King+Arthur+Reading+Response

1. Read through the "**Code of Chivalry**" handout with the class. 2. Then find one or two characteristics with which you identify. Do this by looking for one phrase or line that makes sense to you or that you agree with in one or two of the paragraphs. 3. Then answer a handful (3-5 minimum) of the below questions. Choose any of the questions that you like. 4. Aim to write at least a page to a page-and-a-half in your journal or writers' notebook in response to these questions. Write for at least 20 minutes.
 * Sept. 26, 2013**
 * CHIVALRY - what is it?**

Describe these traits. Which do you feel are important to possess? Which trait or traits do you feel you have or are working to develop? Why is it important to strive to be a just or loyal person? What does that mean to you? What does it look like in your everyday life? Has your loyalty or courage or faith ever been tested? If so, how? Does your family value any of these traits? Have you seen people you know exemplifying one of these traits? Maybe you have an aunt, uncle, grandparent or parent who has lived life courageously or nobly. Write about him or her too.

Remember to write for at least 20 minutes about these traits.

Finally, if time allows, begin to imagine an image or sketch that would help represent the trait that is most important to you. It should be an image that could decorate a shield or coat of arms or try creating your own coat of arms by following the directions on this coat of arms designer

Re-read from the middle of p. 52 through p. 56. Then answer these questions. Short answers can be written directly in the margin of your book, or if you'd rather, on a piece of loose-leaf in the literature section of your binder.
 * Friday, 10/4:**

Consider what Merlin's "words from the wiser" are. Sum up his message. And then, in three to five sentences, explain why pride can be so dangerous. Is there a time in your life when you or someone you know had too much pride? Be ready to explain your thoughts to your partner when finished.


 * Create your own version of an Arthurian legend **


 * King Arthur analysis essay**

Overall opinion of the book? Now that you've finished the __Tales of King Arthur__, write about your thoughts on the story. Did you enjoy it overall? Why or why not? Were there things with which you took issue? Name one part that you remember liking? Keep in mind that these are stories that have origins in the old oral traditions, so the authors don't have full control over what they write or don't write, but even so, what did you wish the author had done differently? Would you recommend this version of the tales to another seventh grader who hadn't read it? Why or why not? Did you know much about King Arthur before we read this book? If so, how? Did this vary from what you already knew? Is there one character you wish we heard more from? If so, who is it and what could have been done differently? Write about your thoughts. **They should fill about a page-and-a-half to be thorough.**