Questions about Chinese immigration to Hawaii, Honolulu in 1896, dealing with dementia, foster children, and helping new arrivals.

THE THIEF IN CHINATOWN
TEACHERS GUIDELINES
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (for after you read THE THIEF IN CHINATOWN)
1) How did Ruth get the scar on her face? Do you know other children who have something physically wrong with them? How should you treat them?
2) Tai Po, Ruth’s great-grandmother, was wildly afraid of people. What are some reasons people act that way?
3) The “post office” at the Wong’s Grocery store was very different from a post office today. How did people send letters back and forth between Hawaii and China?
4) It was common for sailors to “jump ship.” Why did John leave his ship? Do you think it was a good enough reason? Why or why not?
5) Yumi had just left the sugar plantation to come to Honolulu. She spoke very little English. Are there children in your class who are struggling with English? How can you help them?
6) In Hawaii, it is common for children to be “hanai” or taken in to be part of another family. Do you know children like John who are living with a hanai family? Are you one of them? What is hard about being hanai? What is good about it?