Activities
Have you finished reading the book or watching the movie? Try out some of these activities!
Make Your Own Mixtape
Music is an important part of the book and movie-make your own mixtape of songs that you find meaningful. What's your tunnel song? What song reminds you of your friends? Click on the photo to your left to create your own mixtape like Charlie!
Write Your Own "Dear Friend" Letter
Write honestly in a journal, on your computer, or wherever else you feel comfortable in the same "Dear Friend" letter format Charlie uses. See how writing your thoughts down makes you feel and if it helps you understand Charlie's need to write the letters.
Manage Your Stress Activity
Make a chart like the one above to fill out the things that are stressful to you. Ask yourself, "How will this matter a year from now?" Consider the situation and if the stress will still affect you long term-this might give you some perspective on smaller problems or allow you to reach out for help if the worry is bigger.
Take this Quiz!
Are you a wallflower or a participant? Follow this link to take a short quiz:
http://www.quizilla.teenninck.com/quizzes/24357586/are-you-a-wallflower-or-a-participator
http://www.quizilla.teenninck.com/quizzes/24357586/are-you-a-wallflower-or-a-participator
Analyze
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
During the book, Charlie answers a question Sam poses by saying, "We accept the love we think we deserve." Sam had asked "Why do I and everyone I love pick people who treat us like we're nothing?" Think about how you would answer Sam's questions. Do you agree with Charlie's answer? Why or Why not?
Circle of Control
Create a circle of control. Put the circle in a notebook, on your computer, in chalk-whatever works for you. Inside the inner circle, write what things you can control, such as your reaction to events. In the outer circle, write what is out of your control, like when someone says something negative about you. This is a good visual for teens who get stressed because of events they cannot control.
For more ideas about this activity, check out this blog post: http://www.psrideaweb.com/2012/08/what-can-i-control.html
For more ideas about this activity, check out this blog post: http://www.psrideaweb.com/2012/08/what-can-i-control.html
Banned Books
The Perks of Being a Wallflower has faced a great deal of censorship since its publication in 1999. Although not all censors have succeeded, the topics in this book are sensitive and many parents do not want them discussed in the classroom. Consider what it means to ban books, specifically this one. Write about how censoring this book could affect potential readers.
For more information on censorship and this book refer to this article: http://www.ctzine.com/banned-books-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower-just-tell-me-how-to-be-different-in-a-way-that-makes-sense/
For more information on censorship and this book refer to this article: http://www.ctzine.com/banned-books-the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower-just-tell-me-how-to-be-different-in-a-way-that-makes-sense/