reader’s journal

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Friday, February 19, 2016

Today I would like you to read your novel and work on your reader’s journals, which are due on February 24.

We will continue to consider the short story “Things that Fly” by looking at some sample answers. Choose one that you agree or disagree with and be prepared to explain why.

Finally, we need to finish posting all three goals to Sesame.

I will hold small group conversations around the process of close reading.

If there is time, please work on outstanding items. Check the tracking sheet regularly.

Notes:

“What to do when you’re not the hero anymore?” question 4 is due on Friday by 3:300. Use academic language in your answers.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Today, I am in the building, but not in the class.

You will be practicing how to create a reader’s journal with the story “Things that Fly” by Douglas Copeland.

1) Read your independent novel for 20 mins. If you are finished your class novel, please choose a book to read from the library.

2) Review the Elements of Fiction, make notes on anything that is new for you, or that you think you will have trouble remembering. This is the language we need to use when we write or speak about literature.

3) Read “Things that Fly” and annotate (make connections, ask questions of the text, identify narrative elements, identify other literary devices like symbolism, foreshadowing, heroic journey steps, archetypes).

4) Create a reader’s journal (both inspectional and analytical) for “Things that Fly”.

5) Submit your annotated text and the reader’s journal to the supply teacher at the end of class.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Last goal-setting day!  Today, we will think about what it is we want to learn in this course or this semester if you transfer your skills from one course to another.

You will choose your novel and set your weekly reading goal.

You will write multi paragraphs on this prompt:

Reading has a way of making an impact on our lives and changing the way we think about ourselves and others. Whether we are seeking to escape into the magical world of Harry Potter or to be inspired by the journey of other’s lives, reading offers us the chance to live many lives, over and over. Write one paragraph that speaks to your reading experience.

Starting over is something we look to in our lives. Every fall we start a new school year; a chance to start again. With each New Year’s eve, also comes the chance to start again, to wipe the slate clean. Starting this semester, we are starting over, together. Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, said it best: “The beginning is always today.” Write at least one paragraph on the idea of starting over.

I will introduce you to the reader’s journal.

You will complete the planning frame for your academic goal tomorrow. Reflect on the learning you did in first semester for tomorrow’s class.

Hand in “Creation of a hero” annotated and questions answered by end of day to the class bin.