What Makes a Good Story?

Hmmmm, what makes a good story?  Check out the interview below with Gordan Korman, the author of our class read-aloud, "Schooled". 

www.nbclearn.com/writersspeak

Discussion Points:

1.  What did you think about the interview?  Did you agree with Mr. Korman?
2.  What ideas did you get from the interview that you could use in your own fiction story you are working on in writing?
3.  What other books have you read by Gordan Korman?  If you have not, what ones look interesting to you?  You can see more about the author at http://www.gordonkorman.com/

Capricorn

Capricorn Anderson is turning out to be an interesting character in our class read aloud "Schooled".  Today in writing class we made t-charts and focused on developing our own main characters before we start writing our fiction stories.  We discussed internal and external characteristics. 

Discussion Points:
1. I know we have only read a few chapters, but, based on what we have read, what are some internal and external characteristics that we could say describe Capricorn?

2. Does Capricorn remind you of any other characters from other books you have read?  How so? Are there ways that he is different?

The Sister's Grimm

Discussion Points:

1.  What did you like about this book talk?
2. Is this a book you might add to your "What's Next" list?
3. What other books have you read in the fantasy genre?

Book Talk from Mr. G

Hello Class of Readers!
So happy you were able to get all your book talks recorded today! I can't wait to watch them!
For today's blog, I would like you to visit Mr. G's blog, Bloggin with your Noggin, and read his latest post.  It is a book talk on a great book. 

The link to connect to this is http://blogginwithyournoggin.blogspot.com/, which is also at the side of our blog.
You will notice the look of his blog is a bit different than ours, and you will want to click on the picture that says "Judy Blume". 

After you have read the post, answer the discussion questions here......
Happy Blogging!

Discussion Points:
a. Can you find any of the writing strategies we've been learning to use in class, in this book talk? Which ones?
b. Have you read Freckle Juice?
c. If so, what did you think of it? Why?
d. SPECIFIC feedback on this booktalk?
e. What did you like or not like about it?

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi

 

Today we read a book by one of my favorite authors, Chris Van Allsburg.  You probably all know one of his other books, "The Polar Express". He has written many others, including "Zathura", "Jumanji", and "The Stranger".

Discussion points

1. Have you read any other Chris Van Allsburg books?  If so, which ones?

2. Imagine that Fritz didn't come back to Miss Hester's house. What would Alan have done? Or imagine that Fritz did come back but he remained a duck. How would Alan have explained that to Miss Hester?

3. The author gives a great picture of what the character of the dog is like.  He does not describe the dog, or tell you what he is like, but shows you in other ways.  How would you describe the dog?  Tell me how the author shows you that.

First or Third?

Hello Room Full of Readers!

What an exciting day, the day after the election! I enjoyed our advisory time today, hearing your thoughts, comments and reflections about this year's election and issues.
I also enjoyed our workshop on point of view.  I am so glad you enjoyed "Voices in the Park", and am looking forward to reading it again with you tomorrow and focusing on the pictures and tone of each voice.
We talked today about first-person  and third-person points of view.  Brianna mentioned that "Voices" is told in multiple first-person voices. We also read the beginning of "Charlotte's Web" and decided that that was told in third-person, as if someone was looking down on a story and telling what was happening without being "in" the story.

Discussion Points:

1.  What type of story is the one you are reading for your independent book, is it first or third- person?  Give me an example why, quoting from the book.  ( remember to use quotations if you are using exact words)

2.  Why do you think an author chooses first person or third person over the other type.  Is there one type you prefer to read, or think you have read more of?

3.  Have you ever read a second-person story?  If so, let us know what it was and if you enjoyed it.
How was it different?

Happy Reading!