English Arts Festival

Discussion Board: The Pigman and Me

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 16:02:39 Author: Kolopajlo, Karissa <fh_kkolopajl@seovec.org> Subject: themes  I think that one of the biggest themes throughout the novel is growing up. All of us have to face this as we reach adolescents and we begin to see things in our own lives that we do not like. We begin to look towards other people, places and things to make up for that lack of perfection on our own life.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:10:10 Author: Hayden, Kellie <khayden@loganhocking.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  Yeah, it's all about the journey. How we get to one point is just as important or more important than getting there. Paul luckily gets help from many people outside his immediate family because his mother and father are either non-existent or view him as a "stone around her neck." Thank God for those wonderful souls who guide us through the difficult teen years.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:18:21 Author: Hendricks, Jeni <fh_jpierson@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I agree as well. We all want to share our thoughts and feelings with an individual that will listen but also give us advice and guide us in the right direction. We all need someone to take interest in who we are and many times the individuals will be people who have experienced life.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:43:34 Author: Guffey, Melissa <tl_mguffey@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I agree with each of you. Many times we find the unexpected in people we would not dream would make any difference in our lives. John finds that in Nonno and also Jennifer. I believe both of these people shape John into who he chooses to become, just as each of us to relate personal characteristics we have back to people that have made a difference in our lives. Adolescents is a very hard and discouraging time for most. I believe that by John having Nonna as his guide, he made decisions based on what he had learned was important to him and his existence in the world.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 07:51:24 Author: Harter, Megan <fh_mharter@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I wish that everyone had at least one person like Nonno Frank to help them through those tough years. I think that when I do this book with my class, I will have them take some time thinking about who their pigman might be.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:17:51 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  I agree with you. I have encouraged my students to read the novels by Paul Zindel because I believe that they can truly realate. I know I can. Each of us need a pigman in our lives.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 04-Nov-2002 16:11:04 Author: Hall, Jona <fh_jhall@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I believe that we have all had that one Pigman in our life. If we didn't have the Pigman as a child we will find them at some point within adulthood. I had a special someone who was close to me as a child. If I were to pinpoint someone as being a pigman in my life I would choose her. The lessons that she taught me and the stories she told could never hold the same value to another individual.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 19:26:00 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: themes  Did you have a person during your teenage years as your pigman?

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 19:47:22 Author: Pinkstock, Theresa <terrip@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  I definitely did. Once you realize you cannot count one a parent, I feel you look for guidance else where. I found a special person that I knew would help me when I needed it.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:12:45 Author: Henderly, Elaine A. <elaineh@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  I was very lucky to have a wonderful family to whom I could turn as I grew up. However, as I read this book, I thought of my college roommate with whom I lived for three years. Although she was my age, she seemed more "worldly" and mature than me. She was my pigman... many times giving me sound advice and encouragement. In both The Pigman and The Pigman and Me, Zindel portrays the pigman as an wise, elderly gentleman. Can pigman be those who help guide and shape us on the path to maturity?

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:33:51 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: themes  Can Pigman guide us to maturity you ask. Possibly if we are willing to listen and learn from that person.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:21:03 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  They truly are any person that guides you through life and helps you make the right choices, but allows you to learn from the wrong choices as well.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:26:28 Author: Carter, Jane <jcarter@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  I had several people who were my pigman. These people gave significance to my life. They helped me feel loved and helped me discover what I was to do with my life. They were my extended family........they fed me with emotional support that I didn't always get at home.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 04-Nov-2002 14:45:22 Author: King, Rodney <tl_rking@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I would have to say a coach made a great impression on me. What qualities did he have. I would have to say, he was young and could easily relate juniors and seniors. What qualities did you see in your pigman. Rodney

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 07:49:58 Author: Harter, Megan <fh_mharter@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I know. It makes me feel so lucky to have had the childhood that I did have. On the other hand, it gives a little extra insight to what many of our students face everyday at home.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 21:50:58 Author: Little, Christine <MA-TCLITTLE@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I know what you mean about appreciating your own childhood and gaining a better understanding of our students' homelives. Today, I altered my approach with a specific child due to things I have thought about since reading Pigman and Me. Also, tonight I attended our school's Fall Sports Banquet and I was able to consider the children differently than I had in the past. Great Book!

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 19:20:02 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: themes  I agree about growing up as an adolescenes as a theme. Also realizing what are parents and other adults are really like. As if to seee them in a different light.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 23:07:21 Author: Little, Christine <MA-TCLITTLE@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I had a Pigman even though I also had a wonderful relationship with my parents. This gal was only slightly older than me...I was late high school, she was a young newly-wed. Her influence began as spiritual (She was young enough to entertain my questioning) but we have developed an ongoing relationship that has influenced many parts of my life, including marriage and parenting. I don't know what I would do without her!

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 07:48:16 Author: Harter, Megan <fh_mharter@seovec.org> Subject: Re: themes  I agree with the strong theme about growing up. I teach 8th grade, and most of my students struggle with this everyday. It is interesting to pick out the students who have a main goal to "get out of here". I remember being in high school and having the same drive, which is why I went to college out of state.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 15:42:59 Author: Dietz, Susan <sudietz@loganhocking.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  How many of our students are successful in spite of the parental guidance or lack thereof? This is a great read which can lead to discussions about role models.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 18:22:44 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: themes  I have several students who do not have the best guidance but have turned out well. As well as over zealous parents who burn the child out.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:25:55 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: themes  True, pigman are nothing more than good role models. Sometimes I forget that not all my students experience the same home life as I did as a child or that my chidren do now. These books have really made me think about this and more.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:46:13 Author: Wilson, Sandra <SWi3548332@aol.com> Subject: Re: themes  I think that one of the themes is that we are all on our spiritual journey to find "the meaning of life." People are thrown into our path that enrich our lives,like the pigman, or are a "divine opportunity for growth and change", likd Paul's mother. I know that both have been a part of my life. Also that these experiences and people are what help us to feel alive inside (137).

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:46:38 Author: Wilson, Sandra <SWi3548332@aol.com> Subject: Re: themes  I think that one of the themes is that we are all on our spiritual journey to find "the meaning of life." People are thrown into our path that enrich our lives,like the pigman, or are a "divine opportunity for growth and change", likd Paul's mother. I know that both have been a part of my life. Also that these experiences and people are what help us to feel alive inside (137).

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 16:04:20 Author: Kolopajlo, Karissa <fh_kkolopajl@seovec.org> Subject: theme  Another large theme is that of finding your own pigman. What occured in your life that helped to move you through a difficult time in your life, we all have someone. Who is your pigman that can change your perception of the world.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 18:46:57 Author: Guffey, Melissa <tl_mguffey@seovec.org> Subject: Re: theme  Even though most people are afraid today to discuss this, I truly believe God is a Pigman each and everyone of us should look to when questioning ourselves. At one of the hardest times in my life, I must say I strayed from what I believed; however, as Nonna did in this book and Mr. Pignati did in the other book, they showed that their love and friendship was unconditional. I believe if everyone in the world held God as their own personal Pigman, it may no be such a scarey place to live.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 19:32:55 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: theme  I agree that God is a Pigman however they maybe individuals who feel they need more then their spirituallity to get through tuff times. For example people sometimes go to friends or colleagues as sounding boards for their thoughts or ideas. They may need that immediate feed back.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:27:52 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: theme  God is truly a pigman in my life and many others as well.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 19:30:01 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: theme  Question: Do you think that at different stages of your life, you have a different pigman or the same pigman?

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 19:52:27 Author: Pinkstock, Theresa <terrip@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: theme  I think it depends. If your pigman is a person you can talk to about anything, then you may only have one. However, if your needs change as you get older and someone else, special, comes along that fills that need, your pigman may change. I think finding your pigman is truly special.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:23:22 Author: Henderly, Elaine A. <elaineh@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: theme  I think that the role of the pigman can change each and every day. In Travis, New York, Paul had Nonno as his pigman. What about the next town in which he lived? I am anxious to ask him about the other pigman that he had.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 23:11:17 Author: Little, Christine <MA-TCLITTLE@seovec.org> Subject: Re: theme  That would be a great question to ask!

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 11:18:50 Author: Guffey, Melissa <tl_mguffey@seovec.org> Subject: Re: theme  I believe at different stages in life you have different Pigmans. I know who I looked up to has changed since I was a teenager. My ideas and goals are very different, as well as, are those whom I look to for advice, love, and learning.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 11:44:45 Author: Sharp-Arnett, Robin <robins@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: theme  I definately feel that your pigmen can change throughout your life depending on your needs. I had a "pigman" when I moved to a town that I did not know a single soul in to teach. I had a three month old baby and was desperataly scared, but I knew that I had to step out and make a go of it. The secretary at the school I taught was definately a safety net for me. She took my daughter and myself under her wing. She taught me many things about life as well as became an important piece of my puzzle.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:29:55 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: theme  Most of us probably have a basic pigman that we can relate to, talk to, and spend time with, but we also meet people who in some way become our pigman as well at different times throughout our lives.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:33:00 Author: Henderly, Elaine A. <elaineh@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Defining Pigman  As I read this book, I wondered several things. First, do you think that students need to read The Pigman in order to fully understand the definition of a pigman before reading this book? Secondly, would it be a good idea to define or brainstorm the characteristics of a pigman before students begin to read? Would junior high students get the meaning of a pigman from the text without a little help and guidance? I think my 8th graders would be able to figure out the meaning on their own, but I question whether my 6th graders would understand. What do you think?

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:38:10 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: Defining Pigman  I think that both books need to be read to make sense to the reader. I think with a guided learning that the terminolgy pigman my be handled by sixth graders. Also by giving examples of different situations where a person has or is a pigman.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 13:24:32 Author: Wilson, Sandra <SWi3548332@aol.com> Subject: Re: Defining Pigman  I really felt that the two books being read back to back ia the ideal way to teach them. I teach eighth grade. Our seventh graders read The Pigman. The Pigman and Me would be an ideal novel to teach our eighth graders.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 15:44:18 Author: Dietz, Susan <sudietz@loganhocking.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: Defining Pigman  If they have not read The Pigman, find the paragraph in The Pigman and Me that defines what a pigman is. That would be a good starting point.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:33:03 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: Defining Pigman  I think that eighth graders would catch the meaning, but maybe not sixth. They could probably figure out the meaning just by reading The Pigman and Me but The Pigman is an excellent book as well that gets them thinking and questioning what a pigman is.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 04-Nov-2002 16:15:26 Author: Hall, Jona <fh_jhall@seovec.org> Subject: Re: Defining Pigman  I agree with you and the concern you have for understanding the Pigman concept. I read this book as an eighth grader. Had I read the Pigman at a younger age I may not have been able to appreciate the meaning behind the book. I think that it would be great for students to read the Pigman first and then follow it with The Pigman and Me. I believe that they will appreciate the life of Paul Zindel if they read the story of the Pigman first. Then as they read the autobiography of Paul Zindel, The Pigman and Me, they will have developed a deeper understanding and a different perspective of the lesson to learn.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 21:42:21 Author: Carter, Jane <jcarter@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Theme  I agree that one of the themes in Zindel's book is about adolescence and the struggles that we go through during those years. I also believe that Zindel is saying that becoming yourself and being different is good. The Pigman made Paul feel loved and therefore he wasn't afraid to be himself and to go beyond that. I feel that Zindel believes in a higher being and the need to call upon Him when we are in need and don't know what direction to go in life. The Pigman tells Paul to go to the Volcano and to the highest point and finds his regazzo. Listen to the regazzo and he will tell you and sometimes give you a gift. In Paul's case, the gift he was given was the gift of the pen and his ability to write wonderful books. Sorry.......didn't mean to write a book. I was touched by this book!!!!!

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 28-Oct-2002 23:24:12 Author: Little, Christine <MA-TCLITTLE@seovec.org> Subject: Re: Theme  I really loved this book! I was less enthusiastic about The Pigman. I think it made me uncomfortable. I would not have done many if any of the things John and Lorainne did. I guess I could not relate. This was much more appealing to me, and it caused me to appreciate the first one more. Although growing up is certainly a theme, I think the idea of appreciating individual differences in huge! (Oops! There's my soapbox again!) Paul actually seemed comfortable with his mother's weird-ness, and that allowed him to explore some of his own individuality. That he recognized the oddities in his own life is his ticket out. He moved on from "Travis" and made a life for himself. His friend Jennifer was different. She seemed to fear and complain about her plight, but did not have the deep conviction that she had a choice to remove herself from it in the future.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 12:50:49 Author: Sharp-Arnett, Robin <robins@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: sappy side  I was really impressed by Paul's sensitivity toward Jennifer and her concern for being stuck in Travis, but I was disappointed when she did not get to leave as an adult. I thought he would come back for her somehow.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 15:26:32 Author: Henderly, Elaine A. <elaineh@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: sappy side  I agree. I wanted Paul Zindel to end the story with a note saying that he had married Jennifer and together they had escaped from the zombies and Travis, New York.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 15:41:35 Author: Dietz, Susan <sudietz@loganhocking.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: sappy side  When the students read it, they will wonder as well. To them, true love is forever love. I bet we will have some good discussions in our classroom about that.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 29-Oct-2002 18:05:13 Author: Frazier, Connie <frazier30@juno.com> Subject: Re: sappy side  I agree that I was disappointed when she didn't leave the town and proably became a zombie. However, I like the fairytale ending where they live happily ever after or escape being in a situation that is a dead end. i can not wait until my students read this book.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:51:31 Author: Hennes, Jack <ff_jhennes@seovec.org> Subject: Audience  A thought that keeps coming to mind for me is what about Mom? I can not imagine what she must have felt like if she had an opportunity to read this story. As a parent myself, I strive to create the best environment I can for my children. I hope that I am not so blind that I fail this much. This story should help me to realize the importance of being there for my children and listening to their needs, not just marching blindly in the direction that I feel is best for them. The story begins and ends with mom promising that the place they are going to is going to be better, but she fails to realize when her childern are in the best place they could be in during the story. This is a good book for young adults to read, but I can not help but wonder how good it would be if many of the parents in todays society took the time to read it themselves and spent a little time investigating what they have done and need to do for their own children. I guess what I am really wondering is whether parents can be a pigman for their own children or if a pigman has to come from outside the family? Either way I still feel this story brings to bear the importance of parents being aware of what the needs of their children are and how to fulfill those needs.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 12:05:57 Author: Essman, Wendy <wjessman@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: Audience  A pigman can be anyone who helps fill a spot in your life. You are right on the nose about the need for all parents to read this book and think about their parenting.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 08:56:13 Author: Wilson, Sandra <SWi3548332@aol.com> Subject: Metaphor  I also feel that the apple tree is metaphor for the themes inthe book. By carving a circle around the trunk of the tree you cut off the living part of the tree. It's like slitting its throat (102). Parents can cut off the living part of a child by constant negativity and make the child feel like " an ungrateful stone around their neck" (36). Sometimes a pigman comes around to help you and you don't notice it (80. Sometimes someone can be hurting you and you don't no all the effects that relationship has on you like Paul's mother. Paul did not know the effect his carving was having on the tree. When he did he quit. When his friends found out the effect the carving would have on the tree and the tree's importance to Paul they kept carving.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 14:43:41 Author: Sharp-Arnett, Robin <robins@amanda.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: Metaphor  Very insightful! That is definately true.

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 31-Oct-2002 19:45:08 Author: Carter, Jane <jcarter@west.k12.oh.us> Subject: Re: Metaphor  WOW!! I couldn't agree with you more about the apple tree. The apple tree represents life and love. You chip away the bark on the tree and you kill the tree. You chip away at a person and abuse them verbally and their love for you eventually dies. They die emotionally as well from the chipping away. Good points, Sandra!!!!

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 30-Oct-2002 11:50:23 Author: King, Rodney <tl_rking@seovec.org> Subject: connector:Rodney  It reminds me of reaching out for help to those such as, counselors, friends, teachers, etc.(reliance) Also, circumstances can be difficult and unseen. Kids can be flexible and adjustable. (endurance) Overcoming obtacles usually means making new friends. The circumstances usually means connecting with friends to see you through. (networking) rodney

Current Forum: The Pigman and Me Date: 04-Nov-2002 14:43:29 Author: King, Rodney <tl_rking@seovec.org> Subject: theme  The book makes you want to go out and help a child. Wait, that is what I am doing now. In retrospect, this is what drives me and makes teaching valuable. Being a Pigman for as many as possible. WE can be pigmen, but the communciation must be open. Paul and Jennifer had their ears on, but look at their circimstances. They were able to see the writing on the wall. Rodney