Inspiration of an Author

Have you even been inspired?  What were you inspired to do?  I often am inspired to write poetry, books, blogs, and even paint paintings!  Different things in nature or events that have happened in my life and even people inspire me to do these things.  Jerry Spinelli is no different.  He gets inspiration from a number of places when he begins writing a book!  I recently learned that the seed to his inspiration of
Maniac Magee came from a song written in the 1960's!  It was called "Dancin in the Street" by Martha and the Vandals.  He states that it was his fictional expression of his vision for everyone-of every race and every background-dancing in the streets, that the song evokes.  Maniac even bears a close resemblance of one of Jerry's childhood friends.  This friend was an orphan and often became restless during class.  This student was allowed to get up and take a lap around the classroom.  Jerry said he remembered him running practically every where.  Amanda Beale came from a student that Jerry met while visiting a school as an adult.  The 6th grader he met that day did actually carry around a whole suitcase of books to keep them safe from her siblings.  So you see as writers we can funnel inspiration from any part of our life and experiences.  Set the writer inside you free!

What's in a Name?

Have you noticed how many of the characters in Maniac Magee have nick names?  Almost everyone in the book has a nick name.  Jeffery at one point even gets worried about being called Maniac, because he is afraid he will lose his name and that is the only thing left that his deceased parents had given him.  Amanda even begins calling Mars Bar Thompson "Snickers" after he loses his fierceness.  Notice who does and doesn't have a nick name in our story. How do they earn them or lose them?  How do you feel about having a nick name?  Notice who calls Jeffery Maniac and who doesn't.  Is there a reason for this? Check out these websites about nicknames here.

 Now that we have read all through chapter 13 we need to check our comprehension.  Please click here to take the test for chapters 6-11.  You have all done a great job with our first book club!  I hope you are having as much fun as I am!
-Mrs. S. :)

Home Run Maniac

In order to better understand what we read, we must first be able to understand the elements of a story.  To begin today's lesson first fill out your exit slip answering the question: I think plot is...  Then with your partner research on the I pad here what the elements of a story are.  Record your answers in your journal.

Now that Maniac's legend has begun to unfold we have found out many things about Maniac's character.  Describe Maniac.  What do you think he looks like physically?  Now describe his personality traits.

One of the most important events to the story happened early in the book.  Shortly after introducing us to Jeffery we find that he has become an orphan at the age of three.  After staying a while with his aunt and uncle who wouldn't speak to one another he went on the run. As a result of him leaving, poor Maniac is now homeless.  Homelessness affects many people.  It may affect more people than we realize.  In fact there is probably a good chance that someone you know is without a home. It doesn't necessarily mean they live on the street.  It just means that they do not own or rent a home of their own. Using the I pad research homelessness and answer the questions linked to the scavenger hunt on this topic.   If you used the I pad for the last task allow your partner to use it this task.  Click the word homeless to play the game.  Please record your answers in your journal as well.  Be sure to post your answers to this blog as well.

If you finish these two tasks explore the links related to the underground railroad and slavery.

Maniac Makes a Friend

Wow, let me first say that my new fifth graders have not let me down and I never expected you to, but you all have went above and beyond what I expected for these first few weeks of school. Your blog comments on our first post are proof that this year is going to be great!  They are top notch!

We have just finished the first 4 chapters of our first book in our book club and we have already found some very interesting things about our main character.  What kid would not want to acquire the abilities that Maniac has?  However, most of us would not want to be in his situation!  An orphan, homeless and running...

We have discussed previously what theme is, but we haven't found a theme interlaced in our new story yet.  After reading chapter 3 we should have an idea of a theme that is beginning to develop in our story.  Maniac meets Amanda Beale, who he borrows a book from.  What is different about Amanda?  Well we find out that she is not white as Maniac is and because she wonders why a white kid like Magee is in the east end of town where it is primarily black, we can assume that there must be segregation.  What is Segregation?  If you are not sure click the word segregation within  the blog and research it.  Racism is a dominate theme throughout Maniac Magee and a major part of our story.  Have you ever been discriminated against in anyway-on the basis of race, religion, or social class?  What do you believe was the root of this discrimination you experienced?  What emotion may have been the cause?  Share your experience of discrimination if you wish. 

Once you have finished reading to chapter five in the book, during class take a quiz over these chapters.  Click here to take the quiz.

Welcome New 5th Graders!

Welcome to our class blog.  What is a blog you say?  The dictionary definition for the word blog states that it is a web site containing the writer's or group of writers' own experiences, observations, opinions, etc., and often having images and links to other Web sites.  So this really is just a fancy writer's journal we could say. This is a neat way we can learn about Reading and talk to each other about our books.  I will write posts and you will get to comment or answer questions that I post here on the blog.  Make your questions and comments great ones, because comments that are not directly related to Reading will not be posted to our blog.  I think you will find this to be a really fun way to practice being a writer.

Wow!  How lucky I am to have such bright new students this year!  I just know it is going to be a great year!  After all we have been going from good to great here at Lewisburg, so I guess that makes it pretty fitting.  We are going to be doing some really fun stuff in Reading class and I can't wait to get started. 

Let's practice  blogging today to see what it will be like.  What kinds of books do you like to read?  Did you read any over the summer?  What has been your over all favorite book read?  Don't forget to add your name to your blog so we will all know who posted a comment! 

Missing Teacher...But Still in Class

Dear Class,
   I miss you guys so much today! I hope you are still reading.  I have started reading a new book today.  It is called Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass.  I have only just started reading it, but I can already tell it is going to be good.  If you like Science or astronomy this might be the book for you.  You will also like it if you like people your own age and friendships.  There are three main characters that only by fate, meet and become friends.  They are the three most unlikely people to become friends.  Ally lives with her parents in a campground that is dedicated to stargazers, Bree a very beautiful, fisty teenager, loves models clothes and being popular at school, and then there's Jack a slightly tubby teen, who doesn't fit in at school, has no real friends, and loves Sci-fi. 

Raven, yes I believe Horns and Wrinkles is a lexile book. You can get on RC and check to see. 

Class, Harley has read I think 5 books so far.  He is really enjoying reading and likes it best when I read to him.

Explain the setting and plot of the book you are currently reading today.  Is there any vivid imagery in your book at the moment?  Tell me about the main character.  What is he/she like?  What's their personality like (traits)?  What is the best part about your book so far?

How do you think you did on your test today?

Write back soon!
-Mrs. S

A Different Point of View

 

Hey Reading Pawls...How's it barkin??  Well I have just finished another book!  Mom tried to get me to read this one earlier, but I didn't think I would like it.  I guess that just proves you can read a bark by its cover!  *wags*  Anyway I loved the plot being changed to the Big Bad Wolf not exactly the Big Bad Wolf!  BB Wolf actually gets a chance to explain the story from his point of view.  We all know that there's always two sides to a story.  But poor wolf has so many antagonistic characters in this story it almost seems that he won't win the battle of giving his side of the story. 

Tell me about the antagonist(s) in the book you are currently reading.  Wooooofffpppsss....so you don't know what that is??  I guess since you all couldn't ever tell me what plot is, you better look this one up!  Yip! 

Thank you so much for the doggie treats Andrea, they were the BARK of the town!  My brother even tried to steal the whole back from me!  Guess that's why they named him Bandit!  Anywolf....bark back later pups!

-Harley

I just finished reading my 

Rontu's Legacy

I really imagined that Island of the Blue Dolphins could not get any more adventurous or exciting!  Just when the last few chapters took Rontu away from us and we didn't want to read any more the author gives us Rontu-Aru!  And what a cool meaning..."son of Rontu"...it couldn't have been any more fitting.

What was the most exciting or most surprising thing that happened in chapters 26-27 for you??  I will certainly have many different opinions on this topic, as there were a lot of things that happened in these two small chapters.

You know the author is a really good writing when they can make that much happen in a few short paragraphs!

We have very nearly ended the book...:(  bbbbuuuuutttt if you could write the ending to our story...how would you end it??  Or what do you think is going to happen?  Be very descriptive when describing it.

Happy reading....I can't wait to see what happens!

-Mrs. Simmons

Taking a Vacation....in a Book (A Book Talk)

Have you ever picked a book and then realized that some of the words are hard to understand.  Sometimes this takes away from the enjoyment of the story.  The words are unfamiliar and then the story becomes just a black and white mess of letters strewn across the pages.

At first as I began to read the pages of Incarceron I found that its story plot jumped from character to character and from setting to setting mixing with some unfamiliar vocabulary.  I pondered just putting down the book and beginning another, but being a reader whom doesn't like to be defeated by a mere book decided to turn the pages all the way to the ending.  As I came across words I didn't know I picked up my cell phone and punched in the letters to the unknown language in the dictionary.com app. to crack the code and the story began to unfold before me.  I became entranced with the events that unfolded before me.  I was taken away to a place where pain, filth, disputes, and rats ran.  I was later taken to a place where princesses waited in her chamber and lords came courting. 

Isn't it amazing the places you can be taken to in the mere pages of a book?  It is the easiest, cheapest, most adventurous trips you can ever take in reality. So I am asking you to retell the story of your spring break vacation.  Where did your book take you?  What kinds of imagery was present?  Describe to me what you experienced in the pages of the prose writings you chose...

Caught in the Act



Howloooo boys and girls!  I hope you have all been having a great spring break!  But I hope you have all been rrrrrreading too!  I have been working so hard to beat you all reading this break that I am even reading in bed at night!  Mom caught me last night...I was reading A Dog Needs a Bone by Audrey Wood.  Wow, that is exactly how I feel...every dog needs his bone!  The characters are so cute in this book and the narrator tells the story exactly from the point of view of a real dog!  I think that is why I like it best.

So tell me about what you are reading...what do you like best about your book so far?  What are the characters like?  Where is your story taking place?  Is there anything that you have been doing over break that you can connect to your book?

I had a bone for lunch today that really reminded me of my story.  I kept "begging" mom for a bone shaped dog biscuit and then when I made her laugh, she gave me one!  Oh by the way...Andrea A.  my favorite dog treats are the peanut butter flavored ones!  *pant, pant*

I know you all are reading...you all have had such nice things to say on our blog and the book discussions on Island of the Blue Dolphins has been very interesting.  I have learned a lot from you hounds!  I am however still waiting for one of you smart pups to tell me what plot is...mom won't tell me...

Keep up the pawesome work and I will see you back here again.  It won't be long and I will be ready for my next book!  Bark back soon!

Your pawl,
Harley

Decisions, Decisions...



Hello My Fifth Grade Doggie fans!  Picking a book is one of the "ruff-est" decisions to make!  You have to *sniff* out a book that looks interesting and then you have to make sure it is on your lexile.  I sure had a hard time finding one that fits me this time!

How are you coming on your goals??  I hope we can beat all the other classes in the word war!  We would have a "howling" good time with that water fight!  I love water...if it's deep I like to dog paddle! 

Did any of you smart pups come up with what plot means yet?  I know you guys can find the answer for me...mom says I have to ask a friend first.  She won't give me the answer...gggggrrrrrooooowwwwlll.

I have a challenge for you over spring break...I bet my dog biscuits that I can read more than you over the break.  I know it will be hard if it gets nice outside, because we know all dogs love the outdoors, but I think I can make the challenge.  How about you?

Woof...thanks again for all the nice comments!  Be sure to look me up over break.  I plan to blog to you while school is out too!  I want to keep *track* of all my puppy pals.  Yes, Deborah I finished I just need to find another good one.  Shelby thanks for saying I'm pawsome...you really have a way with words! 

Maybe I will even see you at the Russellville doggie park over break!  Keep reading, reading, reading!  

Bark back soon!

Your pup pal,

Harley

*wags*

I am on my way...are you with me?

Good Morning Blogger friends...your loyal rrrrrreading buddy has done it again!  I have completed yet another book!  How many books have you read now??  I hope you have read at least one book by now and maybe even taken a test!  Mom says I am doing great for a 2 year old pup!  I am so proud of myself and I am proud of all of you as well!

Thank you so much for all of the nice comments!  If I could purr I would!  But dogs are better at wagging thier tails...uhhhmmm I don't have much of a tail, but believe me I was wagging all over!  you guys are way too kind...no wonder mom loves going to work every day!

So I am learning about plot now and mom says I have to give her the plot of my story tonight.  Can you guys give me some hints as to what plot is?  It sounds like a really hard word to me!  I know I will get 100% on my assignment if you all can help me with my homework!

Keep up the GREAT job reading and bark back when you can!

Your loyal paw,
Harley

The Black Beads...

Well now that we have been suspended in the prose writings of chapters 20 and 21 I have to ask you this....

Do you think the beads are a trap?  Will they be waiting in the cave for her?  Explain to me why or why not?

Do you think she will leave with the Aleuts?  Why?

If you could title this last chapter what would you name it?

I am very excited to read the next chapter and I can not wait to see what happens!  I wonder how long she has been alone now....

Ready, Set, Go!!!

Hey boys and girls, have you started your Reading Counts Goals yet??  My mom said I needed to get started and that I needed to beat you all this nine weeks!  I read my first book this morning while I was eating my granola bone for breakfast.  Mom says that eating breakfast is just as important as reading every day! 

What book are you reading right now??  I found this book called City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems for my first book.  I have to say that I would love to find a friend like frog to play with, but it would probably worry mom to death if I was outside by myself like that!  The pictures in this book are wonderful, but mom says this book is probably not on my level.  You have to be sure you are reading on your lexile or she will let you know about it, won't she?

Anyway...have a great day and don't forget to....Read!  Oh and you really need to post to your teacher's last post.  She has questions that she wants you to answer and remember it is for points!  Can't wait to hear from you!

Your loyal doggie pal,
Harley

Island of the Blue Dolphins the final chapters...

This chapter could  not have come at a better time!  Wow! I can just smell the flowers and hear the birds singing as the island wakes up from winters gloom...great imagery was used in the creating of this chapter for sure!

In chapter 18 Karana captures two baby birds and keeps them for pets.  I am sure some of you can make a connection with this! If you have a connection please share!  I loving animals like I do, have had countless turtles, snakes, spiders, mice, chickens, cats and such in my life time! She said that she named one Lurai, which is a name she wished she was called instead of Karana.  Is there another name you would have like to have been called?

It seems that Karana is very talented and can make just about anything...what talents do you have?  What can you make or have you made?

Can you draw a conclusion from chapter 19... Explain to me what a devilfish is and why you know this?

Become an expert and tell me about the nature that is on Island of the Blue Dolphins.  What would I see if I were to visit there?

A Brand New Beginning

The new year starts with many things.  A new year, a new set of challenges, new resolutions, and for us a new reading program!  Reading Counts will begin its first quarter at Lewisburg this nine weeks and it has started out in our class with a huge sucess!  We all have set goals and know where we want to be as readers and some have even taken our first quizzes!  So I hope you all have made New Year's Resolutions to become GREAT readers this quarter and meet your Reading Counts goals! 

Harley has even gotten into the spirit of things and has started his goal by starting with the book Larue for Mayor by Mark Teague!  He really has enjoyed all of the wonderful dog illustrations and is especially found of the one that's Ike's side kick who Harley says looks just like him! 

Harley wanted me to tell you all that he can really tell the difference in his thinking since he has began reading and urges you all to get out and pick up a wondeful book!  Who knows, he says you just may be the next mayor or superdog!

-Mrs. Simmons and Harley