Have You Ever...?

An "into" activity for Jurassic Park

Introduction

As we begin a piece of literature, it is important to understand that all readers, whatever their background and preparation, can experience the words and ideas of great writers and thinkers. Through literature we analyze the human condition and go beyond, into our own everyday experiences to find meaning in our lives. It is particularly important for students to find connections from the literature they are reading to their own lives. Thus, this activity is done before assigning the reading of the novel, Jurassic Park.

The questions below were developed from the plot of Jurassic Park. They are questions that will help students relate personal experiences with the experiences of the characters and events in the novel. Doing so will help the students realize they have something in common with the characters of the novel and will help foster interest in reading the novel.

Objectives

By doing this exercise students will:

• gain a broad overview of the events in the novel Jurassic Park;
• begin to relate some of their personal experiences to experiences of the characters in the novel;
• find personal meaning for their life by exploring issues that are developed in the novel;
• increase their curiousity about the novel Jurassic Park.

Class Time

This activity should take no more than one class period.

Procedure

Students follow these directions:

• Read each question carefully. Have you had this experience or something like it?
• Check those items with which you can identify.
• Choose THREE items that you have experienced and feel comfortable talking about with someone in the class.
• Write in detail what happened: Who was there? What was said? What happened? How did you feel, and why do you think you felt that way? Be honest and thorough. The writing can be done within existing writing journals.
• Share your experiences with another partner. Keep your paper for later use.

HAVE YOU EVER. . .

_____ 1. been to a theme park?

_____ 2. been separated from your parents?

_____ 3. been betrayed by someone you love?

_____ 4. been "roughing it" backpacking?

_____ 5. been afraid of an animal?

_____ 6. had a pet?

_____ 7. enjoyed using a computer?

_____ 8. been hunting?

_____ 9. done something that was a benefit to you but hurt someone else?

_____10. had an adult friend?

_____11. hiked until you were exhausted?

_____ 12. inherited a trait from your parents that you like or dislike?

_____ 13. had a dream or vision that others might say was impossible?

_____ 14. worked very hard for something you deeply desire?

_____ 15. been surprised by the negative consequences of a seemingly reasonable act?

_____ 16. been very interested in dinosaurs?

_____ 17. been bitten by a creature?

_____ 18. traveled to a Spanish speaking country?

_____ 19. been on an island?

_____ 20. been truly hungry without food available to eat?

_____ 21. experienced divorce in your family?

_____ 22. had a hard time deciding what was right or wrong?

_____ 23. had a grandfather who spoiled you with "things" but didn't really know you?

_____ 24. wanted to be a paleontologist and dig up things to learn about the past?

_____ 25. been sure that something was going to go terribly wrong but no one would believe you?