Trackers By Patrick Carman

We read about this new book in class and heard from the author why he wrote it. What do you think about combining technology with reading? Do you think it is a good idea? Why or why not?

Here is the the author's website where you can check out his other books.

http://www.patrickcarman.com/

Are there any you have read? What did you rate them and why?
Are there any that look interesting? Why or why not?

What Are Our Stories Really About

Hello Wacky Readers of 2308!
What a fun "WACKY WEDNESDAY"! Too bad I forgot to dress up :)

Today in writing we began to explore what our literature circle books were REALLY about. You began to think deeply about your stories, about what the story's meaning was, what the character learns and if it is a life lesson that can help you live your life differently. You thought about which parts of the story contributed to the message of the story, such as the title, setting, beginning, the changes in the characters, the form and word choice or the ending.
I would like you to use what you practiced today to think deeply about the independent book you are reading on your own. What do you think that story is really about? Share your thoughts, give examples and back up your opinions!
Can't wait to read your posts......you all did an amazing job in class today......yahooo!
Mrs. S

Lit Group Work

Hello Bookworms!

Today in class you met and discussed the following for your group books:

Protagonist and Antagonist
Central tension
Possible Themes

Share with me here your discussion. Let me know if you agreed on things as a group, if you had different ideas, and if you did not agree on any of the following. Make user to explain why you thought what you did and give any evidence you can from the book.
Happy Writing......
mrs. S

Thoughts about our Characters

Hello Room 2308 Readers!
Today in class we had our third lesson in literary essays. We talked about characters and how thinking deeply about them can help us to generate thoughts about what we read. We read the following from a book review written in 1952 on Charlotte's Web.

Wilbur is of sweet nature-he is a spring pig-affectionate, responsive to the moods of weather and the song of the crickets, has a long eyelashes, is hopeful, partially willing to try anything, brave, subject to faints from bashfulness, is loyal to friends, enjoys a good appetite and a soft bed, and is a little likely to be overwhelmed by the sudden chance for complete freedom.
Eudora Welty ( New York Times, October 19, 1952)

We brainstormed ways to think about our characters and used the following list to begin to create min-glimpses of Rachel, the main character in "Eleven" by Sandra Cisneros.

Thinking about Characters
what kind of person is this character?
What does this character long for? Fear?
What is the character struggling against? What gets in the character’s way?
What relationships does the character have and how do these relationships play a significant role in the story?
How does the character change over the course of the story?
Does the character learn lessons or come to realizations?

Tonight, think about the main character in your independent book. Write a paragraph, similar in style to the one above, using the "Thinking about Characters" list to help you. Try to use the author's choice of words to help you gain insight into your character.
Happy Reading!
Mrs. S

Reading Deeper

Hi Class!

Today I saw some great work on our new literary essay unit. You worked hard at trying to generate original thoughts about what you are reading. Tonight, you are asked to continue that work in your head, focusing on what you are reading, noticing the little details that may go unnoticed, and generating your thoughts about these details.
We talked about how wondering about character's motivations, actions, thoughts and feelings can help us to understand our characters. It can also help us to think deeper about our characters.
Share with me your thoughts so far with this process. How is this going with your own independent reading? Remember to explain yourself fully, with at least 5 sentences, check your grammar and spelling before sending off your post......Happy Reading!
Mrs. S

More Schoolhouse Rocks!

Ok, back by popular demand.....
Tell me what you think.....practice by writing super sentences with interjections about today's field trip!

Grammar Rocks!

Ok kiddos, here is another Schoolhouse Rocks video. Check it out.......







Write a sentence using at least two adverbs, used correctly. Underline the adverbs. Tell me your reaction to the video. What do you think about the schoolhouse rocks videos? Compare adverbs and adjectives. If you forgot what adjectives are.....here is the video we watched today....