Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.

Create posters; write a sequel to the film; write three chapters from Beth's point of view.

Objective: Students will explore the "missing" perspective in the novel (Beth's); students will speculate on a happier ending to the film; students will extract the most meaningful statements, metaphors, or axioms as ones we can all remember to help us through rough times.

Activity: 1) Students write an epilogue to the film showing what happened to the Jarrett family. 2) Students write three chapters from Beth's point of view and indicate where in the novel they would be most suitable. 3) Students create posters to show how our own perspectives have changed as a result of Ordinary People.

Assessment: Grades based on creativity, comprehensiveness.