Friday, April 29, 2016

Announcements and Reminders: If you haven't finished and handed in your blackout poem, do that.                                                                  If you didn't collect pictures and information about your assigned place from Walk Two Moons, please do that as soon as possible, and send it or share it with Ms. D. Missing that assignment is affecting your grade. If you didn't complete your composition book check, also do that as soon as possible.

Targets for Today: We will do some sustained reading for enjoyment. We will write and talk about what we have read.  We will read from The Rithmatist.

Today’s  Agenda:  We switched seats last time.  1.  Individual Reading Time: Choose your own materials. 2. If you didn't finish these last time, do finish them today.   If you have finished, spend more time reading. Write your reaction to and thoughts about Walk Two Moons.  Write at least a half-page.   Finish your Blackout Poetry. We shared the Blackout Poems.  Look for some of them in the English Department display case.  Vocabulary:    Ward =  guard; protect. "it was his duty to ward the king" Vigor = physical strength and good health. synonyms: robustness, health, hardiness, strength, sturdiness, toughness;  Steampunk:   Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Question for the reader: Have you ever struggled with a weakness, such as a learning difficulty or family problem, that has ultimately made you stronger? 4.   We read from  The Rithmatist from the top of page  page 43 to  page 73. Covers:  Taiwan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCI85V1LO5A   Book Trailer Review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-9XH5OzVTI   Just to spoiler warning We watched the first part last time. Another Review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5j6mpYqer0  http://thebooksmugglers.com/2013/05/the-rithmatist-a-chat-with-brandon-sanderson.html Review:  http://thebooksmugglers.com/2013/05/book-review-the-rithmatist-by-brandon-sanderson.html Brandon Sanderson's Website:http://brandonsanderson.com/books/the-rithmatist/the-rithmatist/

If You Were Absent: See above.

First Page

If you could have the first page of a book painted on a wall in your home, from what book would it be?

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Announcements and Reminders: If you haven't finished and handed in your blackout poem, do that.                                                                  If you didn't collect pictures and information about your assigned place from Walk Two Moons, please do that as soon as possible, and send it or share it with Ms. D. Missing that assignment is affecting your grade. If you didn't complete your composition book check, also do that as soon as possible.  See the post for last time.

Targets for Today: We will do some sustained reading for enjoyment. We will write and talk about what we have read.  We will finish our Blackout Poetry. We will begin reading The Rithmatist.

Today’s  Agenda:  We switched seats last time.  1.  Individual Reading Time: Choose your own materials. 2. If you didn't finish these last time, do finish them today.   If you have finished, spend more time reading. Write your reaction to and thoughts about Walk Two Moons.  Write at least a half-page.   Finish your Blackout Poetry. Vocabulary:    Ward =  guard; protect. "it was his duty to ward the king" Vigor = physical strength and good health. synonyms: robustness, health, hardiness, strength, sturdiness, toughness;  Steampunk:   Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Question for the reader: Have you ever struggled with a weakness, such as a learning difficulty or family problem, that has ultimately made you stronger? 4.   We read from  The Rithmatist from the top of page  21 to  page 43. Covers:  Taiwan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCI85V1LO5A   Book Trailer Review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-9XH5OzVTI   Just to spoiler warning We watched the first part last time. Another Review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5j6mpYqer0  http://thebooksmugglers.com/2013/05/the-rithmatist-a-chat-with-brandon-sanderson.html Brandon Sanderson's Website:http://brandonsanderson.com/books/the-rithmatist/the-rithmatist/

If You Were Absent: See above.

Saturday, April 23

Monday, April 25, 2016

Announcements and Reminders:                                                                  If you didn't collect pictures and information about your assigned place from Walk Two Moons, please do that as soon as possible, and send it or share it with Ms. D. As of last time, missing that assignment is affecting your grade. If you didn't complete your composition book check, also do that as soon as possible.  See the post for last time.

Targets for Today: We will do some sustained reading for enjoyment. We will write and talk about what we have read.  We will finish our Blackout Poetry. We will begin reading The Rithmatist.

Today’s  Agenda:  Switch seats today.   You must sit by someone you have NOT sat by yet in this class. 1.  Individual Reading Time: Choose your own materials. 2. Today INSTEAD of writing about what you read today, write your reaction to and thoughts about Walk Two Moons.  Write at least a half-page.   Finish your Blackout Poetry. 3. Information about Brandon Sanderson and The Rithmatist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCI85V1LO5A   Book Trailer Review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-9XH5OzVTI   Just to spoiler warning Another Review:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5j6mpYqer0  Vocabulary:    Ward =  guard; protect. "it was his duty to ward the king" Vigor = physical strength and good health. synonyms: robustness, health, hardiness, strength, sturdiness, toughness;  Steampunk:   Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. 4.   We read from  The Rithmatist from the beginning (notice the map and illustrations)  to the top of page  21 . Covers:  Taiwan

If You Were Absent: See above.

http://thebooksmugglers.com/2013/05/the-rithmatist-a-chat-with-brandon-sanderson.html

Brandon Sanderson's Website: http://brandonsanderson.com/books/the-rithmatist/the-rithmatist/

Have you ever struggled with a weakness, such as a learning difficulty or family problem, that has ultimately made you stronger?

Thursday, April 21, 2016

                             

Announcements and Reminders: Are you writing anonymous notes?                                                                    If you didn't collect pictures and information about your assigned place from Walk Two Moons, please do that as soon as possible, and send it or share it with Ms. D. That assignment (as well as the composition book check -- which you do yourself --  is affecting your grade. If you didn't complete your composition book check, also do that as soon as possible.

Targets for Today: We will do some sustained reading for enjoyment. We will write and talk about what we have read.  We will continue reading Walk Two Moons.

Today’s  Agenda:  1.  Individual Reading Time: Choose your own materials. 2. Write about what you have read.   3. Share with someone who was born in the same month you were.  If you can't find someone, go back by the door to find someone else who didn't find a partner. 4.   We read from  Walk Two Moons from page 255 through  Clarification:  Lake Coeur D'alene, Idaho Early French-speaking fur traders named Coeur d'Alene Lake. According to legend, the traders believed the local Indians to be sharp traders and called the lake Coeur d'Alene since their hearts were as sharp as an awl. In 1878 Fort Sherman was established and the city began to grow. Coeur d'Alene was incorporated in 1887 and continued to flourish. It's a town with a rich background in lake steamers, fur trading, logging and mining. http://www.mman.us/equipment.htm Black-Out Poetry?  Book Reviews     +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If You Were Absent: See above.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Announcements and Reminders: Are you writing anonymous notes?                                                                    If you didn't collect pictures and information about your assigned place from Walk Two Moons, please do that as soon as possible, and send it or share it with Ms. D. That assignment (as well as the composition book check -- which you do yourself --  is affecting your grade. If you didn't complete your composition book check, also do that as soon as possible.

Targets for Today: We will do some sustained reading for enjoyment. We will write and talk about what we have read.  We will continue reading Walk Two Moons.

Today’s  Agenda:  1.  Individual Reading Time: Choose your own materials. 2. Write about what you have read.   3. Share with someone who was born in the same month you were.  If you can't find someone, go back by the door to find someone else who didn't find a partner. 4.   We read from  Walk Two Moons from page  225 through page 255. Lake Coeur D'alene, Idaho Early French-speaking fur traders named Coeur d'Alene Lake. According to legend, the traders believed the local Indians to be sharp traders and called the lake Coeur d'Alene since their hearts were as sharp as an awl. In 1878 Fort Sherman was established and the city began to grow. Coeur d'Alene was incorporated in 1887 and continued to flourish. It's a town with a rich background in lake steamers, fur trading, logging and mining.    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Watch book trailers?:  http://www.dentonisd.org/Page/334

If You Were Absent: See above.

Summerlost

Ally's website:  http://allycondie.com/summerlost-coming-march-29-2016

5.0 out of 5 starsSummerlost by Ally Condie is a beautiful, rare and rich novel

By Amazon Customer on March 29, 2016

Format: Hardcover

Summerlost by Ally Condie is a beautiful, rare and rich novel. I've always wanted to start a Mother Daughter Book Group or a Book Group for Boys. This would be a top pick on my list.
I would count down the days to discuss this with the group. I'd spend a lot of time in the candy aisle picking up Cedar's favorite candies to serve, or trying my hand at making lemon and raspberry tarts she eats at the Festival. I'd hang twinkly lights in the trees, spread blankets on the grass and stack thick copies of Shakespeare's plays (hoping to entice younger readers to become familiar with one of my favorite authors). I'd hand out Mason jars before we met and ask each person to fill it up with things that remind them of someone they have love. I might even try to make a few Lisette Chamberlain Tour t-shirts and "Times of Our Seasons" Soap Opera Posters.
I'd choose Summerlost as our pick, not only because is it an engaging story of a summer spent exploring a new town and working at a Shakespeare Festival, but it is novel that explores the emotions that accompany grief and fear, and also friendship and family love. What a gift for middle age readers to have a companion if they themselves are experiencing those emotions, or a story to introduce readers to those themes if they have not experienced them yet themselves. Condie's poetic writing is moving, but also filled with humor and heartbreak in just the right doses. I have yet to read a book by Condie that hasn't grown in significance to me long after I close the cover. I finished this weeks ago and yet in quiet moments I'll come back in my mind to favorite parts or themes that build and connect for me. Brilliant.
Cedar and Leo and their stories (and friends and families) will live much longer than just the space of one summer. I would highly recommend this as a TOP 2016 PICK.