Lacey Mclachlan

Kelly Turnbeaugh

English 1010

4/23/2017

Lesson Plan: Teaching Jr. High Kids to Love to Read and Write

Introduction:

Usually in Jr. High it can really make or break your love for reading; a lot of the books

that children read within this time doesnt really grasp the children. Im targeting sixth grade

youth; its the time where teachers heavily discus suicide. Figuring that it has been a hot topic

since Ten Reasons Why came out; Ive picked a text that better depicts suicide. Reading this

book when I was younger really help me understand the situations I was going through. I like

this book but because it reaches a deeper meaning. The book Ive decided to read is By The

Time You Read This, Ill Be Dead

Format:

- Students will keep a journal for the twenty-three days that this book takes place within
each chapter.
- Reading the book out loud every day; only one chapter per day.
- Will discuss what children have read after every day; writing down thoughts and opinions
within the journal.
- End of the unit write an argument essay based off of the reading.
Day 23:
- Students will write in the journal; Reading the cover and back of the book.
- After reading the front and back cover have ten minutes to write thoughts and feeling
about the reading the covers.

Why do you think this book is named, By The Time You Read This Ill
Be Dead?
Do you think that Daelyn Rice really is broken beyond repair? What do
you think made her so on edge?
What do you think the website referenced on the back is?
www.through-the-light.com
Do you think the book Santana will ever talk to Daelyn?
Example writing:
o I feel like the reason why this book is titled By the Time you Read This Ill Be
Dead is because the girl might kill herself or even someone will kill her. This
title would be her final note to her peers.
o It says on the back of the book that Daelyn is broken beyond repair; she might be
broken because of bullying that is referenced on the back. It also noted that
Daelyn cant talk.
o I dont know what this website it nor what completers mean. Although, I know
the term going to the light means dying. This website can reference to people
who are going to die.
o Santana kind of seems like a stalk. Waiting for her after school; its obvious that
Daelyn doesnt want to talk to him. I dont think shell even open up to him.

- After this discussing the answers to these questions; we begin reading chapter one; what
is labeled day 23. After reading we follow up with questions about this short chapter.

Who do you think is this tall white skinny boy that is watching Daelyn?
What do you think she means by a wack attack?
Have you ever had one of these wack attacks?
Examples:
o I feel like the boy who is stalking Daelyn is Satana what who is reverenced at the
end of the book.
o I think wack attack could be a form of a panic attack. You can tell that it is a panic
attack by the way she describes it within the book.
o Ive never personally had a wack attack.

Day 22:
 - Discussions before todays reading.
Why do you think Daelyn remains silent?
Do you think it makes her isolated from her peers?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being silent?
Example Writing:
o I feel like Daelyn remains silent because she feels like she has no one to open up
to. She feels like her family really isnt there for her as in refence to the first
chapter.
o According to the back cover her peers bullied her. She really doesnt want to talk
to her peers; being afraid that they might hurt her.
o Advantages of being silent; She doesnt have to talk to anyone. She wont be hurt
by anyone.
Disadvantages: She cant open up to anyone. No one knows how she really is
feeling.
- Start reading chapter two; what is day 22. After reading this chapter have a discussion
what the chapter is about
Daelyn finally found the website www.through-the-light.com. What do
you think Day of Determination is?
Do you think it was fate for her to find this website?
What will happen after the 23rd day?
Do you think Daelyns dad should have stood up for her when those
people snicker that she is over weight? Do you think it would have
changed her perspective on herself if he had stood up for her?
Example Writing:
o I feel like the Day of Determination is the day she will die. It picks a day for them
to kill themselves. Although, I find it creepy that it knew her name.
o I feel like it was fate; she was only clicking through some websites then she finds
this one. It was creepy that it knew her name and birthday.
o After the 23rd day Daelyn would kill herself.
o Daelyns dad should have stood up for her; its his daughter. Having people
snickering and laughing at her really makes herself of steam go down. If he stood
up for her it would have changed her self-image; making her not feel so over
weight. By him not saying anything made me feel like that he agreed with them.

Day 21:
 - Discussion questions before the reading.
Do you think that Daelyns family really loves her?
Will she ever talk to the white hair tall skinny boy?
Do you think shell change her mind about ending her life?

Example Writing:
o I feel like her family really loves her; although they dont know how to show their
affections.
o I feel like they will talk; but it takes time for them to get to know each other.
o I dont know she seems pretty glum right now. She might not change her mind
about killing herself.
- After reading chapter 3; answer the following questions.
Do you think its a good idea keeping a blog about your life for others to
read?
We finally find out that the tall white haired skinny boy is Santana. Do you
think that Santana had the right to touch Daelyn to try to get her attention?
Do you think that www.through-the-light.com should exist? It discuses the
many ways on how to kill yourself. Do you think that helps a suicidal
person? Does it pursued them more to kill themselves?
Example Writing:
o I feel like its not a good idea to make a blog and keeping your life ideals within
it. Many people can read that blog and use it against you for bullying.
o No I feel like no one should be touched by a random person. Santana just seems
like a creepy stalker.
o I do not think that websites like this should exist. There are many ways to get help
and not through a website is a good idea. I feel like learning the many ways about
killing themselves make them want to do it more.
Day 20:
- Questions before reading.
What are your thoughts about this book so far?
Why did I choose this book for you to read?

Example Writing:
o Right now, at this age we are at a critical time for bullying and suicidal thoughts
to occur. This book gives us inside on what it feels like to be depressed and
suicidal.
o I feel like we are reading this book because we can relate to Daelyn.

- After Reading Questions:

The worst is waking up in the hospital. Your parents are there, crying. Or
your mother is yelling at the doctors and nurses. You come back wrecked
 You ruined Everyones day
It wont happen again
I promise. (page. 29)
What do you think she is promising?
Do you think her parents care if they are yelling the doctors and nurses?
Do you think her parents are even relieved that she is alive?
Do you think that her parents care? Why or why not?
Example Writing:
o I feel like Daelyn is promising that she will not come back next time she attempts
suicide.
o I feel they do care that she is alive; wanting the doctors to help their daughter.
o Well I feel like they are relieved that she is alive but they dont know how to show
it. Its hard for them to put into words on how they feel about this situation.
Day 19 & Day 18:
- Before reading questions.
Why do you think that other people who are broken find others like them?
What are the benefits of having a support group?
Do you think a support group can be online only friends?
Example Writing:
o I feel like people attached each other in their time of need. Finding others like
them to help get through hard times.
o A lot of benefits of having a social group; they help each other get through tuff
times.
o A support group is a support group; even if its online.
- After reading questions:
Why do you think people judge over weight?
Do you think that Daelyns therapist helping her?
Do you think its fair of Daelyn to keep quiet while her mom is trying to
talk to her?
Example Writing
o People judge over weight because its not part of the societys norm.
o I dont think that the therapist is working; Daelyn still isnt talking. Maybe trying
to find one that actually makes her want to talk.
o I dont think its fair because her mom is trying to help; Daelyn wont take it.
Day 17:
- Before reading discussion:
Do you think that Daelyn is getting better?
What needs to happen before Daelyn can talk?
 Can she stand up against her bullies? Why would you do?

Example Writing
o I dont think shes getting better. Nothing has changed for her.
o I feel like she needs to be happy before she can talk again.
o She doesnt have anyone to turn to against those bullies. She needs to find friends
to help her standup against them.
- After Reading:
Why is Satana trying so hard to talk to Daelyn?
Should her parents be monitoring her computer usage?
Would you feel safe on a website like through the light?
Example Writing:
o I feel like Satana has a crush on Daelyn. He might try to get through to her and
make her like him back.
o Daelyn has every right to be on the computer. Her parents should not be
monitoring her computer usage.
o No a website like that should not exists because its helping her wanting to kill
herself more.
Day 16:
- Before reading discussion:
Do you think that this book is relevant to todays youth? Why or why not?

Example writing:
o Well, I feel like it does relate to todays youth. I have many aspects that our
generation has to deal with. It discusses deeper issues that no one really wants to
talk about nowadays.
- After Reading discussions:
Why do you think Daelyn joined chorus when she doesnt even speak?
Do you think her parents have started tracking that she goes on through
the light website?
Was it fair for Daelyn to interrupt Satanas and her moms conversation?
Example writing:
o I feel like her parents forced her into chorus; they felt like it would be good for
her and maybe actually get her to talk.
o Her parents havent found out yet because they havent revoked internet
privileges.
o Daelyn had every right for interrupting them; Satana is nothing but a creepy
stalker.
Day 15:
 - Before reading questions:
We are almost halfway through; Do you think Daelyn will herself on the
final day? Why or why not?
Example writing:
o No, I dont think she will kill herself. Books tend to have a good ending; it will
have a moral to the book by teaching our peers that someone can be there for you.
- After reading discussion:
Why do you think that friends are not part of the final form?
Why does she refer her mom and dad by their first names?
Do you feel like her parents love her?
Example Writing:
o I feel like a lot of people who are suicidal do not have friends. They tend to isolate
themselves before they kill themselves.
o She might not love her parents; not being there for her in the way she needs them.
o I feel like her parents do love her just dont know how to show their affections.
Day 14:
- Before reading questions:
What are the important of having friends for you? Do you think its easy
for everyone to make friends? Explain a time that your friends have been
there for you.
Example writing:
o Its important to have friends because they can be there for you in your time of
need. I think its hard for everyone to make friends because some people have a
hard time opening up to people. One time I was crying and my friend drove out in
the middle of the night to come pick me up.
- After Reading Questions
Secrets. I cant take them with me. If I do, when I go, When I arrive at my
final destination, Ill be impure. I have no choice but to trust that
theyre safe here. (page. 72)
What is implied here? Do you think Daelyn will keep secrets before she
dies?
- Writing examples:
o I feel like since Daelyn doesnt talk she will keeps secrets to her grave. She wont
open up to anyone letting know that she doesnt want to live anymore.
Day 13:
- Before reading questions
Through-the-light.com, a suicide board
Is it an ethical site?
 Is it freedom of speech?
Do you think if it didnt exist would she still try to kill herself?
Example Writing:
o I dont think this website is ethical. It helps people wanting to kill themselves
want to do it more; it drives people off the edge. It is not freedom of speech
because its unethical website making people kill themselves. I still feel like
Daelyn will try to kill herself even if the website didnt exist because she was
trying before she found that website.
- After reading discussion:
What would you do if you saw a girl like JenniferJessica bullying
someone?
Who do you think actually stood up and let her share music sheets with
her?
Satana is almost there waiting every day for Daelyn; Where do you think
he was today? Why wasnt he waiting?
Example Writing:
o I would stand up to them if I saw this bullying or if I couldnt I would get a
teacher.
o I feel like it was a nice girl who saw Daelyn getting bullied to help her.
o Satana might finally give up on Daelyn; he might have found something else to
occupy his time.
Days 12, 11, 10:
- Before reading discussion:
Have you ever been bullied? What did you do? Do you think that someone
can help you if you are in that situation?
Writing example:
o I have been bullied; all I did was let it happen its hard to stand up for yourself. I
feel like if I asked for help someone would have come for me.
- After reading discussion:
Do you think Daelyn will IM Satana back?
Daelyns mom asks her if she likes Satana; do you think deep down
Daelyn really does like Satana?
Do you think that Zero Tolerance polices are actually helpful? Why do you
think that the principle didnt help her?
Example Writing:
o I dont think that she will message him; She powered down her computer right
when he messaged. She obviously does not want to talk to him.
o She avoids him at all cost; she does not like him at all.
 o Zero tolerance doesnt help anyone at all; it didnt work for Daelyn. The reason
why the principle didnt help her is because Daelyn didnt talk to them at all.
Day 9:
- Before reading question:
How should the school help with bullying? What needs to take place?
Example writing:
o I feel like the school needs to take bullying more seriously. If teachers see
bullying they need to talk to the students one on one about whats happening.
Rules need to be more enforced in to schools.
- After reading discussions:
By the time I was ten I already knew my destiny. By middle school I had
plan for escape, for control. Theres always a way out. All you have to do
is take it. (Page. 113.
What was Daelyns try way for escape and a control over her life?
Do you think shes just surrendering on life?
Example writing:
o Daelyns control over life is by her not talking and wanting to kill herself.
o I feel like she is just surrendering on her life; after a while things really do get
better.
Day 8:
- Before reading question:
How should suicidal people get help?
Example writing:
o I feel like they should get help by telling there parents. Another away to get help
is going to the schools counselor and telling them what is going on in their life.
- After reading discussion:
Girls scare me more than boys. Boys are cruel. Girls are mean. (Page.
118)
What does Daelyn mean by this quote?
She squeezes my shoulder and says, We love you so much I know, I
know they do in their own helpless way. At times like this, Im thankful I
dont feel loved. (Page. 126)
What will it take for her to feel loved?
Example writing:
o I feel like this quote means that she is more scared of girls. Girls are meaner to
other girls because of jealousy.
o I feel like her parents have to be more loving and hugging to make her feel more
loved. She needs a support system right now in her time of need.
Day 7 & 6:
- Before reading question:
We are going to write an argument essay about this book. What do you
feel like would be a good topic to write about?
Example writing:
o Good topics
Does the school need to be involved with people who are
depressed?
Should a website like through the light exists?
Should we stand up more for bullying?
- After reading questions:
Santana says: If I have to, Ill do chemo to fight the beast whatever it
takes to stay alive (page. 137)
Compare and contrast Daelyns fight to stay alive.
Example Writing:
o Well Santana is fighting cancer and Daelyn if fighting not to kill herself. Daelyn
in a sense wants to die; while Santana is fighting for his life.
Day 5 & 4:
- Before reading question:
Do you think Daelyn is finally getting better?
Example writing:
o I feel like she is getting better. She seems to be hanging out with Santana more
and being happy hanging out with him.
- After reading questions:
Do you think that Daelyn and Santana are finally becoming friends?

Example writing:
o I feel like Daelyn and Santana is finally becoming friends. Daelyn is hanging out
with him and also going to his house. Even though she still hasnt talked to him
she seems happier at a distance.
Day 3 & 2:
- Before reading questions:
We are getting close to the end of this book. It seems like Daelyn and
Santana are becoming friends. Thinks are looking up for her. Do you think
she still will go through with her plan; is too late for her?
Example writing:
 o I feel like she wont go through with her plan she seems happier now. Things are
looking like they are getting better for her.
- After reading questions:
I wish you would talk because Id like to get your thoughts on pantheism.
A basic moral belief that doing harm oneself harms us all, that were all
interconnect (page. 173)
What do you think that this quote means?
Do you think that pantheism is real?
Example writing:
o I feel like this quote means that if we hurt ourselves someone else gets hurt.
o I feel like pantheism is real.
Day 1:
- Before reading question:
Read this quote Suicide doesnt end the pain it just passes it on to
someone else
What do you think this quote means?
Do you think someone else would get hurt if Daelyn killed herself?
Example writing:
o I feel like this quote means if you killed yourself someone else would feel that
pain.
o I feel like Santana would be really sad if she killed herself.
- After reading question:
Santana presses my head to his chest. Im heaving, Im sobbing so hard.
we all get better too, you know. I heal you, so sayeth Santana Lloyd
Girard the Second, renowned lady-killer.
That makes me cry louder
He rests head on mine and lets me cry it out. I think Ill drown in my own
self-pity. (Page. 197)
She finally isnt alone; Do you think Santana is a good friend?
Why do you think he came in her time of need?
Example writing:
o I feel like Santana is a good friend. I feel like she knew she need someone to be
there in her life.

End of Book Paper:

- We finally got to the end of the book; we are going to write a paper based off of youre
feeling about any subject of that is related to this book.
- Subjects:
o Why is friendship important?
o How should the school get involved with people who are suicidal?
o Was this book appropriate to read?
o What character do you relate to the most in this book? Why?
o What are ways that people can get help if they are feeling hopeless?
Refrences:
Peters, Julie Anne. By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead. N.p.: n.p., 2009. Print.
Reflection:
I actually had fun writing this project; I felt super anticipated to start this project because

of how excited I was. With my background of being a preschool teacher I knew a lesson plan

with right for me. I really havent written lesson plans for Jr. High students so this was kind of a

first for me. I feel like this is a hot topic right now because of the infamous Thirteen Reasons

Why. I wanted to pick a text that people can relate to more; this book I found in jr. high and it has

helped me throughout my life. I picked this book because if it helped me it can help other people

in their time of need. I picked jr. high kids because it really makes or breaks their love of reading.

Picking a book about bullying and suicide helps kids understand that what they are going

through they are not alone. Picking this book because it really plays with emotions; you can get

lost within your emotions while reading this book The first time I read this book I cried.

Wanting to be a counselor for this age group I feel like I would suggest this text to anyone who is

going through a hard time. It teaches people that they can reach out and find friends. People care

if you died even if its just one person people still care.