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The Descendants - Lesson Plan

The Descendants - Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan for The Descendants

DAY 1 – 4   Discussion Page

  1. Read Chapters 1-2; 3; 4-5; 6-7.  Pay close attention to the Issues/Questions to Ponder in the various chapters.

  2. Writing - Paraphrasing

In your own words, write what is meant by this sentence:  "Her heart was heavy when she saw the rapid diminution of the Hawaiian people going on decade after decade."

      3.  Write 4 facts and 4 opinions from the story here:

Facts Opinions
1. 
1.   
2. 
2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

Write the supporting details here:
Who
 What
When
 Where
How Why
   

DAY 1: What are some of the issues which Matt King must address, and resolve, as the story begins?

DAY 2: What is Elizabeth King's condition and what does that mean for her family?

DAY 3: Why did the King family take a trip while Mrs. King was dying?  Do you think that was wise?

DAY 4: Who was Princess Bernice Pauahi Paki Bishop, and what gift did she give to Hawaii's children?

EXTRA: Do you think that Princess Bernice Bishop wisely disposed of her wealth?  Why/why not?

Watch the following video-clips about the movie, The Descendants:

1.  The Descendants movie trailer

2.  The Descendants, Behind the Scenes

3.  The Descendants Featurette

 

Write details about the characters and events in The Descendants.

Characters Events Relating to the Following:
1. Matt King
 1. Elizabeth ("Joanie") King
2. Alex King
 2. Princess Ruth
3. Kamehameha I
 3. Charles Reed Bishop
4. Princess Bernice Pauahi Paki Bishop
 4. Persistent Vegetative State

Essay Writing

Complete the sentence below, and write your essay here:

Elizabeth King sustained massive injuries while racing a powerboat.  Although she was comatose, and unable to make decisions for herself, she had prepared a "Living Will" which directed the management of her medical care.  The impact of all this on her family was  ...

Building Vocabulary Skills

Select five words from the Visual Vocabulary Builder, for this story, and write sentences using each of those words.

 

Book-Quote Page

Write sentences to explain each of the quotes from the book (using the paperback version):

  1. Page 6 - Mrs. King's doctor tells her family:  "She can survive, but the quality of that survival will be poor." 

  2. Page 41 - In trying to figure out how to deal with his family's property, Matt King observes:  "I look at everything.  I even try to decipher documents and letters from 1920, imagining what two people I've never met would want."

  3. Page 23 - Matt King comments on what it's like to inherit wealth:  "I don't like legacies.  I think everyone should start from scratch."

  4. Page 69 - Something special can happen during a sunset in Hawaii:  "When the sun disappears behind the horizon, sometimes there's a green flash of light that seems to sparkle out of the sea."

  5. Page 270 - Matt King's nerves are getting frazzled as his wife nears the end of her life:  "These past few days have been about trying to weed everyone out.  Go.  Everyone, please go."


ANSWER KEYS for The Descendants - Available to logged-in Academic Members - PART 1;  PART 2