"Tears of a Tiger" begins with a newspaper article reporting an auto accident that claimed the life of Hazelwood High student Robbie. Prior to reading the book, students can examine the importance of newspapers or other news outlets. The instructor can make copies of a newspaper article and distributes a copy to each student. After reading the article, students can discuss the "Five Ws and One H" of journalism: "Who," "What," "Why," "When," "Where" and "How." Students may then discuss these details as a class, noting if the article lacked any pertinent the details.
Alternately, the instructor can give each student a different newspaper article. Once students record the Five W's and One H for their articles, the instructor can give each student a copy of another student's list. Based on the information in front of them, students can deliver an oral summary of the article. On checklists, the instructor may note whether or not students thoroughly explained the Five W's and One H for the article.
Instructors may introduce students to plot details of "Tears of a Tiger" before informing them that they will be reading the book. Before announcing the book plans, the instructor can give students a copy of a newspaper or magazine article that reports the passing of a high-school teen as result of alcohol or drug abuse, a car accident, reckless driving or suicide. The article should include reaction from family members, students and teachers. After reading the article, students should discuss how the student's death impacted the community and why the passing of a young person may be tougher to handle than that of an older person. Following the discussion, the instructor can announce that the class will read "Tears of a Tiger" and provides a brief synopsis of the book's plot.
Themes such as drinking and driving, depression, family and friendship play integral roles in the storytelling of "Tears of a Tiger." Before reading the book, students can discuss what these issues and themes mean to them and share their feelings with the class. Students should discuss their own experiences, if any, with other issues such as anger, denial, discrimination and grief, as long as they feel comfortable doing so.
"Tears of a Tiger" includes tales of life-altering events such as a blazing car accident. Prior to reading the book, students can write an essay detailing the scariest or most disturbing moment in their lives. After completing the activity, students can share their stories with the class. For another writing assignment, the instructor can read only the book's introduction to the class and then have the students record their predictions about what they think happens in the novel. Once students finish reading the novel, they can go back and see if they had any accurate predictions.