Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Perspective

Hi Guys!
Today we talked a bit more about perspective. We talked about first person, in which the story is being told by one person's point of view, a person that is in the story. You tend to read a lot of "I did....." "We went"...etc.
Third person is when a story is told by a narrator that is not part of the story.
Some stories that we have read together told in first person are:
Schooled ( each chapter told by a different character's point of view, but all first person)
and
The Liberation of Gabriel King.
Some stories that we have read together told in third person are:
Where the Wild Things Are
and
Chrysanthemum.

Mr. Geranis talks about two different types of third person on his reading blog, Limited and Omniscient. Go on and read about the difference if you are interested.
Discussion Points:
a. What type of perspective does the author of the book you are currently reading use?
b. What type of perspective, First or Third, do you prefer?
c. Why?
d. What might be the advantages or disadvantages of using either First or Third person perspective?

Monday, November 16, 2009

Fear and Terrance-L.O.G.K.

Terrance appears on Gabe's list of fears.Why do you think Gabe is so afraid of Frita's big brother Terrance?

Have you ever been afraid of someone? Why were you afraid of them?

L.O.G.K chapters 7 and 8-Frita's Plan


Frita has hatched her plan......and Gabe is not happy about it.
What are your thoughts on Frita's plan? Do you think it will work? Why or why not?

While reading this part of the book, I thought about my own fears. I started to make a list in my head. I am scared of falling from high places. I am scared of fast cars and driving on the highway. I am scared of my kids getting hurt. When I was a kid, I was scared of walking up my driveway in the dark. However, I use to make myself walk up the driveway anyway. Now I am not that scared, although if I think about being scared........I end up getting a bit scared.
What kinds of things are you scared of? Is it easy for you to make a list? Do you have more than 18 fears like Gabe?
Do you think facing your fears can help you get over them? Have you ever faced a fear? What happened?

Thursday, November 12, 2009

L.O.G.K. -chapters 2-4

Hello Readers!
I am so enjoying reading this book with you! Thank you Candace for suggesting it as our next read-a-loud! I am posting some discussion points for you below from our reading of chapters 2 to 4. You do not have to answer all questions, these are just to get you thinking to help you post. You can also read your classmate's posts to get you thinking as well. If you agree or disagree with someone, remember to be polite, and to back up your thoughts with examples and explanations. Happy blogging...........


In chapters 3 and 4 we read about a lot of uncomfortable events. There seem to be quite a few bullies in Gabe and Frita's town! There also seem to be a lot of people that pretend not to see what is happening.
1. What do you think is worse, bullying behavior or ignoring behavior? Why?

Frita stands up for Gabe and tries to help the situation with the 6th grade boys. Gabe feels she has made the situation worse.
2. Do you think she made it worse? What do you think she could have done differently, or do you think she did the right thing?

In chapter 4 Gabe is in an uncomfortable position. He wants to tell his mother what happened, but he does not want the situation worse.
3. What would you do if you were Gabe?

4. Allie mentioned during our class discussion that this book reminds her a bit of Winn-Dixie. Do you make any other connections so far with this book, either with other books, movies, or stories from your own life?

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K.L. Going

We started our new read-a-loud today, a realistic fiction book called
" The Liberation of Gabriel King" by K.L.Going. http://images.amazon.com/images/P/039923991X.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
In the first chapter the author really sets up the story by giving you much information on the setting as well. She also introduces you to the two main characters, Gabe and his best friend Frita. My discussion questions for you are the following:

1.Which character interests you the most after just one chapter and why?
2. Tell me what you learned about the setting and why or how you think this setting might be important to the story?

Friday, October 16, 2009

Schooled Chapter 13

In chapter 13 we meet Sophie's Dad. Share with us your "impressions" from this chapter. Be sure to explain why the chapter made the way it made you feel. Share with us any connections you may have had, as well as any wonderings.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Schooled

In chapter 12, Cap talks about television and the show"Trigonometry and Tears". In class we talked about television a bit, and how much we all watch or don't watch.
There is a lot of talk about how much television kids watch nowadays and how it can effect them.
My questions for you today are these;
1. Do you think, in general, kids watch too much television nowadays? Explain your answer.

2. Television may have some good effects and also some bad according to many people. Tell me how you think television can benefit kids and how it may not benefit kids.