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

Summer Reading

Hello Room 2308 6th graders and incoming 5th graders!

Summer has begun, I am so happy to begin my summer reading. I have a pile of books I am planning on reading, as well as a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble to add some more to my pile, how fun!
Right now I am reading Rick Riordan's "The Red Pyramid". I am liking it, although I am not as "hooked" as I was when first reading "The Lightning Thief". This is similar, but with the Egyptian gods and goddesses playing a big part in the plot.
I am also reading "The Girl That Can Fly" by Victoria Forester with Dylan. It is a fun story, adventure, with the heroine a spunky girl named Piper who can fly. She ends up in an place where she is told she can be "helped", but is Dr. hellion her friend or enemy? Read it to find out!

I also plan on reading a lot of gardening and homesteading magazines, as well as cookbooks.
Share with us what you are reading, what you plan on reading, or if you need any recommendations.
New room 2308'ers, if you are new to our blog, you can go back through some of our older blogs to get an idea about our conversations. I hope to hear what kinds of book you like and to get to know you as readers over the summer!
Keep in touch, I will be posting more every week!
Happy Reading!
Mrs. Simonds

Catherine

Hello Room 2308ers!

So, you just read pages 50 - 58 in Rules. Share with everyone what you learned about Catherine from this chapter. Make sure you explain your thoughts fully and share what evidence from the chapter leads you to your thoughts.
Happy Weekend and Reading!

Mrs. S

Rules

Ok room 2308, we have read a few chapters into our new classroom novel "Rules" by Cynthia Lord. Thoughts.......reactions........impressions....connections....wonderings........? Pleae share........

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