Chapter 9

1) What door had blown open for Tree-ear after Min refused to teach him?

2)  Describe in detail what Tree-ear give to Crane-man before he left?

Chapter 8

1) Why does Tree-ear offer to journey to Songdo with Min's pottery?

2)  What is Min's reaction when Tree-ear asks the potter to teach him how to make a pot?

Chapter 7 Shattered pottery

1) Why did Tree-ear describe Kang's chrysanthemums as "ugly" to Min?

2)  Why did Min smash all the vessels?

Virtual pottery

You get to try throwing your own pot! Have fun!

virtual pottery

Simile/Metaphor

We have been discussing simile and metaphor which are figures of speech. Both compare two unlike things. Similes use "like" or "as", and metaphors do not. Writers use them to create a certain feeling for the passage that is being read. Similes and metaphors make the passage more interesting.

Please write a sentence or two about what it would be like to be a potter. You will need to include a metaphor or simile.

Chapter 3/4

1. Do you think that Min will ever teach Tree-ear how to make a pot? Why do you think he gives Tree-ear so few verbal instructions at each new step in preparing clay for pottery?




2. How does the way the homeless were treated in Tree-ear's time compare with the way they are treated today? Please explain your answer.

Chapter 2

1. Describe Tree-ear's first day of work for Min. How did he feel:
    *Before the work began?
    *While he was doing the work?
    *After the work was done?

2.  How did Crane-man help Tree-ear after his work was done? How did he help Tree-ear the next morning?

Chapter 1

1) What is the relationship between Tree-ear and Crane-man?

2) What does Crane-man mean when he says, "Work gives a man dignity; stealing takes it away?

Pre-reading activity

A Single Shard is historical fiction-one that uses history as the background for imagined events. Preview the book by reading the title and the author's name. Look at the front cover illustration. A shard (used in the title) is a piece of broken pottery or earthenware. Knowing this, what do you think the story will be about? Where and when do you think it takes place? Have you read any other books by ths same author? Take your time and submit a well thought out comment.