"Eleanor & Park" - Preteaching the '80s

Preteach the ‘80s

These are topics specifically mentioned in the book.  I chose to play a song excerpt each day, and post pictures of items around my room.

• Skinny Puppy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDKkRSUrTd8
• The Misfits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5tMKmmSODk
• XTC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo0lHEonFHc
• The Smiths https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR_KCri-xA0
• Joy Division https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVVdEqBbr4k
• U2/Bono https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tdm10Ot7yIA
• spiral perms http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/p_worst_hair_trends/p4261/page8
• feathered bangs http://www.liketotally80s.com/2013/05/feathered-bangs-gallery/
• Swatch watches http://mirror80.com/2012/05/friday-video-pick-a-swatch-watch-commercial-from-1988/
• Esprit http://www.liketotally80s.com/2013/11/esprit/
• Mary Lou Retton http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/lists/the-top-10-moments-in-u-s-olympic-history-20120726/mary-lou-retton-earns-all-around-title-los-angeles-1984-19691231
• Wheaties boxes https://www.flickr.com/photos/generalmills/6882162973/
• book covers http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Paper-Bag-Book-Cover

I also showed some clips of TV shows from the ‘80s, such as “Growing Pains,” “The Cosby Show,” and “Family Ties.”

Best hook ever

We just started a new quarter, and thus started a new novel.  I chose The Maze Runner because the movie is due out in the fall, and I like to ride the hype bandwagon.  Showing the movie trailer is hands-down the best way to generate interest in a book.  Ever. Especially if it's a good preview.

The best part about reading this book right now is that I know they can't go see the movie, but I'm using it to hook them.  It's the best of both worlds.

"The Maze Runner" preview