Questions and Answers
What were the 3 recipients each doing when they received the letter?
- Reading a novel, 2. Trying to fall asleep/might have done something wrong, 3. Listening to sounds outside.
What grade are they in?
6th
What is their teacher's name?
Ms. Hussey
What is their school called and where is it located?
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Who started their school?
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Why did John Dewey start 'the U'?
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What do they debate about in class?
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What does Calder always carry with him?
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How many houses do Calder and Petra live apart?
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Why/when do they run into each other at Powell's?
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Why do they go to the art museum?
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Where does Petra go to look for more paintings?
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When Calder and Petra are returned to Ms. Hussey by the security guard, how does Ms. H react?
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Why does the class give up on their life-changing letter project?
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What book does Petra pick up?
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What is 'Lo' about?
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Who is the author of 'Chasing Vermeer'?
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What phrase is written inside the front cover?
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What/who does Petra see when she closes her eyes?
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What does Calder think is art?
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What did Calder's grandmother always say helped you think?
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Who is in the weird trio outside Calder's window and why are they there?
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How is the letter from Tommy written?
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What does the letter from Tommy say?
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What is the story with Tommy's parents?
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What does Calder tell Tommy to do?
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What did Petra say was art?
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Who wrote 'Lo!'?
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Who invites them to tea?
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What painting does Ms. Sharpe have a print of?
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Who does Calder research?
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What does Petra hear her father saying?
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Who does Petra dress up like?
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Who are Petra's parents?
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Who are Calder's parents?
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What street do they live on?
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What neighborhood do they live in?
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What does Calder think about Vermeer?
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Study Notes
Setting and Characters
- Calder and Petra are 6th-grade students.
- They attend "The U," located on the edge of the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park.
- Their teacher, Ms. Hussey, encourages debating art and communication methods.
Historical Context
- The University school was initiated by John Dewey as an experimental project focused on relevant projects and practical learning.
Key Events and Interactions
- Calder always carries pentaminos, which play a role in their interactions.
- The two characters live three houses apart and occasionally meet, such as at Powell's bookstore.
Art Appreciation and Exploration
- Calder and Petra visit the art museum in search of remarkable letters related to artworks.
- Petra explores the storage closet for additional paintings, reflecting curiosity.
Letter Writing Project
- The class abandons their project on impactful letters due to the inability to find significant examples.
Notable Books and Authors
- Petra picks up "Lo!" by Charles Fort, which discusses peculiar natural occurrences.
- "Lo!" serves as inspiration for Petra's understanding of art.
Symbolism and Imagery
- Calder perceives "THE GEOGRAPHER" as a representation of art.
- Petra visualizes a woman in a yellow dress, indicating her imaginative tendencies.
Communication and Mystery
- A letter from a boy named Tommy uses a pentamino code, expressing his discomfort with his neighborhood and a missing neighbor.
- Tommy's background includes a father he never met and a mother who returned from vacation with a new husband.
Relationships and Family
- Petra dresses as the Lady in "LADY WRITING" by Vermeer for Halloween, showcasing her admiration for art.
- Calder's research focuses on the artist Vermeer, whom he finds enigmatic.
Significant Discoveries
- The trio outside Calder's window includes Ms. Hussey, Mr. Watch, and Ms. Sharpe, indicating the interconnectivity of characters in their lives.
- Ms. Sharpe gestures towards art appreciation, owning a print of "THE GEOGRAPHER," symbolizing a shared passion among adults in their lives.
Themes and Reflections
- Calder reflects on Vermeer, noting that he left more questions than answers, which could relate to themes of mystery and inquiry present in the narrative.
- Petra hears her father expressing reluctance to engage in Halloween festivities, hinting at underlying family dynamics.
Changes and Growth
- The narrative demonstrates the characters' individual journeys as they explore art, communication, and their surroundings, crafting a growing sense of identity and understanding of their world.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of the first eight chapters of 'Chasing Vermeer' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key details about the characters, their actions, and settings that are integral to understanding the story. Perfect for students studying this book in class.
