Spiderwick

Hello Room 2308 Goblins!

What did you think of the Spiderwick Cronicles?  I love it, but then again, I tend to love the genre of fantasy.  Do you? 
Some of my favorite books are from this genre.  One I really loved when I was in 5th grade was "The Last Of The Really Great Wangdoodles".  I think I liked that so much because of the idea of using your imagination to travel to a secret world.  I also loved the crazy, wacky characters.
The Narnia series was also a favorite, I think I read them all about 5 times each!  There was a secret world involved there as well....hmmm....seems to be a pattern for me...:)
Tell me about your involvement with the fantasy genre.  Do you tend to like to read fantasy?  What are some of the best fantasy books that you have read?  Tell me what was so good about them.
If you do not particularly like fantasy,tell me why.  Tell me about a fantasy book that you have read and what may have turned you off of the genre.
Happy Goblin and Fantastical Creature Hunting.....
Mrs. S

Point of View

Hello Room 2308'ers!

Happy Monday!
Today we read "Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport"by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat.  We talked about point of view and how authors can choose different points of view to tell their stories.  Different points of view can change how a story is told, and each person's point of view comes from their own experiences, history and who they are.
In your independent book, think about what point of view the story is told from.  Explain to us in your post who's point of view the story is told from ( please include the title and author of your book).  Why do you think the author chose that point of view?  How is it important to the story?  How could the story change if it was told from another point of view?
Happy Blogging!
Mrs. S

Bell Curve

Hello Readers!


Did you enjoy "Edward and the Pirates" today?  I love to read stories about other readers, especially when they use their imaginations and show good reading practices!

We talked about the "shape" of stories, or, as Jayme put it, "story maps".  In class we have talked about Hero Cycles and Bell Curves. 

Here are today's discussion points:
1.  What is your favorite picture book?  If you are like me and can't pick just one, pick one that you like a lot. 
2.  Does it fit either of the "shapes" that we have talked about in class?  Tell me which one and how it fits.  If it does not, what does the shape of that story seem to be?

M.O.W.

Hi Room 2308ers!
I was just checking out Mr. Geranis' reading blog and I really liked how he does WOW, Weekend One Word.  If you have a chance, check it out.  The link is on the right side of our blog. 
Anyway, I think we may do that starting next term ( which is next week:)
Today, however, I am going to copy his idea and give you a MOW, Monday One Word post.  That means that this is an easy post, that you can answer in just one, or a few words.  Normally, you will have to post at least  5 sentences.
Anway, today's question is this......
What is the best book you have read so far this year?
Happy reading and blogging........Mrs. S

Our Characters

Hi Readers!
Today we  thought about the characters that we have met while reading Krindlekrax.  There have been a lot of them.
Ruskin, our main character, is pretty unique.  I think we may all have a pretty similar picture in our heads as Philip Ridley really painted a clear pictures with his descriptions of what Ruskin looks like.  For that matter, he really did the dame for many of the other characters as well.
The class seemed to have a harder time coming up with adjectives that described each character, it was definately easier for you all to draw that picture!
I would like you, for today's post, to think about the main character in the book you are now reading for your independent choice.  In at least 5 sentences ( that means you can certainly write more......), please describe your character with adjectives.  I do not want a physical description of what they look like, but what they are like as a person.  Not as easy as the picture......but, if you are reading deeply and think about your character, you should be able to come up with a description of what your character is like as a person.  It is a good idea to give examples to back up how you describe your character.  For example, Ruskin is a brave boy.  An example of this is that in class, he tells Elvis exactly what he thinks of his bad acting, even though there may be repercussions from Elvis later.
I can't wait to hear about your characters.......Happy Reading and Writing!
Mrs. S

Krindlekrax By Philip Ridley day 1

Hello Room of Readers!!!
So, we started a new book today, "Krindlekrax" by Philip Ridley.  I would love to hear your reactions to chapter one.  Think about the following questions and post me a response.  Your response should be AT LEAST 5 sentences, edited for your best work, thoughtful and complete.


What was your first reaction as we started the chapter and met Ruskin and his family?  Did you like any one character more than the others?  If so, why or why not?

Many of you talked about the pictures that you had in your head as we read the first chapter.  Tell me about the pictures that you had.  How do you think the author influenced the pictures that you saw?  Do you think what you saw in your head was the same for each of us in the class?

What are you looking forward to learning about as we read through the story?

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Hello Room Full of Readers!
I am excited to see that many of you have tried blogging! This will be the first post of the year that you are required to post at. Starting in October you will be required to post three times a week as part of your reading grade. A post should be at least 5 sentences, thoughtful, and edited for conventions. If you make a claim, make sure you give evidence or explain your thinking.

For this first post, please share with your classmates what your favorite genre of books is and what you are currently reading. Also, tell us where is your favorite place to read.
One of my favorite places to read when I was your age, I loved to curl up in a big soft chair. I had a lamp right over the chair and after school I would make myself a big snack, curl up with my book and pass the hours away.
Another place I loved to read was outside in the fall. I would take a blanket and curl up in the sun with my book and snack.
I am currently reading "The Floating Island".  Dylan, my daughter, is also reading it.  We talk about it together.
My favorite genre is probably fantasy, although I do really enjoy mysteries as well.


I can't wait to hear about your favorite genres, your current book and your favorite places to read. Happy Blogging and Reading!
Mrs. S