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.

“Influential Friends”

In this activity, students will create posters advocating for acquiring good influences based on the relationships described in the novel.

Pierrot’s behavior changes as a result of Hitler’s influence and his admiration of Hitler as a mentor. Consider the aspects of Pierrot’s personality that have changed and create a poster encouraging peers to be careful when choosing their associations, acquaintances, and influences based on Pierrot’s experience. Include specific details regarding Hitler’s influence on Pierrot as examples.

• Research the impact of individuals and social groups on personalities and belief systems.
• Design a poster, using the information you acquired, that encourages peers to make good choices in their relationships.
• Draw comparisons between Pierrot’s experience and your message.
• Create a memorable slogan for your poster and include a striking picture.
• Develop an explanation of why you chose your statement and how it encourages others.

Share your poster with peers and consider how the other posters convey the importance of their messages using persuasive language and visual imagery.

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to read an article like