Caught Reading

You Talk Too Much!

Want to know the biggest problem I have with my students??????? They want to discuss everything!

Not a bad problem to have! In fact, I welcome it. I have found that my students this year (most of them, anyway) would rather be late for lunch or recess so that they can talk more about our books and how they relate to the skills we are learning. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and under appreciated Thursday evening about school related matters. By Friday at noon, my students had given me a rejuvenated spirit and feeling of purpose. I walked out to recess (late, mind you) with a smile a mile wide simply because of my students.

These great people that I have the honor of spending time with every day, make such intelligent and thought provoking comments daily. They amaze me. I make notes at the end of each day to capture the best student comments heard. Below are my top ten picks of the week. I hope you get a kick out of them! (Students: if you see a quote from you, join in the discussion by commenting below)

Rue's death woke Katniss up [figuratively] like Pearl Harbor woke America up during WWII.

Wow, Katniss really goes through a big transformation in this chapter.

Isn't it ironic that Katniss chose Rue as an ally because she reminded her of Prim,  but she ended up being more like Katniss?

The Mockingjay must be a symbol for Katniss's rebellion.

Katniss  has gone from fighting to survive to fighting for a belief.

Suzanne Collins must be one of those authors that writes a book not for money but for the joy of writing. I bet she is a lot like Katniss.

Mrs DuBose, I didn't think you could help me spice up my writing at all but I'm starting to sound like a real author. Want to blog about me?   

Mrs. DuBose, can I go to the writing table and write a story?

Mrs. DuBose, will you print off the pages of the rest of the book so I can read more of it?

Student: Mrs. DuBose, are we going to get back to our writing prompts?

 Me: No,  that'll have to wait until Monday.

 Student: AAAAAWWWWWW MAN!!!!!!!!!!!

Narrative Writing

Two worlds diverged.... 
        Two protagonists; one goal..... To survive

We have spent much of our time in class discussing these two wonderfully developed protagonists. We talked this week about major characters vs. minor characters, and how our two authors have developed these heroines we have come to love. We are rooting for them both.

Thursday and Friday of last week was all about writing. Our second narrative prompt of the year is based around our two major characters, Kira and Katniss. Both protagonists receive a special gift. Kira receives a necklace from her dying mother and Katniss receives a mockingjay pin from her friend before the reaping. The students are now developing their own essays explaining a special gift they have received and why it has meant so much to them. To model narrative essay writing with the students, Kira and Katniss both sent us an essay they wrote. (I actually had some students ask if they really did :)) These two essays "written by our protagonists" show the students how their stories can be captured in an organized fashion.

In our writing, blue represents background information; green represents topics; yellow represents reasons, details, facts; and red represents explanation, example, and ellaboration

An essay written by Katniss Everdeen:
     In District 12, we have learned to be creative when searching for gifts to give our loved ones. There are many objects at the Hob that could be bought to give as gifts. But sometimes, on rare occasions, gifts come from very unexpected places. My friend, Madge, gave me a gift on the day of the reaping. It was a mockingjay pin. This unexpected kindness from her turned out to mean much more to me than I ever thought it could.
     One reason the pin became so important to me was because it reminded me of home. Once I entered the arena to play the games, there were times when I missed home so much it hurt. So, on these occasions, I held my pin tightly and tried to envision what Prim, Mother, and Gale were doing. It's funny how I missed something I didn't much like at all before coming to the Capitol. But that's what this pin did....It made me appreciate what I had back home.
     Another reason I cherished this pin so much is because of the mockingjay itself. This bird not only reminded me of my father and how he used to sing to them, it also helped me stay strong and brave. It helped me to see my importance to my district... Someone who would fight for those who couldn't. The mockingjay became my symbol. I was District 12's voice. I was their hope.
     As you can seel, this pin has meant so much to me. It has taught me more about myself. It has helped me hang on to courage I didn't think I had. I am truly thankful for Madge, and the pin she gave me.

An essay written by Kira:
     We don't receive many gifts in my village. Gifts are a rare thing. In fact, my friend, Matt, says the only gift he ever received was a kick in the pants. Although gifts are rare, I did receive one from my mother before she died. This special gift is a necklace that was given to her by my father.
     One reason this gift is so special to me is because it brings back wonderful memories of my mother. I can remember the day she gave it to me. She was sick, but not so close to death that she couldn't sit and talk with me. It was a lovely day... and lovely days are hard to come by in my village. I will always be able to feel her presence with me in times of trouble as long as I am wearing her necklace.
     Another reason why this gift means so much to me, is because it was given to her by my father. My father was killed by the beasts in the field. I've heard that he was a great hunter, but something must have gone wrong on his last hunt. Although I've never met him, I feel that this gift keeps us connected somehow.
     Clearly, the village I am from has many flaws. I do not know anyone who has a gift from their loved ones. Usually, special gifts are taken by the Council of Guardians. I am thankful to have my necklace to remind me of both my mother and father. I feel they will always be looking out for me as I make my way through this difficult life.