Tell about the part you read, give your thoughts about it, and invite others to share their thoughts too.
Here are some discussion stems. Choose one of the following or make a similar type of post.
I want to talk about the part where __________________. I thought _____________________. What did you think?
The part that I thought was most interesting so far was _____________________________. I think _________________________________________. What did you think?
I want to talk about the part where Thula Rantz (Joe's stepmom) left him for good so her, her kids, and her husband could go to Washington. I thought that was very mean of her and she shouldn't be so self-centered. Also, Joe's dad should have gone against Thalia and stuck up for his son. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think that Harry wanted to step up for his son, but he probably would've lost Thula. I know it isn't fair to Joe, but if they didn't leave him he probably would've never got into rowing and school. It is hard for Joe, but Harry could've of done anything good in the situation had was in.
DeleteI agree with that because I feel that Harry was trying to step up for his son, but he didn't want to lose his girlfriend or wife; whatever she was to him. I still think that family comes first, and I think that you would care more about your kids than a person that you got together with not too long ago.
DeleteI think that Thula is mean too. If she was my stepmom I wouldn't be sad about leaving her. She almost burned her kid to death because she was clumsy.
DeleteThe part that I thought was most interesting so far was how when the boys in the boat were getting slower and slower because they were working them so hard, the coach still wanted them to get faster and faster. What I don't get, is why doesn't he understand how tired they are? Or, does he know how tired they are and just push them to keep going so they can get stronger and better? What do you think?
ReplyDeleteThe coach probably wasn't pushed as hard as he is pushing his rowers. I agree though, I mean obviously they were tired and obviously they would keep getting slower.
DeleteI think that the coach could tell they were tired, but he also thought that they were having their emotions affect their rowing. That's why he bought Joe and some other kids into his office because he believed that they were bringing their emotions on the boat with them.
DeleteI think that the coach didn't realize how far he was pushing them until it was too late meaning they were very tired and it would take a couple of days to get them rejuvenated.
DeleteThe most interesting part so far to me was the part where Joe's family left him and he learned to be independent. I thought this was interesting because I was surprised at his response, and what he got from his experience. It was really sad how he didn't have anything, but he slowly adapted to his life. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think that he got a lot out of that experience. It is sad to see that he had to fend for himself though. If he didn't think and do what he did he would have died. If Thula is so mean why does Joe's dad love her?
DeleteI think that it was so cool that Joe became independent just because his father and his whole family left him. I was amazed at how Joe didn't fall apart and 'crumble'. I think Joe would not be where he was if that didn't happen in his life.
DeleteI want to talk about the part where Joe went up to Thula's door to see his family, but Thula kicks him to the curb again, saying that he has to live his own life. I thought that what she did was seriously mean, and every person that has a life should involve their parents in it. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI agree she has to learn to be kind to others but I mean in a way she was helping him. She was helping him so he could learn to be rejected and treated poorly and in the end that could really help him.
DeleteI think that she was very unfair, but I also think that is was too much for her to have Joe around which made her life even harder having another mouth to feed in the house. Also I think she shouldn't of treated Joe how she did because she could've been polite after all, it is his family.
DeleteI also think it was mean of him to do that because Joe is still a child, and needs his dad. I also think that Joe's dad couldn't have stayed with Joe, because the other kids need a father more.
DeleteI think the same thing that you did. I feel that it was very rude of Thula to kick Joe out again even when he just wanted to say hi to everybody. I think that it was wrong of her to kick him out once, but AGAIN????
DeleteI want to talk about the part where Joe was talking about how he needs to prove to his dad and family that he is a man by winning gold the 1936 Olympics. I thought that this was a good way to prove not only to his family, but to the world that he is a man that can accomplish big things. This also requires him to get a job so he can go to school for another year to achieve his goal. I think it will change his life if he ends up going to the Olympics and winning gold by giving him acception probably from his family that has always treated him terribly and opening opportunities for a better life. This will also always be a moment to remember with the boat mates. What do you think about this change in events?
ReplyDelete