The Literacy Approach. “Influential Friends”: Project Based Learning in our #AlQaReading Book Club "The Boy at the Top of the Mountain"

 “Influential Friends”

Influential friends can significantly impact a person's life, as we have seen while reading "The Boy at the Top of the Mountain".

In "The Boy at the Top of the Mountain," the concept of influential friends, particularly the friendship between Pierrot and Anshel, plays a significant role in shaping Pierrot's journey and eventual transformation. Their bond is portrayed as strong and enduring, with Anshel initially representing a positive and supportive influence on Pierrot. However, as Pierrot's life and beliefs are influenced by the Nazi regime and its ideology, he gradually internalizes these values, distancing himself from Anshel and his former self. 

During adolescence, peer relationships become a primary influence on an individual's development, impacting their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. These relationships help adolescents navigate the complexities of adolescence, shaping their sense of self, exploring identities, and developing important social skills. Peer interactions can be both positive, offering support and a sense of belonging, and negative, leading to potential challenges like peer pressure and social exclusion. 

In this activity, you will create posters advocating for acquiring good influences based on the relationships described in the novel. Follow the instructions given here to guide you through the process:

STEP 1. Pierrot’s behaviour 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.

STEP 2. SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT. You may want to CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS IN YOUR PROJECT:

1. What are social groups? How important is your group for you? where did Pierrot belong to all thoughout the book?
2. The role of groups in influencing individual behaviour.
3. Groupthink
4. Conformity and social influence
5. How group SIZE and IDENTITY influence behaviour
6. The influence of groups on social responsibility and collective action
7. Social responsibility
8. PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT DURING ADOLESCENCE.
9. Positive and negative aspects of group influence

Research the impact of individuals and social groups on personalities and belief systems. USE ONLY THESE TWO ARTICLES AND VIDEOS.

STEP 3. Design a poster, using the information you acquired, that encourages your peers to make good choices in their relationships. The poster must include the following:

✔ 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.

STEP 4. Share your poster with your class and consider how the other posters convey the importance of their messages using persuasive language and visual imagery.

STUDENTS SAMPLES