Student Blog #3: January 28-Feb. 1

*Just a reminder that your blogs (journals) are an extension of the classroom and are graded with the same expections. Challenge yourself to really write....details, description, thoughts that are supported with anecdotal evidence or examples from the books that you are reading. And, please, please, proofread and work on sentence fluency!

Thank you for doing your very best job!
Mrs. Eben

Shyla:
http://ShyShy19952013.blogspot.com

Caleb:
http://caleblenort.blogspot.com

Donivan
http://Millerdonivan.blogspot.com

Sammi
http://sammiparadis.blogspot.com

Student Initiated Blog #2: Jan. 21-25

Remember you need to respond to at least one student blog per week.

Chelsey:
http://chelseypolfliet.blogspot.com

Adam:
http://adamkovash.blogspot.com

Gage:
http://gagewood1234.blogspot.com

Gina:
http://ginavue.blogspot.com

Ruweyda:
http://rmohamed13.blogspot.com

Reading Response Journal #1: Jan. 17th

Key Points to Remember When Writing your Reading Responses

1. Provide a thesis statement for your RR in the first sentence or two.
2. Weave short relevant quotations into your sentences to support your thesis.
3. Provide enough context from the novel so readers understand.
4. Provide the page number after the quotation. Example: ". . . reading" (49).
5. Word choice is important.
6. Avoid "you" and eliminate phrases such as "I think," or "I believe," and "What I got out of this was."
7. Spell correctly and check your grammar.  
8. Avoid cliches or overused sayings as you write your responses.

A tip to make your writing sound more energetic: minimize the use of the verb "to be" in the forms of "is," "was," or "are." This will force you to use more active verbs. For example, instead of saying, "Charlotte is a spider who weaves incredible webs," say "Charlotte the spider weaves incredible webs." Instead of saying "Taran is a curious and impatient young man. That is why he had to learn his lessons the hard way," you could say "Taran’s curiosity and impatience cause him to learn many lessons the hard way."

Student Initiated Blogs #1: Thurs., Jan. 17th

Cody
http://codyschroeder.blogspot.com

Jake
http://jakeholbrook.blogspot.com

Mary
http://marycyang.blogspot.com

Teacher initiated blog #2: Parkside Reading Day

Parkside Reading Day!

Last Friday, you had the opportunity to visit with elementary students at Parkside and do some reading. Journal about the experience. What were your observations concerning the following: attitudes toward reading, reading abilities, types of books they chose, etc. Did they like your book pick? Consider what we have discussed about becoming a reader and the stages you go through. Did any of your students read to you? Also, consider what we discussed about development in terms of social awareness, cognitive abilities, etc. How did they respond to you reading to them? Do you have any funny stories to share?

2013 Quarter 3: Teacher Initiated Blog #1 "Let's Talk Books!"

Journal: What is your favorite book of all time? What impact did it have on you?

I've been asked several times by students "What is your favorite book?". This is never an easy question to answer since I have many favorite books, plus what is my favorite today might change tomorrow depending on my mood or circumstances in my life. However, there are several books that always make my top ten: Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter series, Hunger Games series, 19 minutes, The Kitchen Boy, Janet Evanovich series, The Notebook, The Other Boleyn Sister, etc.  so I will choose to write about one of the books that I have read most recently.  A book that I have recently recommended to students is the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen.  (Again the book is better than the movie!) The book is set in the depression era and begins with a flashback of a memory about a violent murder remembered by the main character, Jacob, who is now ninety years old. We are not told who committed the murder. The book returns to the elderly Jacob who is frustrated with being stuck in an "old folks home" with "young folks clucking" around him. He tries to forget the memory of the murder and instead reminisces about the days when he was young and working for a circus. He did not intend to work for the circus, but due to his parents untimely death and lack of money to continue with college, he found himself taking care of the animals, particularly one stubborn elephant, on a circus train full of interesting characters. The novel opens your eyes to a world rarely seen by those outside of the tight familial like circle of circus performers, and its plot twists and action make it difficult to put down. With romance, action, conflict, and more, this book appeals to a wide audience.