Spinelli, Jerry. Wringer. New York: HarperTeen, 2004. Print.Teaching Suggestions for Wringer
- Before reading, introduce the text by having students brainstorm what a Wringer is. Once their brains are thinking up enough examples, explain to students what a Wringer is. Introduce the vocabulary associated with the text: wringer, sharpshooter, carcass, misery, traitor, violence, machine gunner, etc.
- During reading, have students complete a character analysis on Palmer's character. Provide an organizer or format to scaffold student's analysis. Ask students: what challenges is Palmer facing? Is he changing who he is to feel included? How is Palmer reacting to the situation? etc. Establish personal connections from students to the text by asking (when appropriate): do you like pigeons? Could you picture having a pigeon as a pet? What associations can you make from pigeons? How would you take care of a pigeon? Would you tell your parents?
- After reading, review the story (whole class) by a quick retelling using the character analysis to guide discussion. Discuss Palmer and what made him be/act the way he did. Why didn't he just come right out and say he didn't want to be a wringer? What challenges did he face because of it? Could Palmer have easily changed what was coming, if so how? After whole class discussion have students individually reflect on these questions in their reader's journal.