Exploring J.R.R Tolkien's, The Hobbit

• Introduction
• Task
• Process
• Evaluation
• Conclusion
• Credits


• Teacher Page

Process

 About the author, J.R.R Tolkien

Day One

Before we begin reading The Hobbit, it will be useful for us to understand the life of the author who wrote this novel. In other words, you are going to be discovering the story behind the story.

You are required to visit the links below and learn about the life of J.R.R Tolkien. Please explore each webpage, and write down in your journal some interesting facts about the author. You should find at least 15 facts. Also, be on the lookout for information pertaining to why he wrote the novel, The Hobbit and his inspiration for doing so.

We will then be discussing our findings together as a group. Everyone is expected to contibute to this discussion and will receive points for doing so. Make sure to find as many facts as you can (minimum is 15), so that everyone can contribute something different and meaningful to the discussion.

You are also expected to ask questions and respond to other class members during the discussion. Please be sure to check the evaluation page on this website to understand how I will be determining points for this assignment.

What Does It Mean to Be a Hero?

Day Two

In Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit, we will be meeting Bilbo Baggins, a very tiny man who is the main character in this adventure story. He proves himself heroic through his brave deeds and efforts to fight evil and save his friends. The Hobbit shows us that anyone--no matter how small they are--can change the world.

Today, you will be visiting websites that demonstrate this same principle: anyone can make a difference. The following links will introduce you to young people who are changing the world, in spite of any obstacles that they must overcome.

Once again, please visit all of the links below, and explore around. Feel free to take notes on what you read. You will then be able to use these notes for discussion and for your written journal assignment.

You will have 30 minutes to explore the following websites before our discussion:

2007 Humane Teen of the Year, Diana Handwerker

Ronan Farrow: A prominent voice advocating for children in Darfur

Antwonye Kirkpatrick starts up Youngsters Against Animal Cruelty

Four-year-old Su-Sze raises $8,800 for children in Malaysia

Sixteen-year old Britney Holt started an animal protection club

Michigan kids create Paws for Humanity

Sixteen-year old Britney Holt started an animal protection club

Nick Salter, speaking out against commercialism in schools

Stephanie Cohen started Kids Making a Difference when she was 10

12-year-old Austin Gutwein starts Hoops of Hope for African orphans

Seema Rupani founded the Youth Humane Society

Teenager crusades for proper tire pressure to help save gas money and the planet

We will be discussing our findings together as a group. Everyone is expected to contibute to this discussion and will receive points for doing so.You are also expected to ask questions and respond to other class members during the discussion. Please be sure to check the evaluation page on this website to understand how I will be determining points for this assignment. 

For homework tonight, you will be completing a journal assignment on the topic of heroism. You may choose to write about:

• any of the young people you learned about in the above websites
• anything we talked about during discussion
• how you define a hero
• someone who is your hero
• how you plan to make a difference and be a hero for others

Once again, be sure to check the evaluation page on this website to understand how I will be determining points for your journal assignment.