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.

“Shoe Salesman”

In this activity, students will draw comparisons with what brings Jenna confidence to items that tie to their own self-esteem.

In the novel, Jenna is confident and at peace when she sells shoes to customers. Consider activities in your own life that help you feel confident and at peace. Select an activity to share with peers and explain how you use the activity to build your self-esteem.

• Select an activity you pursue or participate in that makes you feel confident.
• Explain how you began the activity and the progression of your skill.
• Describe why the activity makes you feel confident.
• Compare your feelings during this activity to the feelings Jenna has when selling shoes.
• Create a visual aid (drawn by hand on poster-sized paper or using software) that summarizes your activity and confidence analysis.

Present or demonstrate your activity and share the details in the bullet points to explain why the activity gives you confidence and how it connects to the feelings Jenna gets while selling shoes.

Teaching Suggestion: Students may find it beneficial to discuss the activities that give them confidence in small groups.