My Favorite Pinterest Hunger Games Pins This Week

I know I haven't posted on my blog in a while. But...it's summer. And still no Finnick announcement. (Come on, Lionsgate®! You're killing me!) And both of these reason [excuses] are true. But, I've also been doing a little bit of web surfing, too. Mainly on Pinterest.

 

If you haven't checked out Pinterest...well, then you're probably getting more done than I am this summer! I know I spend just a little bit too much time pinning, re-pinning, and just viewing all the great images people post.  So to attempt to make all this time spent on Pinterest a good thing, I'm going to share some of my favorite Hunger Games pins with you. And I think you'll like them. All apologies if I do not cite the source of the image. They can be found on my The Hunger Games, Teaching The Hunger Games, and maybe even on some of my other boards, as well. Feel free to pin, re-pin, and follow, if you'd like. 

I'm sure I pinned many of these from the Hunger Games Fireside Chat and Terrea Vees.

Really? Keep calm? That's over a year. In fact, it's a year and 5 months from today, to be exact. Ugh...

Cake Boss...bahahaha! 

Poor Mr. Mellark.

I don't know why this makes me laugh so much...I guess it's just so silly, maybe.

I really love this about Katniss. Most teenagers I know would be cussing up a storm and posting it on their Facebooks. I like how classy Katniss is (even if they did have her say "damn" in the movie, she didn't in the book).

 

 Well, I don't think that was the answer the teacher was looking for. But I'd give it half for being creative.

Yep, I'm fine. Perfectly fine right where I am, thank you.

This just makes me smile.

I'd love to try this, but I think I would laugh too much and blow it.This was posted on The Hob's Facebook page.

And finally, a little Finnick humor:

Do you have a Hunger Games themed Pinterest board? 

If so, post a link in the comments below so I (and others) can follow you! Thanks & have a great weekend!

Plutarch Watch 2012: Philip Seymour Hoffman {Nuff Said}

Philip Seymour Hoffman has been offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee, Head Gamemaker. I do not think I could be any more excited. Once again, Lionsgate® has truly done their homework and is working to get the best possible actors for these roles. 

So, even though I was plugging for Alec Baldwin in a half-serious, half-mocking way, I truly would love to see Hoffman in this role. I will also admit that I had never even considered him. He was one of the actors I thought could play Haymitch. But Plutarch? Never even entered my mind. But you know what? Neither had Josh Hutcherson for Peeta and look how well that worked out! 

Yes, Hoffman would be absolute perfection. He can pull off the snarkiness of Plutarch, and he can layer the charm. And he can totally pull off the "I just can't wait for the next war!" insanity of Plutarch. Plus, he's a phenomenal actor. Just watch him in "Capote", "The Talented Mr. Ripley", and "Moneyball". He's so versatile, so spot-on. Yes, I am very happy with this. Please, Philip, TAKE THE ROLE! 

What do you think?
 Could you see Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee? 

He's got the cocky smirk down.

"Heeeey Katniss...look at my fancy new watch!"

Or perhaps in a more serious, secretive tone.

"Pssst...This is my new watch. It starts at midnight..."

Your thoughts? 

Leave a comment and let me know!

What Summer Brings in Panem {Things That Make Me Go Hmmm}

While students (and teachers) celebrate the beginning of summer vacation in North America, I wondered if children in Panem ever get to celebrate the same freedom from a break in the school year? I couldn't quite recall if Katniss ever mentioned a break in school for anything except Capitol-mandated viewing of Hunger Games-related events, which would be quite unpleasant for most citizens of Panem. In fact, summer doesn't bring the anticipation of sleeping in, lying in the sun daydreaming, or a break from studies for the district children. Summer brings the Hunger Games.

But how do we know the Games are during the summer months? Well, there are a few clues. This is something you can have your students research. Ask them to flip through the book and look for clues that the Games take place during the summer. Context clues will include dates, descriptions about the weather, plants, insects, etc.. We know that the references from District 12 should match those you would find in Appalachia and those in the Capitol should match seasons found in the Rocky Mountains. Of course, when Katniss is in the arena, the location is unknown. But considering this all takes place in North America and the arena is in an area with a lake, forest, and other wildlife, we can be certain that the arena is not located in the southern parts of North America (i.e. Mexico and the southern states). However, the arena's climate can also be controlled by the Gamemakers, as referenced on page 279 of The Hunger Games, "So cold, so bitterly cold tonight. As if the Gamemakers have sent an infusion of frozen air across the arena, which may be exactly what they've done" (Collins). Even so, this cold air is unexpected to Katniss. Students can infer from this passage that it's not winter.

CLASSROOM CONNECTION...
Ask your students to find at least three additional examples that would indicate the Hunger Games takes place during the summer. There are numerous clues, but they should use their books to find the answers (rather than the internet--which is why I am not going to post answers here).

ONLINE EXERCISE...
As an extended internet activity, have your students examine if there is any symbolism present that might connect the Games with the summer months. They should first research what types of symbols are connected to summer and the summer solstice. As they are looking for examples of symbols they should pay attention to anything that would connect to the novel.

WRITE ABOUT IT...
If you are looking for a writing activity for your students for the end of the year, have them reflect on what summer means to them. What do they have planned? How does the time off from school make them feel? Then have them compare their summer to how the tributes must spend theirs. Or a district citizen who must watch a loved one compete in the Games. How would they view summertime then? With excitement or dread?

"The Hunger Games" DVD Release August 18th - With Classroom Connections

The Hunger Games DVD cover image via Entertainment Weekly

 

Let the 12-week Countdown Begin!

Entertainment Weekly announced this week that the DVD and Blu-Ray versions of "The Hunger Games" movie will be released at 12:01 a.m. on August 18th...just in time for the start of a new school year!

One of the great features in the two-disc set is three (yes, three!) hours of bonus footage. It includes an eight-part behind-the-scenes documentary called The World is Watching: Making of The Hunger Games. 

You'll be able to pre-order the DVD or Blu-Ray versions tomorrow (Friday, May 25th - which marks the 12-week countdown to its release) for $39.99 or $30.99.

Many people have questioned why Lionsgate has gone against conventional wisdom when it comes to both the movie release and DVD release dates. Traditionally, most block-buster movies debut in the summer (such as the "Harry Potter" movies) and the DVDs are released around the holidays–perfect for stocking stuffers. But to me, it's a no-brainer. The Hunger Games trilogy is such a popular series to read (and teach) in school, so it only makes sense that the movie be released during a time when students are most-likely to be taking field trips while the DVD will hit the shelves as teachers and students are heading back to the classroom. Chocking it full of extras that enhance the educational aspect of the film further solidifies this. So I'd like to send Lionsgate a big "Thank You" for thinking of those of us in the field of education.

Classroom Connections

One topic covered in the extras that will be especially useful for teachers and students studying The Hunger Games is the discussion about why certain aspects from the novel did or did not make it into the movie. This can help in students' analysis of the film and the rationale behind the changes.

Image courtesy of http://www.charlesatlas.com

Another noteworthy feature is the actual "Propaganda Film" from the movie. I have a feeling there's more about the Dark Days and the first rebellion, as written in the novel. And perhaps there's even more about the Treaty of Treason that offers additional insight. I'd also like to study the actual images and video used in the piece. Was it just me, or was there a Charles Atlas moment in there when showing the boy and girl tributes (likely depicting Careers, obviously)? This feature will be an interesting addition to your lessons on propaganda. You can compare the scenes with advertisements like those for the Mr. Atlas program.

Will we ever see an official map of Panem?

As with the release of the movie in theaters, I feel as though the DVD will continue to fill in the blanks left by the movie. I have not read anything about offering an official Map of Panem, but an article on Down With the Capitol quotes Lionsgate's press release stating that there will be commentary about the creation of the control room, which features the three-dimensional map of the arena.

So, since we don't get an official Map of Panem in "The Hunger Games" movie, when, if at all, do you think we'll get to see one? I had heard rumors that "The Hunger Games Adventures" online game would feature one, but I have yet to see one surface. It would make sense that we would have to wait until the "Mockingjay" movie to see one. [SPOILER ALERT!] I think the first moment we "see" one in the novels is when Katniss is in Command in District 13 and President Coin walks around the room "studying the illuminated district maps that show the ongoing troop positions in the war" (from Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins, page 76). What do you think? Is there an earlier moment to release it? Or will they release it at all?

Resources
Here's a link to my unofficial maps of Panem and rationale for district placement.
For teaching materials, see my Hunger Games Book vs. Movie activities packet, which is also included on my Hunger Games Complete Teaching Unit on CD.

TeachersPayTeachers Now Accepting Purchase Orders by Schools

Great news for my fellow teachers:

Teachers Pay Teachers is now accepting school purchase orders, making it even easier for you to load up on the most affordable resources and educational materials for your classroom. You'll no longer have to pay out of your own pocket and wait to get reimbursed from your district--just use the same process to check-out, only selecting the purchase-order option instead.

Take advantage of this great new way to pay, especially for those higher-dollar products, like my Hunger Games Trilogy CDs, which includes every single lesson I have for teaching The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, AND Mockingjay. I also have CDs for teaching Poetry, Literature Resources for Any Novel, and the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. All have my signature creative lessons that make learning fun for all students. 

 Of course, I have plenty of inexpensive and FREE resources, as well, in my store. 

Hope you all have a wonderful finish to the school year!

My Favorite Hunger Games "Pins" This Week

Pinterest is a great site to find visual aides to use in your classroom. I love finding new fan art for The Hunger Games, like this poster of Katniss (left) by Panem Propaganda. After pinning, I checked out their site and loved it! They have amazing original artwork and some very cool maps of Panem, as well.

So I decided to write up a post of some of my favorite Hunger Games "pins" for the week. The images might inspire you to create your own, encourage your students to create fan art, or maybe help you find some interesting ideas for your classroom or for discussion.

Feel free to re-pin from my boards (I have several Hunger Games boards, including Teaching The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games Trilogy, and Hunger Games Freebies). To see the full size images, you'll want to go to one of the boards or the original source (these are just thumbnails).

Here's another pin from Panem Propaganda:

Rise Against the Capitol, pinned by Yourheatherness

I love the look of this poster. Maybe it's the font, maybe it's the colors. But I think it's pretty cool: 

The Capitol is Watching, by breadinhotchocolate... and pinned by The Hunger Games Fireside Chat

This book sculpture is just truly awe-inspiring, isn't it!? 

Created by etsy seller BeckyJArts and found here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/92908844/book-sculpture-the-hunger-games  and pinned by Mashable

I thought this image made a thought-provoking discussion-starter: what would the Hunger Games be like with characters from other series/movies/books (the original idea, of course, was concocted by Adam Spunberg, Savanna New, and Shylah Addante when they created The Potter Games last summer).  Image pinned by iwastesomuchtime.com

A hilarious parody by "How It Should Have Ended" or HISHE for short. They have a couple of Hunger Games animated shorts they posted on their YouTube channel. Hunger Games HISHE - Bonus Scene, pinned by Me.

 

And finally, my "Make Your Own Hunger Games Poster" digital download. It's an editable template you can use to create your own classroom posters using Hunger Games-inspired backgrounds (based on the cover and inside pages of the novels), pinned by Me.

What are your favorites?

Sharing a Post From Mrs. Orman's Classroom: Replace Student Journals with a Class Blog

Did you know that I also blog on "Mrs. Orman's Classroom"? I try to keep this one devoted to Hunger Games-related posts, and all other English/language arts posts over there. (I've also ventured into making clip art and blog about it there.) But I thought you may be interested in my latest post about student blogging. Today my students wrote some pretty awesome Teacher Appreciation thank-you notes and it restored my faith that kids CAN write when they really want to. You can check out my post in the link below:

Mrs. Orman's Classroom: Replace Student Journals with a Class Blog: I teach at a 1:1 Mac school. This year marked our third year with laptops at the high school and I knew I wanted to do something differ...

May 8: Happy Birthday Katniss Everdeen

Happy Birthday, Girl On Fire!

Let's see, this would make you a few hundred negative years old?

Will you celebrate Katniss' birthday in your classroom? 

If so, share how you will be celebrating in the comments below.

If you need some ideas, here are 8 things you can have your students do to honor our heroine from The Hunger Games trilogy on May 8th:

1. Participate in Shylah's Literacy Revolution by donating on DonorsChoose.org for classrooms in need of The Hunger Games books.

2. Donate food to your local food bank in honor of all the District citizens.

3. Sing "Happy Birthday" to Katniss or compose your own original birthday song tribute.

4. Create a birthday card for Katniss and post a link below.

5. Look up Katniss' horoscope (Taurus) for May 8.

6. Because Katniss' birthday is the only one we know, look at the character traits/horoscopes of the astrological signs and debate which signs the other characters fall under.

7. Bake a birthday cake (like Peeta would do) for Katniss & share with your classmates.

8. Before class begins, give Katniss the 3-finger silent salute. 

To read more suggestions, check out Sara Gundell's post on The Hunger Games Examiner:
Fans Celebrate 'The Hunger Games' Character Katniss Everdeen's Birthday

Who Were the Best Teachers in The Hunger Games Trilogy?

Hmmm...was Cinna the best teacher for Katniss?

It's Teacher Appreciation Week, so that has me thinking...
Who were the best teachers for Katniss in The Hunger Games trilogy?

Cinna? Haymitch? Effie? Peeta? Gale? Finnick? Boggs? Johanna? Plutarch? Her mother? Madge? Maybe even Primrose? Or perhaps President Snow in his sick, twisted way?

CLASSROOM CONNECTION
This might be a good writing prompt for your students: which characters seemed to teach Katniss the most--about herself, about the Games, or just about life?

Students can also write which "lessons" Katniss learned that were most valuable.

This might be an interesting small-group discussion activity. I could see students arguing for or against certain characters as being the best or most effective "teachers." To prep them, ask them what it takes to be a good teacher? Is it more important that you learn despite unorthodox delivery (as in Haymitch's mentoring techniques), or is delivery of instruction just as important (such as Cinna's gentle way of teaching Katniss)?

So what do YOU think? Which character was the best teacher for Katniss?

Three Days of Appreciation for Teachers

Last year we gave you one awesome day of sales for Teacher Appreciation Week on Teachers Pay Teachers. Well, this year you get three! That way you can always come back for those items you forgot you needed.

I'll be hosting 20% off in my store and TpT owner Paul will be giving you another 10% off in savings if you use the code TAD12 at checkout. Don't forget that Sunday I'll be posting one item free, so be sure to check my Teacher Jackpot link Saturday night to find out which product you can download.

If you check my MOST RECENT UPLOADS, you'll see all the new products (both free and priced) I've uploaded. I do teach more than just The Hunger Games trilogy. ;]

Some of my newer products you might like include:

Customizable Hunger Games Posters - You asked for it, I delivered! Here are three templates in two different sizes that you can type directly on & print. Write your own messages for your students, classroom, and library!

One Direction Song Lyrics Activity - One Direction is ultra-popular with tweens & teens right now. Why not harness that enthusiasm for music and incorporate their songs into your lessons? Your students will love you for "letting them" listen to it in class.

Caption It! (2) Creative and Expository Writing Exercises - Another bundle of images: Your students can practice creative writing or use it for journalism to teach caption writing. Either way, it's a fun and versatile activity. 

Plus, I'll be adding more this weekend...

And if you still haven't purchased my Hunger Games Introduction & Visual Aides Powerpoint yet, the sale will be a perfect time to get it at a low price. It's more than just an introduction...I have visual aides and prompts for the entire novel (with stopping points so you won't give anything away). Includes a student handout, as well.

New Photos of Henry River Mill Village

Margaret Whisnant of Taking Grades for Teachers has once again taken some great pictures of Henry River Mill Village. Because she doesn't live too far away, she was able to spend some time there on a nice sunny day and snap some remarkable photos. I know many of you who have seen the movie will recognize a lot of these shots. Plus, she included some never-before-seen images of "District 12."

Check out her package, which includes 20 photos and a brief history, in her TpT store: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Hunger-Games-Photos-from-District-Twelve

She also has details about it in her blog: http://takinggrades.blogspot.com/2012/05/hunger-games-twenty-photos-from.html

These will certainly be wonderful visual aides for your lessons!

Get Ready for the Teacher Appreciation JACKPOT!

*The Jackpot is now closed.* 

I hope you were able to cash-in on some wonderful products to jump-start Teacher Appreciation Week! Please know that we are grateful for everything you do to teach our children. Have a great finish to your school year! And don't forget, the Teacher Appreciation Sale is still going on for two additional days. Click on the image below to start shopping:

Do you ever wish that just once you would get lucky enough to win something? Well, your luck is about to change!


To show our appreciation to our fellow teachers, over 130 teachers have teamed up to bring you a mother-load of free products. And I'm not talking about products that are already free. These are lessons and resources that are normally priced between $3-$8 that will be offered FREE on TeachersPayTeachers  to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week. It is Sunday only, so don't miss out!

You can download my product (normally $4.99) here:

Writing and Mini-Research Projects Using Quotes

This lesson can be used in many content areas and is aligned with the Common Core Standards. I hope you will find it useful for many years.

I'll also be having a 20% off sale on everything in my store Sunday through Tuesday, so it's a great time to stock up on all those lessons to finish the year AND prepare for next year. Since the site is participating in an additional 10% off (if you use coupon code TAD12 at check out) that's like 30% off! Thank you, Teachers, for all you do!

Though my site includes the link-up for the 7-12th grade teachers below (scroll down to see all the blogs participating), you can find the other grade-level links on the blogs of our generous hosts for this awesome event. These three ladies coordinated everything, so give them a big hand:

PK - Grade 2 - April McNair on A Modern Teacher 
Grades 3 - 6 - Laura Candler on Corkboard Connections 
Grades 7 - 12 - Adrianne Meldrum on The Tutor House