Reflect and Take Action!

Writers,

We have spent ample time learning about writing conventions by studying the following in our own Personal Narrative writing:

• end punctuation
• capitalization
• dialogue punctuation
• ellipses
  
• commas
• paragraphs
• complex and varied sentence structure.

We have also talked about writing craft, and the use of the following:

• show not tell
• dialogue
• setting
• action
• internal thinking/feeling
• elaboration
• descriptive language.

As a writer, it is important to notice the things we do well, and also to reflect on the things we can improve upon. Please take a moment to review your Personal Narrative, reflect on your peer editing experience yesterday, and make an ACTION PLAN for your future writing. Please choose at least one convention and one craft from the list above and explain WHY you need to improve in this area and HOW you plan to do this.

*You must write in complete sentences and give a detailed response.

What Do YOU Think?

Readers,

As we read our fiction books, we have learned how to get to know a character in a deep way. We have studied:

• character traits (appearance, actions, dialogue, and thoughts)
  
• a character's relationship with other characters
  
• how a character changes in the story

At this point, you should have a well-rounded view of the character in your book. Now, I want to know what you think about your character -- your OPINION.

Your post must state your opinion and then be supported by the text and what you know about the world. Be sure to edit.

Here is my example:

I think Ida B is trying to be tough because she doesn't know how to handle all of the heartache from her mother's illness and the changes in her life. In the story, her mother cries on her shoulder and apologizes to Ida B for the pain she is causing her, and Ida B has to give her best effort to not cry and be kind to her mother. Instead, she shows no emotion toward her mother. Also, when Ms. Washington puts her hand on Ida B, she feels it for some time after, which means Ida B still cares. I predict Ida B will come around because she cannot continue to live with such a hateful attitude. It will eventually get to her.

Concise, Precise Summaries

Readers,

As a voracious reader, I love discussing books with other lovers of literature. I have joined book clubs, emailed with friends, and sat down over many meals where the conversation turned to what everyone was reading. Books are a part of my life.

However, I have noticed I have certain friends who never fail to disappoint me with their EXCELLENT recommendations. I finally figured out why they are so great at this life skill ...

When recommending a book to me, they give a concise, precise summary of the book. Their summary consist of the main characters, the setting, and the problem and solution, otherwise known as, the plot. They use LITERARY ELEMENTS to explain what the book is about!

I would like for you to write a short summary about the fiction book you are reading, including characters, setting, and the plot (problem/solution). Assume I have not read the book and be sure to edit your work.

Here is an example from Ida B.

Ida B is about a young girl, who lives with her mom and dad on a farm and is home schooled after an unpleasant experience at school. She lives a happy life, using her imagination to play on the farm and with her pets. Sadly, her mother gets cancer and Ida B's life is turned upside down and she is heart-broken. She must return to school and she makes a decision to change into a person with a cold, hard heart.


I cannot wait to see your understanding of what you are reading!

If It's Broke, Fix It!

Dear Readers,

I have enjoyed getting to know all of you as readers over the past few weeks and have especially enjoyed hearing your thoughts about books and seeing your enthusiasm for reading. It is always so interesting to know how readers connect to the text, and where their minds take them when they read.

The other day, a student told me he had abandoned a book because he did not understand it. Truthfully, this happens to all readers at some point, especially when we do not select books that are just right for us. However, in this student's case, he had been enjoying the book, and read most of it with ease. His breakdown in understanding (comprehension) only occurred at a particular part in the book, not the entire book. Readers, when this happens, we use our Fix-Up Strategies to "fix" our comprehension when it breaks down.

As we discuss fix-up strategies in Reading Workshop, I am curious what strategies you use to fix comprehension. What do you do when you do not understand a part of a book? How do you know when your understanding is broken and how do you try to fix it?

What is a Reading Community?

Dear Readers,

As an avid reader, I often find myself finishing a great book or an interesting article, and desperately wanting to share my thoughts with someone. When I lived in New York City, I was lucky enough to have a group of friends who shared a passion for reading, so we formed a book club. While I am not in the same city as my book club anymore, I still reach out to my friends and family in Nashville, to discuss my wonderings and opinions about literature.

As a classroom of learners, we have created a community geared toward having a teachable spirit, so we may grow to become people of knowledge, wisdom, and ultimately character. One way we do this is by reading and forming ideas and connections that begin to shape us. In order to support this work, this blog will serve as a way to discuss various things when we are not in the class. Essentially, the blog will become a virtual classroom.

For example, I might post about a response about Thank You, Mr. Falker by explaining my connection to the character, Trish. I might say how much I relate to her overcoming an obstacle with the help of a teacher and how motivated I was to find out the author was the one who overcame her learning hurdle and became a published author. You will have the same chance to post your reactions, but also, to respond to what someone else might say. In this way, our posts become a conversation when we are away from the classroom.

As we begin this online blogging adventure, I challenge you to bring your working minds to the keyboard and let me know your thoughts and feelings about literature. We have so much to discover ...


So, join the community! Come on in, pull up to a computer, let me know your thoughts about literature and our blogging opportunity. Read my post and reply back to me.