A Land of Permanent Goodbyes

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“The  ‘Helpers’”

In this activity, students will promote and contribute to volunteer groups that are helpers based on details from the novel.

In response to scary things on the news, Mr. Roger’s mother advised him to “look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Alexia echoes this statement as Tareq continues his journey to Germany.

Consider organizations and volunteer programs that are considered “helpers.” Conduct research to ensure your organization is a helper and not a hunter, as defined by Annis.  Determine a role you would like to fulfill to become a helper in some way in the organization, and draw parallels to the novel’s definition of what it means to be a helper.

• Create a media presentation of an organization/volunteer group you are passionate about.
• Include details about the organization’s mission and purpose.
• Create visual representations of what the organization does. This could be a slideshow or a video.
• Explain how you would become a helper in the organization if given the opportunity; what role would you fulfill? How might your interests and talents be of service?
• Identify other helpers and what they do in the organization.