Literature Circle: BFG Vocabulary

We're discovering that there is some tricky vocabulary in our literature circle book, The BFG, along with some unique characters! Here you can post challenging, new, or unusual words you find in the text (along with page number, dictionary definition, and meaning in the story) to help us all understand the story better. Make sure you read what others have posted to avoid duplicate entries.

These posts are part of your literature circle participation grade, so make sure you use proper grammar and spelling. My suggestion is to jot down your ideas before you go to the computer to avoid any careless mistakes.

Follow The Guidelines handed out to you on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

Example Post by Mrs. Perry:

word: brilliant

Sentence: A brilliant moonbeam was slanting through a gap in the curtains. (pg. 9)

Dictionary definition: extremely bright, vivid or radiant

So, this sentence helps me understand that the moonbeam was so bright and radiant that when it fell right on Sophie’s pillow it was impossible for her to sleep.

Section 2: page 20 – 47 As the Giant Moves

As the Giant moves, with his “feet pounding once again over the earth,” the author uses the words “running,” “galloping,” “leaped,” and “rattling” to describe some of the movement (page 21). What are some additional words that might be used to describe how the giant moves “over the earth”? Make a list. Use some of the words to describe how something or somebody moves “over the earth” in a different situation.

Section 2: page 20 – 47 A Special Kind of Giant

The Giant reveals to Sophie that he is a special kind of giant. What does he do? What kind of dreams does the Giant like to give to boys and girls? Have you ever associated giants with dreams? What do you think of this combination? What what/who would you associate dreams with? Why?

Section 2: page 20 – 47 Prediction

Prediction: What do you think will happen next in the story? What leads you to believe this?

Prediction Time!

Sophie makes her own prediction on page 19. "The Giant is running fast... because he is hungry and he wants to get home as quickly as possible, and then he'll have me for breakfast." Do you agree with Sophie? If not, what is your prediction as to what will happen next?

How Long is a Stride? (Math Integration)

On page 19, the stide of the Giant is said to be "as long as a tennis court." What is a "stride"?

According to the World Book, 1991, the length of the tennis court is 78 feet. How many yards is that? Then, with a partner, use a yardstick to measure your own stride. How many strides would you have to take to equal one stride of the Giant?

Post Due: Feb. 9.

Before Reading: BFG Prediction/Previewing

Look at the title of the book, what does the word "friendly" mean to you?

Look at the cover of the book. What do you think that the cover illustrator, Quentin Blake, has chosen to tell about the story through his picture? What do you know about the two characters pictured? Where do you think the story might be taking place? Do you think you'd ike to go to that place? Why or why not?