes throughout the book.

Can you identify the character changes?
Can you find evidence from the text to support your opinions?
What are the life lessons that Gil learned by experiencing the Gollywhopper Games?
Did any other character experience change or growth? How do you know? What evidence is there from the book to support your thinking?

8. What is one main theme of the Gollywhopper Games?

How can you take that one theme and connect it to your life?