Witches....First Person

Witches is told from the point of view of a child.  We don't know his name, or exactly how old he is, but we do know he is a kid. 
When we read a story told from someone's point of view, when they use "I", then that is called first person.

Discussion points:
1.  Why do you think Roald Dahl chose to tell the story from the boy's point of view?  How would it change if it was told from the Grandmother's point of view?

2.  What other types of points of view, or perspectives, can stories be told from?  How do they differ from first person perspective?

3.  What perspective is your independent book written from?


Happy Reading and Blogging!
Mrs. S

Witches

Hello Smelly Children!
I am having so much fun sharing one of my favorite books with you.  I know, I know....I have a lot of favorite books........what can I say? I do so love Roald Dahl though, and especially like reading "Witches" this time of year.
I want to hear your thoughts on the story so far.  

Discussion Points:

1.  How were you feeling about the book before we started it? Do you feel different now that we have read a few chapters?  How so?

2.  What other Roald Dahl books have you read or know the stories to? What are your favorites? Have you read them or seen the movies perhaps?

3. What genre would you use to describe this book?

Happy Reading tonight.....watch out for women with gloves and blue spit.....:)
Mrs. S

Maniac Goes Home

Well, we finished! I can't wait to hear more about what you think! I so loved reading this book with you and hearing and reading your thoughts.  You are developing into great readers and great communicators about reading.  Today's post has quite a few discussion points.  Pick at least two to discuss in your post.

How would you describe the relationship between Maniac and Mars Bar?  How does it change from when they first encounter each other until the end?  Why do you think this change occurs?
 

Why do you think Amanda is able to get Maniac to come home?  Why does he leave and why doesn’t he want to come back?

Why do you think that Maniac stays with the McNabs for as long as he does?

What families does Maniac encounter during this story?  Which ones did you like best? (Maniac’s Aunt and Uncle, the Pickwells, the Beales, Grayson, the McNabs).  How are some of them different?  How are they the same?  How does Maniac fit in?

How would you describe the style of this book?  How is it different than other books that you have read?  Did this make the book easier to read? Harder? Or didn’t it affect your ability to get into the story?

101 Band Shell Boulevard

In the pages we read today, the story ended with Maniac painting the number "101" outside the equipment room where he had been staying.
In class, we talked about "turning points" in books, and how there is usually a place where something happens, and it turns, or changes the direction the story is going.


Discussion Points;
1.  When Maniac paints the address number outside the equipment room, how do you think this could be described as a "turning point" in the story? How do you think this changes, or turns the story in a different direction?
2.  What events led up to this turning point?
3. Grayson and Maniac had a certain type of relationship a few chapters back, and this relationship has changed recently.  Describe how their relationship was in the beginning, and how it is at this point in the story.

Please be sure to discuss all three discussion points.  Edit your work before sending it off, looking especially at capitals at the beginning of your sentences and punctuation at the end.

Bullies from Each Side!

Bullies! In "Maniac Magee" both the East End and the West End, there are bullies.

Discussion Points:
1. Tell about two times that Maniac has had to deal with or been affected by bullying so far in the story.
2.What do you think makes someone a bully?
3. Maniac left town at the end of Part one of the book.  Make a prediction as to where he is going to go and what will happen to him.
4.  What questions do you have in your mind after part one?